Open Call: Financial Support for Independent Media Outlets in Vulnerable Regions of Moldova

Are you a CSO, media outlet, or content creator in Moldova? Your story matters. We’re looking for you. GLOBSEC is managing a new grant call to support independent voices in Moldova -with priority for outlets serving vulnerable regions, particularly Gagauzia.

Introduction 

These guidelines provide detailed information for independent media outlets wishing to apply for financial support under this Call for Proposals. The funding aims to strengthen independent journalism in vulnerable regions of Moldova, with a particular focus on Gagauzia, and to counter the impact of FIMI, disinformation and foreign malign influence. 

Applicants are advised to read these guidelines carefully before preparing their proposals. Applications that do not comply with the requirements outlined in this document will not be considered. 

Objectives of the Call 

The overall objective of this Call for Proposals is to strengthen Moldovan society’s resilience to foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) and to reduce the vulnerability of local communities—particularly in the regions—to external influence. 

The specific objectives are to: 

• Support independent media outlets in producing and disseminating high-quality, fact-based journalism. 

• Increase ​​​​coverage of FIMI​ incidents, awareness of FIMI,​ and media literacy issues through investigative reporting, multimedia productions, and social media engagement. 
• Enhance access to trustworthy information for citizens in vulnerable regions. 
• Encourage innovative storytelling approaches that engage young people and underrepresented groups. 

Eligibility Criteria 

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria: 

• Be a registered media organisation in Moldova. 
• Have at least three years of continuous operation. 
• Maintain editorial independence and not be affiliated with political parties, government structures, or foreign state-controlled entities. 
• Have a proven audience reach of at least ​​50,000 people​ per month​ (e.g., through readership, website analytics, or social media). 
• Be committed to EU values (Article 2 TEU) and professional journalistic standards. 

Eligible Activities 

Proposals must focus on activities that contribute to the objectives of this call. Examples include: 

• Production of multimedia content (articles, videos, podcasts, infographics) on disinformation, media literacy, and factual reporting. 
• Investigative journalism addressing disinformation, foreign influence, or manipulation of local narratives. 
• Social media campaigns tailored to audiences in vulnerable regions. 
• Reporting on issues relevant to Gagauzia and other regions exposed to FIMI. 

Financial Support 

• Minimum grant per applicant: EUR 5,000. 
• Maximum grant per outlet: EUR 40,000. 
• Number of grants to be awarded: 5. 
• Period of implementation – from mid-January to maximum the end of September, followed by an additional two weeks dedicated to reporting.   
• Disbursement: ​​3 trenches (15% in February 2026, 45% in July 2026, 40% in October 2026), possibility of no-cost extension for the maximum period of 2 months 
• Eligible costs include staff, content production, dissemination, equipment, travel, and other direct project-related expenses. 
• Indirect costs (overheads) are allowed up to 7% of the total budget. 
• Co-financing not required but possible – the funding may compliment already ongoing projects funded by donors other than European Union 

Application Process 

Applications must be submitted by email to​​ opencalls.moldova@globsec.org no later than ​the end of ​November 23, 2025​​. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Please use email subject line: “Media Grant Application – [Organization Name]”.  

Applicants must submit the following documents: 

1. Application Form – Submit as PDF. The template can be found on this page. 
2. Supporting documents: Registration certificate (scan signed by an authorized representative) 

Clarification Period 

Applicants may submit questions regarding the call and its requirements by email to opencalls.moldova@globsec.org until ​November 13, 2025​. Answers will be published on GLOBSEC’s websites to ensure equal access to information. An online clarification session will be organized on the same day, with the link redistributed to all interested applicants. 

Evaluation of Applications 

The evaluation will take place in two stages: 

1. Eligibility and Administrative Check: ensuring applications meet all formal and eligibility criteria. 
2. Technical Evaluation: conducted by an independent Evaluation Committee using a scoring grid. 

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria: 

• Relevance to the objectives of the Call (30%). 
• Outreach potential and expected impact (25%). 
• Innovativeness and creativity of the proposed activities (20%). 
• Relevant Experience (15%). 
• Feasibility and sustainability (10%). 

Only the highest-ranked applications will be recommended for funding. 

Contracting and Implementation 

Selected applicants will sign a grant agreement specifying activities, deliverables, financial terms, and reporting requirements.  

Beneficiaries will be required to submit: 

• Progress reports describing activities carried out and results achieved. 
• Financial reports documenting the use of grant funds, with supporting evidence. 
• Evidence of outputs (e.g., links to articles, analytics reports, campaign screenshots). 

Visibility Requirements 

All funded content must acknowledge EU financial support and follow EU visibility rules. Logos and disclaimers will be provided to grantees. ​​​​Derogation from contractual visibility obligations is permitted in exceptional situations. For example, security issues or local political sensitivities may make it preferable or necessary to limit visibility activities in certain regions or during certain periods. In such cases, a proper argumentation should be submitted for issuing EU visibility waiver.  

Timetable 

Project implementation: from mid-January to maximum end of September plus 2 weeks for reporting. 
Publication of the Call: End of October 
Clarification period: Until 13 November 
Deadline for submission: ​23​ November 
Eligibility and evaluation: by 8 December​     ​ 
Notification of results: ​8​ December 
Contracting: ​Mid​-December/ beginning of January 

This open call is supported by the EU Delegation in Moldova.