By Valeria Vasileva

There is a growing recognition of the importance of providing media with alternative development funds – and so is the number of opportunities!

The Fix reviewed the wide array of independent journalism grants and picked our top 5. So delay that summer vacation for just a bit longer and apply!

MDIF Ventures

What you need to know: MDIF is a mission-driven not-for-profit investment fund for independent media with 25 years of experience. The current Ventures program consists of equity investments in early-stage start-ups. It will allocate $1 million to 12 media. Eligible media must have a strong commitment to public interest, unbiased journalism and freedom of speech.
Who’s eligible: Media start-ups.
Deadline: June 21, 2021 (first-round).
More info: https://bit.ly/2TAlcST

Investigative Journalism for Europe (IJ4EU)

What you need to know: The International Press Institute's Investigative Journalism for Europe will provide grants for investigative projects across Europe. IJ4EU will provide the financial support between €5,000 and €50,000 to cross-border teams that include at least one news outlet or investigative journalism organization. Funding of €20,000 will be available for cross-border teams consisting of freelance journalists.
Who’s eligible: Investigative journalists and investigative teams made up entirely of freelance journalists.
Deadline: July 14, 2021.
More info: https://bit.ly/3vwWznl

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Fetisov Journalism Awards

What you need to know: The Fetisov Charitable Foundation will reward and promote ground-breaking reporting from around the world. The goal of the award is promoting contemporary journalism, community-building among the industry leaders and recognizing stories with great impact. Entries are open to journalists from around the media spectrum. Self-nominations are allowed.
Who’s eligible: Currently active journalists
Deadline: August 1, 2021
More info: https://bit.ly/3iMB5ju

European Cross-Border grants

What you need to know: Journalismfund.eu will support cross-border teams of journalists working on investigations of European issues. Total funding of €200,000 is available for distribution over the course of four application rounds.
Who’s eligible: Cross-border teams of journalists.
Deadline: September 9, 2021.
More info: https://bit.ly/3cQvSn8

The International Women Media Foundation (IWMF)

What you need to know: The International Women Media Foundation was created thanks to a $4 million gift from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. It will financially support a range of journalism projects, including investigative, educational, and media development initiatives led by woman-identifying journalists.
Who’s eligible: All journalists who identify as women and teams of journalists which include at least 50% women.
Deadline: Rolling date.
More info: https://bit.ly/3gsMMdt

Have some cool summer grant suggestions we didn't include? Send them to us at newsroom@thefix.media

Photo by Kaitlyn Baker on Unsplash

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