Media Development Investment Fund
/OVERVIEW: The Media Investment Fund invests in independent media outlets located in select countries around the world, including across Africa, Asia, Eurasia, Eastern Europe, Southeast Europe, and Latin America.
IP TAKE: This funder seeks to build long-term relationships with its investors and grantees. It also prefers to support locally based and owned companies in its funding, so this is a great opportunity for such organizations; however, the fund will consider supporting organizations that are not locally based or owned on a case-by-case basis. This is a unique funder that offers MDIF offers loans, equity investments, loan guarantees, and technical assistance grants.
PROFILE: Founded in 1995 by journalists Sasa Vucinic and the late Stuart Auerbach, the Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF) was formerly known as the Media Development Loan Fund. With headquarters in New York City and Prague, MDIF supports independent media organizations “that provide the news, information and debate that people need to build free, thriving societies.” This funder supports its clients with “affordable debt and equity financing, supported by tailored technical assistance and advisory services, to help independent media thrive and safeguard their editorial independence.” The Media Development Investment Fund makes small grants for technical assistance and other forms of support only occasionally.
According to the fund’s website, it bases its investments on broad criteria including “[m]ission impact in relation to investment; potential for long-term viability; and editorial integrity.”
Grants for Journalism
Historically, MDIFs grants programs have comprised the smallest portion of the organization's overall funding and investments. MDIF awards an average of around $850,000 per year in such grants. To be considered for funding, applicants must “have a reputation for contributing to the provision of unique, credible, independent news, information or debate in the public interest,” and a primary pursuit of the organization “must be (a) news and information (including news reporting, analysis, data, photo-journalism or imaging, audio-visual documentary programming, or similar content), and/or (b) provide a range of political opinions and promote informed societal debate.” Additionally, applicants cannot be affiliated with their local government or any other special interest group. For a full breakdown of eligibility requirements, grantseekers can look over the list here. To learn more about the fund’s clients and grantees, explore its portfolio.
Important Grant Details:
MDIF accepts unsolicited inquiry forms from independent organizations that meet its eligibility criteria and are located in a country with its geographic regions of interest. The fund does not support media organizations owned in whole or part by governments, state agencies, foreign legal entities or political or economic interests. New grantseekers should look over the application process and submit an inquiry form before applying for funding.
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