Checklist for Your Funding Strategy

1. Research funding opportunities

πŸ’‘ 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

πŸ“Œ Checklist for a successful application:

βœ” Read the funding guidelines: What criteria must my project meet?

βœ” Meet deadlines: When is the next deadline?

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

βœ” Formulate a clear project description and objectives: Why is my project relevant?

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

βœ” Involve cooperation partners: Can I collaborate with other media outlets or foundations?

πŸ“‘ 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:

project phase
Examples of funding options
Amount
Application possible

Idea development & structure

Mini-starter grants, e.g. Media Futures

1.000 - 14.000 €

🟒 Yes

Growth & Community Building

Crowdfunding, member platforms, project funding

10.000 - 40.000 €

🟠 Depending on deadlines

Long-term stabilization

launch grant, long-term foundation partnerships

50.000+ €

πŸ”΄ Often lengthy application processe

4. After funding: Plan for sustainability and growth

πŸ”Ή Prepare project documentation for funding providers in a timely manner (and use it as a reference for future applications)

πŸ”ΉOptimise your cost structure (reduce fixed costs, develop scalable models)

πŸ”Ή Plan team capacities sustainably (secure long-term financing for personnel)

πŸ”Ή Regularly review new funding opportunities (develop a long-term financing strategy)

πŸ”Ή Continue to expand networks (stay in contact with other media projects and funding agencies)

πŸ”Ή Use user engagement and feedback (actively involve the community in further development)

πŸ”Ή Seek partnerships for long-term stability (attract companies, NGOs, or institutions as strategic partners)

πŸ”Ή Design technical infrastructure for sustainability (make platforms and digital tools usable in the long term)

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