General call for proposals

Do you want to contribute to independent media and a strong, just democratic state?

Do you have an initiative that stimulates independent and critical media, or one that sustains or promotes a strong, and just democratic state? Does your initiative match the Democracy & Media Foundation’s (STDEM) pillars of truth-seeking, innovation in media, fundamental rights and liberties, vigorous democracy or commemoration and remembrance? Then you are welcome to submit a project proposal.

Focus 2020:  Please note that the Dutch general elections will take place in March 2021. Grant proposals on this topic are welcome all throughout 2020.

You can submit project proposals between Wednesday 6 May 2020 and Monday 1 June 2020. It can only be submitted by registering it via our SDM portal. Read this document to find out everything you need to know about this call, regarding the criteria pertaining to the call and which themes might be prioritised. To see an overview of the procedure, scroll down for a link to the infographic.

Are you unsure if your proposal matches the pillars and/or other criteria and therefore would be eligible for assessment within one of the calls for proposals? Please click here for the eligibility check. STDEM will try to let you know within 2 weeks if your proposal is eligible for assessment. If you have not received a response yet close to the deadline of this call, don’t hesitate and submit your proposal!

Note that institutional funding cannot be applied for through these calls for proposals. 


Timeline – General call for proposals 2020-2

Deadline to submit
Monday 1 June 2020 (before midnight)
Decision first round
Tuesday 23 June 2020 by 18:00 at the latest
Decision final round
Friday 31 July 2020 by 18:00 at the latest

The process goes as follows:

Application process SDM – website – EnglishVenngage Infographics


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