The Media Forward Fund promotes media diversity in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Its goal: more quality media with sustainable business models that publish strong content and finance themselves sustainably.

The Media Forward Fund lays the groundwork for more independent quality journalism that publishes trustworthy content and is sustainably financed. The fund supports the development of new business models for media companies that stand for public interest journalism. There are three calls for proposals per year, aimed at media in the DACH region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland). As a rule, up to  EUR 400,000 in funding can be awarded per application over two years. An independent jury makes the selection.  

The media industry is in the midst of a major transformation crisis. Gaps in local and regional reporting, so-called news deserts, have now become clearly visible. Many communities and niche topics are no longer served by professional editorial offices. Foundations and impact investors from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, including ERSTE Foundation, have therefore joined forces to strengthen high-quality journalism and thus the democracies in their countries by promoting innovative business models. 

mediaforwardfund.org