> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.beabee.io/community-journalismus/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.beabee.io/community-journalismus/english/basics-media-entrepreneurship/how-to-find-funding-for-your-media-startup/checklist-for-your-funding-strategy.md).

# Checklist for Your Funding Strategy

## 1. Research funding opportunities

**💡 Key questions about funding:**

* Which funding programs are suitable for my project?
* What phase of the project am I in? *(Early stage / Growth / Stabilisation)*
* How much funding do I need? *(Small start-up funding / larger structural funding / sustainable revenue models)*
* Am I eligible for non-profit funding? *(Foundation funding / democracy and media funding programs)*

***

## 2. Structure the application process

**📌 Checklist for a successful application:**

✔ **Read the funding guidelines:** What criteria must my project meet?

✔ **Meet deadlines:** When is the next deadline?

✔ **Calculate the funding amount realistically:** What costs can I claim? (Personnel, technology, infrastructure?)

✔ **Formulate a clear project description and objectives:** Why is my project relevant?

✔ **Demonstrate sustainability and impact:** How does my project contribute to media diversity in the long term?

✔ **Involve cooperation partners:** Can I collaborate with other media outlets or foundations?

**📑 Documents required for the application / contents of your pitch deck**

Example pre-seed phase:

* What is the problem / gap / need? *(Reference to target group analysis)*
* What is your solution?
* Define competition analysis and unique selling point / USP
* Identify market potential and go-to-market strategy *(how do I reach my target group?)*
* Describe your business model *(including financing plan)*
* Team behind the project *(why are you the right people for the job?)*
* References/collaborations
* Timetable, milestones, and next steps

*Depending on the project and funding application, the order and focus of the individual content may vary.*

***

## 3. Funding opportunities and project phases

Here is a grid to help you select the right funding:

<table><thead><tr><th>project phase</th><th width="235">Examples of funding options</th><th>Amount</th><th>Application possible</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Idea development &#x26; structure</td><td>Mini-starter grants, e.g. Media Futures</td><td>1.000 - 14.000 €</td><td><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="1f7e2">🟢</span> Yes</td></tr><tr><td>Growth &#x26; Community Building</td><td>Crowdfunding, member platforms, project funding</td><td>10.000 - 40.000 €</td><td><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="1f7e0">🟠</span> Depending on deadlines</td></tr><tr><td>Long-term stabilization</td><td>launch grant, long-term foundation partnerships</td><td>50.000+ €</td><td><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="1f534">🔴</span> Often lengthy application processe</td></tr></tbody></table>

***

## 4. After funding: Plan for sustainability and growth

🔹 **Prepare project documentation for funding providers in a timely manner** (and use it as a reference for future applications)

🔹**Optimise your cost structure** (reduce fixed costs, develop scalable models)

🔹 **Plan team capacities sustainably** (secure long-term financing for personnel)

🔹 **Regularly review new funding opportunities** (develop a long-term financing strategy)

🔹 **Continue to expand networks** (stay in contact with other media projects and funding agencies)

🔹 **Use user engagement and feedback** (actively involve the community in further development)

🔹 **Seek partnerships for long-term stability** (attract companies, NGOs, or institutions as strategic partners)

🔹 **Design technical infrastructure for sustainability** (make platforms and digital tools usable in the long term)

***

<p align="center"><strong>Get involved:</strong></p>

<p align="center"><a href="https://starthub.correctiv.org/crowdnewsroom/your-question-for-our-wiki" class="button secondary" data-icon="message">Ask a question</a> or  <a href="https://starthub.correctiv.org/crowdnewsroom/your-contribution-to-our-wiki" class="button secondary" data-icon="pencil">Make a contribution</a> or  <a href="https://starthub.correctiv.org/crowdnewsroom/your-feedback-for-our-community-journalism-wiki" class="button secondary" data-icon="comments">Give feedback</a></p>


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