MDIF Western Balkans Fund

• Eligibility Criteria
  – Commitment to public interest: The media company must demonstrate dedication to providing unique, credible and independent news in the public interest within the Western Balkans.;
  – Information poverty reduction: The media company must exhibit a commitment to reducing information poverty through effective news and information dissemination in the Western Balkans;
  – Accountability and debate: The media company must actively contribute to addressing issues of accountability and strengthening public debate in the region;
  – Democratic values: The media company must showcase a commitment to fostering democratic practices, institutions and political pluralism in the region;
  – Inclusivity: The media company must uphold principles of transparency, human rights and equal rights for all, irrespective of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion and other subjects of discrimination;
  – Independent ownership: Ownership is independent of government or any other political or economic interests;
  – Western Balkans focus: Located in or serving audiences in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.
• Type of Funding: Programmatic
• Target Region: Western Balkans
• Application Language: English

The Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF) have launched the Western Balkans Fund – a strategic initiative to foster growth and resilience in independent media in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.

The Western Balkans Fund focuses investments on innovative startups, growth media undergoing digital transformation and protecting independent media from capture. The Fund seeks to bridge the financing gap that often hinders growth, and supports the development of robust, financially and editorially independent media companies that are able to support the advancement of their societies.

MDIF Western Balkans Fund has opened its first call for applications for equity financing from companies along the early-stage spectrum.

The Fund catalyses capital, mobilising financing to empower independent media enterprises in the region through no-strings-attached financing that drives growth and protects independence.

MDIF Western Balkans Fund is focused on three types of investment:

• Innovative startups, including native digital and innovative content delivery as well as tools and technologies supporting products and services that increase citizens’ ability to access information.
• Growth independent media in digital transformation going through a change in business model.
• Investments aimed at protecting independent media with potential for long-term viability via successful digital development, innovation and other growth strategies from capture.

See here to learn more and apply.

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