Media & Democracy Launches Project Development Grant
Starting in 2025, Media & Democracy is introducing a new initiative: financial support for the development of project ideas. "The aim is to create better conditions for more research and innovation projects within our field," says Martin Holmberg, Program Manager for Media & Democracy.
Since its inception in 2017, Media & Democracy has observed how exciting embryonic project ideas have lost vitality. One reason is the lack of quick funding to explore an idea's relevance and how a project should be designed.
"That experience led to this initiative. We hope it will help capture creativity and momentum in more idea processes," says Martin Holmberg.
The initiative is carried out in collaboration with the Hamrin Foundation, which became one of Media & Democracy's main funders on July 1.
"The development within the information and media landscape is rapid. We therefore see a shared interest in shortening the phase from idea to potential project," says Martin Holmberg.
For an idea to be considered for funding, there are several basic requirements. The most important ones are:
- The idea must align with Media & Democracy's focus and serve the public good.
- Any potential future research and innovation project must be carried out in collaboration with Media & Democracy.
- Results must be publicly presentable.
The target group includes researchers, businesses, and societal actors—researchers who want to develop new knowledge and innovative solutions together with business or societal actors, or business or societal actors who want to do the same through research collaborations.
"Media & Democracy collaborates with actors in all categories and knows that strong ideas can emerge from any of them," says Martin Holmberg.
Application Process Summary
The application process will work as follows:
- Interested parties contact Media & Democracy to describe their basic idea.
- Media & Democracy assesses whether the idea aligns with the platform's profile and if it's suitable for collaboration. If the answer is yes, the applicant is offered the opportunity to apply for funding to explore and develop the idea.
- If the application is approved, six months of work is the maximum time for funding. The goal is for the idea development work to result in a full project application.
"Applications for implementing a full project can be directed to various funders. However, not to Media & Democracy. The support we are launching in collaboration with the Hamrin Foundation applies only to the development of an idea and the preparation of a project application," says Martin Holmberg.
About the Hamrin Foundation
The Hamrin Foundation, established in 1985, promotes applied scientific research on mass media, including content, production, socio-political effects, and new technological possibilities. The foundation matches Media & Democracy's focus as a neutral research and innovation platform by supporting initiatives and projects where business, society, and academia collaborate.
"We at the Hamrin Foundation truly believe in this initiative as a catalyst for good ideas. We strive to be at the forefront and promote creativity and innovative solutions. In Media & Democracy, we have found a collaborative partner with the same high ambition as us,"
says CEO Hanna Ståhl.
ABCs of the New Initiative
- Starts January 1, 2025.
- Led by Media & Democracy in collaboration with the Hamrin Foundation.
- Purpose: To promote more relevant and valuable research and innovation projects.
- Requirements for ideas include matching Media & Democracy's profile, being for the public good, and ensuring that any future projects will be carried out in collaboration with Media & Democracy.
- Maximum funding period: Six months of work.
- Results must be publicly presentable.
New ways of telling your story
Kick-off Seminar for the Forum for Democratic Communication
Media & Democracy Launches Project Development Grant
"We've Received a Handful of Pitches"
Development Grant Awarded for Research Idea on the Image as a Bearer of Truth
Development Grant for Project Idea on Media Production in the Classroom
Three Media & Democracy projects received international attention
Full-day event on cross-border investigative journalism
"We are happy to be able to qualify the discussion"
Webbinarium: Hur tech startups driver AI-innovation för mediebranschen
Johan Löfvenholm appointed new CEO of Lindholmen Science Park
Verification: The Future of Journalism
"We Want to Deepen Our Understanding of How Information Influence Works"
Paul Hansen on Depicting War: Details, Not Balance, Tell the Story
Media & Democracy Takes on New Psychological Defense Initiative
"Several had not seen a battery-powered radio"
Record Number of Applicants for IYTT's Youth Conference
Record Interest in Global Media Conference at Lindholmen
Save the date to Audiovisual Days 2023
The M&D podcast is now available on Spotify
"It has never felt so relevant to talk about technology development and democracy"
Application open for IYTT's fifth youth conference
"Committed participants who are passionate about democracy"
This is how Aftonbladet and Sveriges Radio work with AI
Tel: +46 (0)31-764 70 00
E-mail: info@lindholmen.se
Media & democracy is run by Lindholmen Science Park and its base is financed by
Media & Democracy is a national collaboration platform for media innovation and social research.
The goal is to strengthen the innovative power of the media, journalism, public discourse and democracy. A priority area for the platform is media-related AI innovation.
Dispatch from Media & Democracy
Add your email address to receive updates and invitations from Media & Democracy at Lindholmen Science Park. Take part in our privacy policy.