2025 Pluralistic Media for Democracy Grant – €1.4M to Support Local, Regional, and Investigative Journalism: (Deadline 12 June, 2025 )

The Pluralistic Media for Democracy Grant Programme supports local, regional, community, and investigative media working in “news deserts” or areas where media pluralism is under strain. These grants aim to help media outlets innovate, engage audiences, and diversify revenue models—ensuring continued access to public interest journalism in regions where it’s needed most.

The programme is run by two leading media-supporting organizations:

• Journalismfund Europe, an independent non-profit that facilitates investigative, cross-border, and independent journalism in Europe by providing grants and fostering collaboration.

• International Media Support (IMS), a global non-profit that works to strengthen journalism and support media in challenging environments, with a mission to ensure citizens have access to reliable information.

Together, they launched “Pluralistic Media for Democracy”, a European initiative aimed at empowering under-resourced media to sustain their role in democracy, transparency, and informed public discourse.

Backed by the European Union and the King Baudouin Foundation, this programme will allocate €1.4 million in total to support around 40 media outlets or initiatives across Europe during the 2024–2025 period.

Who Can Apply?

This grant is open to legal entities with a registered seat in the following countries:

• EU27 Member States

• Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein

• Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia

Ideal applicants include:

• Local and regional news outlets

• Community media organizations

• Public interest and investigative journalism initiatives

Grant Details

• Total funds available: €1,400,000

• Amount per round: €700,000

• Number of grants: Approximately 40 recipients

• Funding can support:

  •  Innovation in media formats and delivery

  • Community engagement strategies

  • Diversification of business models

  • Strengthening editorial independence

Key Dates

• Final Deadline to Apply: 12 June 2025, 13:00 CEST

• This is the second and final call for the 2024–2025 funding cycle

• First round closed: 13 February 2025

Webinars & Resources

Missed the live info sessions? No worries—recordings are available in multiple languages, including Polish, French, German, Spanish, Romanian, Greek, Bulgarian, and more.

Click here to watch past webinars.

How to Apply

1. Visit the application portal (linked below)

2. Review the eligibility, evaluation criteria, and jury process

3. Prepare your materials based on provided guidelines

4. Submit by 12 June 2025 at 13:00 CEST

Explore the Opportunities for Youth website for more opportunities like this one.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE & APPLY