CALL FOR PROJECTS – Strengthening independent journalism and countering disinformation in Moldova

• Eligibility: Outlets working with public-interest media in Moldova
• Target Region: Republic of Moldova
• Application Language: English

The Call for Projects is launched within the framework of the Strengthening Democratic Media in the Black Sea Region project, implemented by CFI and funded from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The Project aims to enhance the capacity of independent media to provide accurate, accessible and public-interest information to citizens in Moldova.

This Call for Projects aims to reinforce independent journalism by supporting content production that improves the availability of verified, community-relevant information and strengthens the overall resilience of the Moldovan media landscape. Particular attention will be given to projects demonstrating strong territorial anchoring and a clear capacity to respond to the information needs of local communities, including minority-language audiences. Successful applicants will receive an individual diagnostic of the outlet, two in-person training sessions, coaching, targeted digital-growth support and financial support.

Requirements

• The selected projects must start no earlier than 1st November 2026 and end no later than 30th June 2027.
• The activities of the proposed project must relate to one or more of the following themes:
  • topics where disinformation is prevalent (social issues, public policy, international affairs, etc.).
  • democratic values, accountability, transparency and anti-corruption.
  • developments related to Moldova’s cooperation/integration to the European Union.
  • gender equality, women’s rights and gendered forms of disinformation.
  • public-policy developments or local governance issues affecting citizens.
  • issues affecting local communities, including underserved or rural areas.
• Types of activities may include production of journalistic content, fact-checking activities, including verification of claims circulating in local or online ecosystems, investigative journalism, including data-driven or cross-regional investigations, adaptation or translation of content to reach minority-language audiences.
• Only “Eligible Costs” shall be covered by the grant awarded.
  The budget is both an estimate of costs and an overall ceiling for “Eligible Costs”.

Eligibility

• Be a legally registered media organisation or a legally registered organisation whose primary activity is journalism or media production.
• Be directly responsible for the preparation and management of the project proposed under this Call for Projects;
• Be legally established and registered in the Republic of Moldova.

How to apply

Each applicant must produce an application including all the documents and information listed below, failing which they will be eliminated from the CFI selection process:

• Appendix 1: Project presentation note: each project must be presented in accordance with the document;
• Appendix 2: Provisional project budget: the provisional budget must be presented in accordance with the document and must be drawn up in accordance with the provisions of Article 3.3. Eligibility criteria for coasts.;
• Appendix 3: Application form: it must be dated and signed and contain the Applicant’s legal registration document and bank details, failing which it will be incomplete.

Apply via the portal. Apply here.

For more information, please visit this page.