Strategic Support Grants for the Media Sector

The project “Supporting Independent Media and Quality Journalism in Moldova (SMIR)” announces a grant call for strategic support for the media sector aimed at strengthening organizational capacity. Application deadline: 30 November 2025.

Background

Supporting Independent Media and Quality Journalism in Moldova is a project implemented between 2024–2026 by ERIM in partnership with the Cu Sens Media Project, with financial support from the European Union and the Soros Foundation Moldova. The project aims to support journalists and independent media outlets to continue providing high-quality information to the public and promoting democratic values in the Republic of Moldova.

Cu Sens Media Project (CU SENS) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization in the Republic of Moldova, founded four years ago by three investigative journalists through a crowdfunding campaign. CU SENS’ mission is to deliver high-quality fact-based video content (investigations, reports, documentaries, etc.) to audiences in Moldova. Most of its content focuses on topics of high public interest, exposing corruption, organized crime, conflicts of interest, human rights violations, and other illegal activities affecting Moldovan citizens. More about CU SENS can be found here.

Purpose of the Grant Call

This activity is designed to improve the quality of journalistic content and enhance the ability of independent media to rapidly manage short- and medium-term challenges, ensuring they remain operational and better prepared for future crises.

Strategic Support Grants for Capacity Development (3 grants)

Applicants will receive tailored assistance based on their specific needs. Eligible activities include:

• Strategic planning
  (e.g., developing or updating strategic plans, crisis-response plans, fundraising, monetization, marketing, business plans, etc.) – optional
• Improving content quality
  (through advanced investigative techniques, consultations with media professionals such as fact-checkers, editors, journalists, mentoring from experienced journalists, etc.).
  Within this activity, the applicant must produce at least three journalistic materials incorporating fact-checking and investigative journalism techniques – mandatory
• Digitalization and digital security
  (e.g., secure cloud or AI-based services, digital security consulting) – optional
• Legal assistance
  (e.g., consulting on local labor, financial, and tax regulations) – optional
• Psychosocial support
  (e.g., burnout prevention, mental health support for independent media staff, teambuilding) – optional

Eligible Costs

• Production fees
• Consulting services
• Training services
• Equipment purchase

Project proposals may also include administrative costs related to implementation of up to 30% of the budget (project management expenses – salaries, office rent, office supplies, etc.).

Grant Amount

• Minimum: €7,000
• Maximum: €7,500

Implementation Period

Up to 5 months, December 2025 – April 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, media organizations must submit a project proposal describing their current situation and needs. Winning applications will be selected by an evaluation committee based on the following criteria:

• The applicant is an officially registered independent and non-political media organization with a significant audience.
• The applicant has not received financial support from any political party in Moldova or abroad.
• The applicant has been active for at least two years, demonstrates stability (e.g., low staff turnover), and has at least two full-time employees.
• It produces high-quality content of public interest that promotes democratic values in Moldova.
• The applicant faces challenges (financial, administrative, human resources, etc.) that significantly limit its ability to operate.

If the applicant has previously received a SMIR grant, activities already funded through SMIR are not eligible. Previous SMIR support must be completed and reported. The new application must focus on strengthening resilience and strategic planning. Media outlets outside Chișinău are encouraged to apply. Political and religious organizations are not eligible.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• The need for organizational capacity development is well justified (15 points)
• The action plan is well defined, with lasting results and impact for the media institution (20 points)
• The budget aligns with proposed activities and costs are relevant and well justified (15 points)

If two organizations receive the same score, priority will be given to those ensuring broader geographic coverage across Moldova.

Priority will also be given to applicants that have not previously received support from CU SENS.

Application Process

Forms may be submitted in WORD and EXCEL, in Romanian, English, or Russian, to: simr_grants@proton.me with the subject line: SIMR: Strategic Support 2025

Application Deadline

30 November 2025

Application File Must Include:

• Completed application form
• Budget form
• Organization registration certificate issued by relevant authorities (for media institutions)
• Optional: if the organization has undergone an institutional capacity assessment, a report or summary may be submitted.

For questions or clarifications, please contact the project team at: simr_grants@proton.me