Media Forward Fund is a philanthropic collaboration for strengthening media diversity. We support media organizations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Our goal: Contributing to more quality journalism with viable business models that publish strong, trustworthy content and are sustainably financed in the long term.
We fund public interest media on their way to economic sustainability
01: Funding
Up to 400.000 EUR gross for a convincing business idea in public interest media.
The fund runs three open calls per year, so applications are not limited to invitations. The management also actively approaches eligible funding candidates to encourage them to apply. Finalists make pitches to the jury.
02: Upskilling
With special focus on management skills and Business Development
In addition to financial resources, the fund offers an upskilling program that provides capacity building and practical support to help founders with their work. The fund‘s team supports and advises recipients of funding.
03: Community
Journalism innovators in substantial exchange
A community of intra and entrepreneurs in journalism is to be established. External mentors will be available to the media organizations for individual advice.
We build the bridge between idea phase and financial sustainability. As soon as a business plan and, in the best case, an initial test of theproduct/market fit are available, eligibility is established.
The fund provides project/organizational funding with usually up to 400,000 EUR gross for a convincing business idea that leads media to financial sustainability with no or significantly less funding after two years.
Our pooled funding approach
A joint pool enables funders to support multiple media outlets, boosting media diversity.
Clear separation between funders and the jury ensures independent funding decisions.
Impact investors can contribute and provide follow-up funding for long-term sustainability.
Let‘s talk and act together!
Martin Kotynek
Founding Director
Martin is a journalist and Founding Director of the Media Forward Fund. Previously, Martin was editor-in-chief of the news organization "Der Standard" in Vienna, deputy editor-in-chief of "Zeit Online" in Berlin, investigative editor at "Die Zeit" and political editor at "Süddeutsche Zeitung" in Munich. As a Knight Journalism Fellow at Stanford University, Martin has worked on innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship in media. Martin studied neurobiology and was born in Vienna. Photo: Peter Rigaud
Katharina Binder
Head of Partnerships
Katharina develops and supports potential partners and sponsors of the fund. She has many years of experience working for national (Deputy Head of Advertising at DIE ZEIT) and regional titles. She was most recently Chief Product Officer of the SV Group (including Schwäbische Zeitung). Katharina studied Media Management at the Hamburg Media School and was born in Ravensburg.
Our existing partners
