The Content Production Fund, launched under the project Strengthening Quality News and Independent Journalism in Western Balkans and Türkiye II, is now open for applications. This important funding opportunity implemented by BIRN Hub, aims to improve the quality, professionalism, and long-term sustainability of journalism in the region. With a strong focus on investigative, cross-border, and multimedia reporting, the Fund provides financial assistance to eligible media outlets committed to producing high-quality journalistic stories.
This initiative supports mid-career and young journalists, strengthens journalism study programs, enhances access to investigative resources, and promotes impactful cross-regional stories. The Content Production Fund directly contributes to these objectives by enabling media outlets to produce in-depth, cross-border, multimedia content that covers local, national, or regional issues affecting communities across multiple countries in the Western Balkans.
Scope and Objectives of the Content Production Fund
The Content Production Fund seeks to:
- Support the production of cross-border, multimedia journalistic content.
- Provide financial support to media outlets to enhance their investigative reporting capacities.
- Improve professional skills of journalists through on-the-job mentoring and training.
- Ensure the publication of cross-regional stories in both English and local languages.
- Encourage coverage of underrepresented groups including minorities, youth, women, and marginalized communities.
Grant Type, Size, and Duration
Under this call, BIRN Hub is offering financial support to eligible media outlets to produce impactful cross-border journalism using their own newsroom resources.
Grant Details
- Maximum Amount per Grant: €5,000
- Total Number of Grants: Up to 12
- Total Available Funding: €60,000
Funding is available solely for content production activities. No co-financing is required or expected.
Project Implementation Timeline
- Projects must begin on 01/01/2026.
- The implementation duration is up to 2.5 months from the date of contract signature.
- All activities must conclude no later than 15/03/2026.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements to be considered. Media outlets applying must:
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to high-quality, independent journalism with a cross-regional and multimedia focus.
- Propose a story with an investigative, in-depth, and cross-border angle.
- Show clear intention and capability to include underrepresented communities, such as minorities, women, youth, and other marginalized groups.
- Be a legally registered entity in the country of application on or before 1 January 2023.
- Provide all supporting documentation as outlined in the Application Form (Section 5.4.1).
- Not hold an active grant from any other BIRN granting scheme during the proposed implementation period.
- Commit to engaging in mentoring and following assigned mentor guidance.
Eligible and Ineligible Activities
Eligible Activities
Activities that may be funded include:
- Production of cross-border, multimedia content featuring perspectives from more than one Western Balkan country.
- Creation of investigative and impactful stories addressing community issues and involving underrepresented groups.
- Content formats may include audio, text, video, or multimedia.
- Promotion of produced stories via social media channels.
- Additional investigative or engagement activities aligned with the program’s goals.
Ineligible Activities
Funding cannot be used for:
- Office equipment purchases
- Construction costs
- Entertainment or excessive transportation
- Organizing or participating in trainings and events
Only costs essential to content production will be considered.
Eligible Costs Covered by the Grant
Eligible Costs Include:
- Human Resources: Salaries or fees for core staff, freelancers, or experts directly involved in producing content.
- Production, Research & Communication Costs: Expenses related to research, stakeholder engagement, production, and promotion.
- Travel Costs: Travel needed to produce stories, especially cross-border reports.
Ineligible Costs Include:
- Office equipment
- Construction
- Entertainment
- Training/event organization
Application Process
Applicants must submit one application only under this call. Multiple applications from the same media outlet will render all submissions ineligible.
Application Form Requirements (Section 5.4.1)
Applicants must:
- Download and fill the Application Form from here (in English, using their own words).
- Provide details on:
- General information
- Audience data
- Proposed story concept
Supporting Documents (embedded in application form):
- Financial proposal (budget template provided)
- 2023 and 2024 financial statements (if applicable)
- Certificate from relevant tax authority
- Court Certificate verifying no legal proceedings
- Editorial policy (if applicable)
- Business Registry Certificate confirming legal registration as of January 2023
Application Submission Email
Applications must be emailed to:
📩 applications@birnnetwork.org
Subject line: Application for Content Production Grants_[name of media outlet]
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Call for Applications Issued | 17/11/2025 |
| Deadline for Clarification Requests | 05/12/2025 |
| Application Submission Deadline | 10/12/2025 (midnight CET) |
| Notification of Assessment Results | 23/12/2025 |
| Contract Signature | 29/12/2025 |
Late applications will not be considered.
Evaluation and Selection Process
Step 1: Administrative and Eligibility Check
- Ensures all documents and procedures are correct.
- Missing or inaccurate information leads to rejection without evaluation.
Step 2: Evaluation by Independent Jury
Applications are assessed based on:
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Relevance of Application | 20 |
| Capacity | 10 |
| Financial Proposal | 10 |
| Potential | 10 |
| Total Possible Score | 50 |
Step 3: Notification
All applicants—successful or not—will be notified via email.
Mentoring Support
Successful grantees will receive:
- On-the-job mentoring
- Guidance in developing and implementing story production plans
- Ongoing support while ensuring editorial independence
Mentoring is delivered online/offline by BIRN-assigned mentors.
Advancing Cross-Border Journalism in the Western Balkans
The Content Production Fund represents a significant opportunity for media outlets across the Western Balkans to strengthen their investigative capacity, expand cross-border collaboration, and produce impactful multimedia journalism. With financial support, professional mentorship, and a clear emphasis on inclusion and regional cooperation, this grant serves as a vital tool for empowering independent journalism across the region.
For full details, application documents, and timelines, visit the official call for applications and submit your proposal before the deadline.
