> 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/funding-landscape-in-europe.md).

# Funding Landscape in Europe

Launching a new media project or journalistic start-up brings with it many challenges – especially the **question of financing and support**. Fortunately, there are a variety of funding opportunities, networks, and resources available at the European level that can help you take the first step.

Here we provide an **overview of realistic financing options** for different phases of your project and show you where to find support and who to turn to.

***

## 1. First points of contact for information and support 👋

Before applying for specific funding, you should research your options. The following platforms and organisations offer valuable resources:

* [**Creative Europe Media**](https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/creative-europe-media) → The central EU funding program for the media and creative sector, with various calls for proposals for innovative media projects.
* [**European Journalism Centre**](https://ejc.net/) **(EJC)** → Supports journalists with grants, funding programs, and training.
* [**Journalismfund.eu**](https://www.journalismfund.eu/) → Awards investigative grants for cross-border research.
* [**European Innovation Council**](https://eic.ec.europa.eu/index_en) **(EIC)** → Supports innovative startups and SMEs with disruptive ideas, including in the media sector.
* **Funding databases** → EU funding opportunities can be found specifically via EU Fundings or the national funding portals of the respective member states.
* **Networks & professional organizations** → Examples include the [Network for Media Innovation WAN-IFRA](https://wan-ifra.org/) or the [European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)](https://europeanjournalists.org/).

***

## 2. Funding opportunities by project phase 💰

Depending on the stage of development of your media project, different financing models may be available. Here are some realistic options:

### a) Early stage: Idea development & initial setup 🌱

* [**Media Futures**](https://mediafutures.eu/)**:** An EU funding program that supports startups and journalists with financing and mentoring.
* [**Stars4Media**](https://stars4media.eu/)**:** A cross-border funding program for media companies and journalists to advance innovation projects.
* [**Google News Initiative (GNI) Fund**](https://newsinitiative.withgoogle.com/de-de/)**:** Awards grants and scholarships for digital media projects.
* [**Investigative Journalism for Europe**](https://ejc.net/for-funders/programmes/ij4eu) **(IJ4EU):** Supports cross-border investigative projects.
* **Scholarships & Fellowships:** Many European media companies and institutions offer funding for journalistic experiments (e.g., the Reuters Institute Fellowship).

### b) Growth phase: Initial content & community building 📈

* [**European Media and Information Fund**](https://gulbenkian.pt/emifund/) **(EMIF):** Supports projects that combat disinformation and strengthen media literacy.
* [**Journalismfund.eu Cross-Border Grants**](https://grants.journalismfund.eu/en/european-cross-border-grants)**:** Funding for research that crosses national borders.
* **Focus on democracy & media freedom:** Programs such as Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) support journalists who are under pressure.
* **Education & media literacy:** EU programs such as Erasmus+ promote media education and innovative educational formats.
* **Crowdfunding & community financing:** Platforms such as Patreon or Steady enable initial income to be generated through memberships or one-time donations.

***

## Conclusion

A **sustainable financing strategy** is crucial for the long-term success of a media project. For a long time, funding at the European level was primarily available for the **idea and development phase**. However, there are now also individual programs that are explicitly **aimed at already established media** projects to develop **long-term financing strategies**. It is important that you do not have any illusions when applying to the European Commission, for example, and that you **plan with** **enough time and resources**.

***

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