Connecting the Dots

The funding program aims to establish and expand cross-border cooperation between media workers, investigative journalists, and data professionals from Belarus and Russia and their German counterparts. Exiled media from Belarus and Russia, freelance journalists and media start-ups are eligible to apply. Cooperation projects with German media, NGOs and other stakeholders are very welcome to submit their applications. The prospect of publication with German media outlets or on German media platforms would strengthen the application. Applications should be designed as short-term media projects and can apply for the grants from 1,000 to 25,000 euros. Media projects having bigger project funding may apply for additional funds within the program “Connecting the Dots” (co-funding).

There will be no thematic restrictions for the proposals to be submitted. Media projects can cover global or local issues, including investigations on the war crimes, corruption, money laundering, as well as projects on climate crisis, social issues, local stories. Use of innovative methods, i.a. data, OSINT, archive, interactive storytelling etc., would be an asset. Projects to be implemented by February 2023, publications and final reports will be required to be submitted by 1 March 2023. The program is supported by JX Fund.

Applications deadline: 23 December 2022.

Bigger editorial offices, freelance journalists and media start-ups from Belarus and Russia are eligible to apply.

Media in exile, independent and critical media operating in authoritarian countries are welcome to apply.

Partnership with German media or NGO or otherwise connection to Germany is obligatory to participate in the program. We can consult you on this by request.

Applicants must not be affiliated with a political party, political institution or sanctioned companies and individuals.

Applicants must be active journalists who can demonstrate their media products published in the last six months.

Using innovative methods, including data analysis, OSINT, big data analysis etc. would be an asset.

Every few months we will send you a letter announcing new trainings, micro-grants and study trips for journalists and media activists.

Metamedia is an educational platform for journalism, storytelling and development of new media. The program was launched in 2020 as an online platform to support independent media and research projects. We organise workshops and provide consultations helping to launch multimedia projects and quality reporting. Metamedia brings together editorial offices, media associations and organisations from Eastern Europe and Germany for cross-border collaboration.