International Fund for Public Interest Media Opens 2026 Grant Call: Up to USD 200,000 for Independent Media in Armenia, Moldova, and Ukraine

The International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM) has officially launched a new regional funding opportunity for independent media organizations across Armenia, Moldova, and Ukraine. Through its latest Open Call, titled “Strengthening What Works: Investing in the Future of Public Interest Media in Armenia, Moldova, and Ukraine,” the Fund seeks to strengthen financially sustainable journalism and support media organizations committed to serving the public interest.

Announced on 7 July 2026, this initiative is designed to help independent media consolidate successful business models, expand sustainable revenue streams, improve organizational resilience, and continue delivering quality journalism despite an increasingly challenging financial environment.

Organizations selected through the programme are expected to receive two-year grants, with an average funding amount of approximately USD 200,000, depending on the size, capacity, and demonstrated needs of each organization.

The deadline to complete the Eligibility Verification Form is July 12, 2026.

About the International Fund for Public Interest Media Grant Programme

Independent journalism remains one of the pillars of democratic societies. However, many media organizations continue to face severe financial pressures, particularly following the funding crisis experienced in 2025.

To address these challenges, IFPIM has launched this regional grant programme to ensure that successful independent media organizations can continue operating while improving their long-term financial sustainability.

Rather than simply providing emergency funding, the programme focuses on investing in organizations that have already demonstrated resilience and now seek to strengthen operations through innovative and sustainable approaches.

The grant programme aims to help organizations:

• Improve financial resilience.
• Consolidate proven business models.
• Diversify revenue sources.
• Adapt to changing audience behavior.
• Invest in innovation.
• Strengthen organizational capacity.
• Continue producing high-quality public interest journalism.

Grant Value

Successful applicants will receive:

• Approximately USD 200,000 in grant funding on average.
• Funding for a two-year implementation period.
• Grant amounts tailored to each organization’s:
  • Size
  • Operational capacity
  • Financial needs
  • Long-term sustainability

Applicants should note that IFPIM funding may represent no more than 30% of an organization’s average annual turnover.

Organizations are therefore encouraged to prepare realistic funding requests aligned with their financial capacity and long-term strategy.

Objectives of the Programme

The International Fund seeks to strengthen independent journalism by supporting organizations that can:

• Deliver trusted public interest journalism.
• Improve organizational sustainability.
• Strengthen financial management.
• Diversify funding sources.
• Develop innovative business models.
• Build resilience against future funding shocks.
• Adapt to rapidly changing media markets.
• Continue serving audiences vulnerable to misinformation and disinformation.

Who Should Apply?

The programme is designed for independent media organizations operating in:

• Armenia
• Moldova
• Ukraine

Eligible organizations should already demonstrate:

• A strong record of quality journalism.
• Financial management capacity.
• Commitment to editorial independence.
• Long-term sustainability planning.
• Readiness to implement a comprehensive two-year operational strategy.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must first complete the secure Eligibility Verification Form.

Organizations meeting the eligibility requirements will receive an invitation to submit a full funding proposal through the International Fund portal.

One important financial eligibility condition states that:

• Annual International Fund support must not exceed 30% of the organization’s average annual turnover.

Selection Process

The grant selection process consists of several stages.

Step 1: Eligibility Verification

Applicants submit responses through the Eligibility Verification Form.

Step 2: Full Application

Eligible organizations receive access to the International Fund application portal where they submit:

• Full proposal
• Organizational documents
• Supporting information

Step 3: Initial Review

The International Fund reviews applications to verify:

• Eligibility
• Completeness
• Required documentation
• Programme alignment

Step 4: Independent Expert Evaluation

An external panel of independent media experts evaluates proposals using predefined assessment criteria.

Step 5: Board Approval

Recommended organizations are submitted to the International Fund Board for final approval before grants are awarded.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed across three major areas.

1. Public Interest Journalism and Audience Impact

Reviewers will consider:

• The organization’s role in informing the public.
• Audience reach.
• Service to underserved communities.
• Quality journalism.
• Contribution to combating disinformation.

Organizations working in areas especially vulnerable to foreign influence and misinformation may receive particular attention.

2. Quality of the Two-Year Operational Plan

Applicants should present a clear and realistic strategy showing how grant funding will:

• Strengthen operations.
• Improve organizational capacity.
• Stabilize finances.
• Diversify revenue.
• Increase resilience.
• Adapt to changing market conditions.

3. Organizational Strength and Financial Sustainability

Reviewers will evaluate:

• Leadership capacity.
• Financial health.
• Long-term sustainability.
• Ability to remain relevant.
• Limited access to commercial or donor funding.
• Overall resilience under difficult market conditions.

Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI) Support

Beyond financial support, successful applicants may also receive funding to pursue Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI) certification.

The Journalism Trust Initiative is an internationally recognized standard developed by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) that helps news organizations demonstrate:

• Editorial transparency.
• Ethical journalism practices.
• Professional standards.
• Public accountability.

Through a partnership between IFPIM and RSF, successful grantees choosing to pursue certification will receive:

• Funding for consulting services.
• Certification fee coverage.
• Access to qualified consultants.
• Guidance throughout the certification process.

Important Dates

Applicants should carefully follow the programme timeline.

• July 12, 2026 – Deadline to complete the Eligibility Verification Form.
• July 26, 2026 – Deadline to submit organizational profile documents through the International Fund portal.
• August 2, 2026 – Deadline to submit the complete funding proposal.
• November 18, 2026 – Successful applicants notified of grant awards.

How to Apply

The application process begins with the Eligibility Verification Form.

Eligible organizations will subsequently receive access to the International Fund portal to submit their complete proposals.

Applicants should prepare all organizational documents well in advance to ensure timely submission.

Contact Information

For technical assistance related to the grant portal:

Email: grants@ifpim.org

For programme-related questions:

Contact: Kateryna Chystoforova, IFPIM Program Associate

Why This Opportunity Matters

Independent journalism remains essential for democratic governance, accountability, transparency, and informed public debate. Through this regional funding programme, the International Fund for Public Interest Media is investing not only in media organizations but also in stronger, more resilient information ecosystems across Armenia, Moldova, and Ukraine.

By supporting sustainable business models, encouraging innovation, and strengthening editorial independence, the programme aims to ensure that trusted public interest journalism continues to thrive despite financial and political challenges.

Organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to submit their applications before the relevant deadlines.

Apply here 

 

Learn More

• For more information about this opportunity, Click here 

• More global Grants opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here