GIZ Call for Proposals to support local media in Western Balkans

GIZ and DW Akademie are calling for project proposals to support local and small media in the Western Balkans through the establishment of Media Resource Centers. The call is part of the Regional Media Assistance Program in the Western Balkans, called #SustanMedia: Support to Media Freedom and Pluralism in the Western Balkans.

In the framework of this Program, GIZ invites media outlets, media support organizations, service providing and media consultancy companies in the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo1*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia) to submit proposals. The opportunity will award up to 15 Grants of €10,000 to 80,000 each for a duration of up to 2 years.

Thematics

Independent professional media play a crucial role in ensuring informed citizens, accountability, and democracy. However, many small, local, and emerging media face structural and financial challenges limiting their sustainability and ability to compete in a complex digitalized media market.

To address this, there is a growing need for shared supporting service models like cost-effective external support centers offering high-quality services. GIZ invites applicants to propose projects that establish or expand resource centers offering one or more of the following priority services:

• Business Development and Organizational Management
• Marketing, Audience Development, and Branding
• Digital Transformation and Technological Services
• Editorial and Journalistic Support Services
• Training, Capacity Building, and Knowledge Sharing

Eligbility

Eligible applicants include the following entities established and operating in Western Balkans:

• Media organizations
• Media support organizations and associations
• Private companies, agencies, entrepreneurs or consultancies with demonstrated expertise in media-related services
• Non-governmental or non-profit organizations working in the media relevant sectors
• Start-Ups established by professionals with expertise in media-related services.

Applicants may apply Individually, or as a consortium or partnership. Public broadcasters and state-controlled entities are not eligible as Lead Applicants.

Requirements 

Proposals must:

• Clearly identify the target group(s) of media outlets/actors to be supported
• Describe the service model, including access, pricing (if any), and sustainability
• Explain how the project ensures inclusiveness and accessibility for resource-constrained media
• Include a realistic implementation plan and budget
• Demonstrate how the resource center will continue operating beyond the project period.

How to apply 

To apply, interested organizations should send the following templates (to be downloaded, filled and signed) and other supporting documents to wb6media@giz.de:

• The Application Form in word
• Annex 1: Budget Template in excel 
• Certificate of legal registration of the applicant
• CV of the organization/s applying: A brief organisational profile, core expertise and services, relevant experience in media development, selected reference projects, etc. (If there is a partnership proposed, please include a CV/organizational profile of the partner too)
• Professional Bios of the staff/experts that will be involved in the implementation of the Project.
• Official Financial Reports of the applicant for 2024 and for 2025 (if available)

Applicants can also use the same email address in case of queries and clarification requests. Additionally, GIZ is also organising an Info Session on February 27, at 11.00 A.M. Interested organisations can sign up here. The deadline for sending applications is March 15, 2026. 

For more information, please visit this page.