Q1: How does Civitates define independent public interest journalism?
By ‘independent, public interest journalism’, we mean journalism that:
- serves the interests of society as a whole
- covers those issues that significantly shape the lives of everyone in society in such a way that it:
- informs the public on the issues that shape their lives,
- enables public debate and dialogue [on those issues], and/or
- holds those in power to account
- commits to the pursuit of truth, and therefore,
- reports based on reliable and accurate, balanced and representative information, in accordance with the standards of the profession
- is attentive to the needs of the public and intentional about the approach of the public
- produces in-depth factual reporting e.g. through explanatory, constructive, investigative, solutions-oriented or engaged journalism
- is made by actors who are free and independent of vested political, corporate or other private interests.
Q2: Based on the definition what kind of applicants are excluded from the call?
Lack of Editorial Independence:
- Applicants where editorial independence and freedom from government, corporate, or other external influence are not ensured.
- Applicants without legal guarantees preventing the risk that content may be shaped by priorities other than independent journalistic standards.
Lack of Journalism Serving the Public Interest:
- Applicants that do not produce editorial content providing critical, in-depth, and factual coverage in line with professional journalistic standards.
- This includes information websites, blogs, and other communication platforms of non-profit organizations, academic publishers, or organizations that collaborate with media outlets but do not produce editorial content themselves.
Q3: Are for profit companies eligible to apply?
For profit companies are eligible to apply if they can provide legal guaranties that profits are re-invested in the organization most typically in the form of by-laws or internal regulations.
Q4: Are local, regional or international media eligible to apply?
The call target media operating at the national level meaning that operate within the boundaries of a specific priority country and cover news that primarily serve the population of that country. Media that serve geographically specific local or regional audience or other specific communities will not be supported. Media outlets operating with international focus, across multiple countries, producing and distributing news or content targeting global audiences will not be funded within the framework of this call.
Q5: Are all applicants eligible to request the total amount of €160,000?
The maximum grant amount available is €160,000 for two years (€80,000 per year). However, the requested grant cannot exceed 50% of the applicant’s total spending from the previous year, calculated on a yearly basis. To apply for the full amount of €160,000, an applicant must have had a minimum total expenditure of €160,000 in the last fiscal year.
Q6: Are smaller organizations eligible?
Smaller organizations with limited budgets strongly encouraged to apply. However, they are should adjust their budgetary request accordingly, ensuring compliance with the 50% spending rule.
Eligible budgetary requests are calculated based on the organization’s 2024 operational budget. As official financial statements for 2024 may not yet be available, applicants may submit their organizational/operational budget for 2024, provided it includes relevant financial data to verify eligibility.
