BIRN: Open Call for Applications – Content Production Fund

The project encompasses the development of capacity for mid-career journalists and young journalists, ensuring quality in journalism study programs, supporting the production of quality news, television, and cross-border investigative stories, providing support through a research resource desk, and promoting these stories through awards. Additionally, the project aims to ensure that the quality of journalism study programs is maintained for future generations.

1. SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES

This Content Production Fund aims to support the creation of cross-border journalistic content by providing financial assistance to media outlets from the Western Balkans. The fund also seeks to achieve the following outcomes for supported media organizations:

• Production of multimedia stories covering the entire region, published in English and local languages 
• Enhanced skills of journalists in media editorial offices through training and mentorship during the production process, as an integral part of the grant scheme 

2. TYPE, AMOUNT, AND DURATION OF GRANTS

Through this call, BIRN Hub invites media outlets to apply for grants for the production of high-quality, cross-border journalism on local, national, or regional topics, utilizing their own editorial resources. Stories should be investigative and impactful, with a clear focus on including underrepresented groups such as minorities, youth, and women.

Media outlets are expected to commence their project activities on January 1, 2026, and projects may last a maximum of two and a half (2.5) months from the date of contract signing. All activities must be completed by March 15, 2026.

Deadline for submitting requests for clarifications: December 5, 2025.

Deadline for submitting applications: December 10, 2025.

For all other terms of the call (grant amount, deadlines, eligibility criteria, and more), please see here.

Source: BIRN