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:

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+ €	🔴 Often lengthy application processe

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)