Creative Applications and a Challenging Evaluation Process

The Lithuanian call attracted 31 applications from across the country – from Žemaitija to Visaginas.
Many stood out not only for their professionalism but also for their creativity in engaging audiences and fostering collaboration between different media formats.

“We were genuinely impressed by the quality and creativity of the applications,” says Neringa Jurčiukonytė, Director of Media4Change.

“We can clearly see how regional journalism in Lithuania is growing – it’s bold, exploring new business models, striving for sustainable solutions, and strengthening its ability to remain independent.
This is the true resilience of journalism – the ability to adapt, to learn, and to stay relevant to its audiences.”

According to her, the evaluation committee faced a particularly difficult task – selecting only a few projects from many worthy proposals.

“We couldn’t fund every idea, but many received strong support from the jury. We’ll seek ways to stay connected with these teams – through mentoring, sharing network expertise, or helping them find new partners.

The results inspire us to continue this work and to announce new calls in the future,” adds Jurčiukonytė.

What Comes Next?

The first seven applicants with the highest scores are being invited to sign grant agreements.
Before signing, each project will go through a round of consultations based on recommendations from the international jury – to ensure that every project is sustainable, well-developed, and has a real impact on its audiences.

Among the selected grantees are two national media outlets that embody features of community journalism and are partnering with regional newsrooms to develop new models of collaboration, strengthen local voices, and share editorial and creative expertise.

This once again demonstrates that the strengthening of local journalism grows out of equal dialogue and genuine cooperation.

Stronger Together

LIMENet brings together journalists, newsrooms, and media innovators from six European countries – Belgium, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Serbia, and Georgia.

The shared vision of these initiatives is to build stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive local media – capable of working together, sharing knowledge, and rediscovering meaningful connections with their audiences.

The selected Lithuanian projects will take part in a mentorship programme, guided by experienced mentors from around the world who will help them achieve their strategic goals and grow together with their communities.

Media4Change is particularly excited to see that many of the innovations only now being introduced in Lithuania have already been tested in other countries – making it possible to learn faster, more creatively, and, most importantly, to learn from our own experiences rather than from others’ mistakes.

Join the Media4Change Community

Be part of a space where meaningful journalism finds its people.
The Media4Change community, together with LIMENet partners across Europe, connects local newsrooms, creators, experts, and audiences to strengthen trust, resilience, and innovation in journalism.

Here, people come together who care about journalism that makes a difference – journalism that resonates with the needs and aspirations of its audiences.

Join our platform at app.media4change.co and discover a network of peers, mentoring opportunities, and initiatives that help journalism grow together with its communities.

The post A New Boost for Local Journalism: LIMENet Announces the Results of Its Collaborative Journalism Grants appeared first on Media4Change.

When Connection Resets Priorities

While journalist safety has always been an important part of Indrė’s work, the exchange of experiences at the fair encouraged her to reflect on it even more deeply.

“Talking to other journalists helped reinforce the importance of safety and capacity-building in our work.”

These in-person encounters don’t just build networks — they foster solidarity, especially crucial for journalists working in sensitive or high-pressure environments.

When Mentorship Becomes a Roadmap

What stayed with Indrė wasn’t just the stories — but also the practical, actionable advice shared by mentors.
From dedicating time to long-term strategy to managing financial independence and using simple tools for financial planning.

“The mentors’ ideas truly resonated — from the reminder to set aside time each week to think about the future of the organization, to concrete examples of how to manage finances.”

When Community Strengthens the Voice

If additional resources were available, Indrė says the biggest impact would come from strengthening the relationship with the audience and creating more structured learning opportunities.

But beyond one organization, she believes the real value lies in what happens when media voices come together.

“So that those voices are heard more clearly.”

Networks like Media4Change offer space for smaller or less visible media to gain support, build confidence, and find pathways to grow — together.

Final Week to Apply for LIMENet Grants

If your newsroom is working toward stronger audience relationships, greater resilience, or journalist safety — the LIMENet grant programme may be the momentum you’ve been waiting for.

• This is the final week to apply! Deadline: August 25
• Up to €20,000 in funding available
• Includes mentorship and access to an international network
•   More info and application form

Questions? Reach out: [email protected]

LIMENet is implemented by a consortium led by the Media Diversity Institute Global (Brussels), in cooperation with the Media Diversity Institute Western Balkans (Serbia), Media4Change (Lithuania), and SDRP.EU (Poland).

The LIMENet project is co-funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe programme.

The post When Small Shifts Build Deep Connections: What Indrė Kiršaitė Took Home from Innovation Fair appeared first on Media4Change.

Among the participants was Vaidas Pilkauskas, editor of Kas vyksta Kaune.

“Events like this are energizing – they inspire and give you the strength and ideas to keep moving forward.”

When Pressure Pushes Toward Reinvention

One of Vaidas’ key takeaways came from hearing how media outlets in other countries survive under constant pressure.

“I was inspired by stories of how media organizations manage to survive under political pressure and how they adapt their operational models to stay alive.”

These examples aren’t just relevant to authoritarian contexts. They invite all journalists to reflect on the limits of their freedom and to seek resilient, creative models that enable long-term survival.

When Unplanned Conversations Make the Biggest Impact

For Vaidas, informal moments with fellow Lithuanian journalists were just as valuable.

“You can get really sharp insights – the kind you wouldn’t find time for if you tried to organize something like this back home.”

In one mentoring session, he happened to overhear plans from local competitors to launch regional news portals – a reminder that even in struggling markets, competition is real and shifting fast.

“It made me rethink where we’re headed.”

When the Audience Becomes More Than a Reader

Another powerful moment came during a session with Dr. Roberto Suárez (South 180), focused on understanding and engaging local audiences.

“He shared insights on how to better understand your audience, work more closely with them, and create value in ways that matter to them.”

This resonated strongly – and inspired Vaidas’ team to invest more energy into their newest project: “Kas vyksta Neringoje”, a news platform tailored for a region they describe as a “news island.”

Change Takes More Than Ideas – It Takes Support

Right now, local and community media across Europe have an opportunity to apply for the LIMENet grant – designed to support growth, experimentation, and sustainability through both funding and expert mentorship.

• Applications are open until August 25
• Up to €20,000 in support available
• Includes international mentorship and peer exchange
• More info and application form

Questions? Write to: [email protected]

Experiences like these bring journalism back to what matters: not just informing, but staying resilient in the face of growing challenges. 

LIMENet is implemented by a consortium led by the Media Diversity Institute Global (Brussels), in cooperation with the Media Diversity Institute Western Balkans (Serbia), Media4Change (Lithuania), and SDRP.EU (Poland).

The LIMENet project is co-funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe programme.

The post Surviving and Adapting: What Local Media Can Learn From Each Other  appeared first on Media4Change.

“I was inspired by stories showing how small, independent media initiatives can become powerful platforms for community voices — maintaining quality content while growing sustainably. ‘Mill Media’ in the UK proved that local journalism can thrive by staying closely connected to its audience.”

Shared Challenges Across Borders

For Vilija, one of the most valuable aspects of the event was exchanging experiences with fellow journalists from across Europe.

“Colleagues face similar challenges — reaching audiences, funding, integrating new technologies. We discussed common themes and potential cross-border projects.”

Among the names that left a strong impression were Douglas Arellanes, David Tvrdon, Peter Erdelyi, Ali Mahmood, and Sebastian Esser — people whose ideas quickly sparked new reflections and future plans.

“The insights helped me see our audience as active community members. I was inspired to explore new forms of engagement — from in-person meetings to interactive content that invites participation.”

When Journalism Becomes a Bridge

These reflections naturally led to the question: how can this be translated into daily practice?

Vilija shared a vision for what she would implement if her newsroom received support:

“I’d like to build a community engagement model — a platform that connects loyal listeners and offers them added value, encourages investigative journalism, supports local initiatives, and integrates more AI tools into our workflow.”

A Community That Strengthens Journalists

“Small newsrooms are often left alone to face major challenges. But international communities like Media4Change create space to share experiences, receive support, find opportunities for collaboration, and access knowledge that would otherwise be out of reach. Being part of a community strengthens journalists and helps their voices be heard across borders.”

 Thinking About Change? LIMENet Is Still Open for Applications

The LIMENet grant call remains open — a chance for local and community media to move toward meaningful change, with both structure and support.

• Apply by August 25
• Up to €20,000 in funding available
• Includes mentorship and access to an international network
• More info and application form
  

Questions? Reach out: [email protected]

LIMENet is implemented by a consortium led by the Media Diversity Institute Global (Brussels), in cooperation with the Media Diversity Institute Western Balkans (Serbia), Media4Change (Lithuania), and SDRP.EU (Poland).

The LIMENet project is co-funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe programme.

The post What Happens When Community Becomes a Platform: Insights From Innovation Fair appeared first on Media4Change.

About the project

This position is part of LIMENet (Local Innovative Media in Europe Network) – an international initiative aimed at strengthening local and community-based journalism. In many countries – from Lithuania to Georgia, from Serbia to Hungary – journalists are facing increasing political pressure, financial precarity, and marginalisation in the media landscape.

The community you’ll help shape will not be limited to these countries – it will be open to all those who believe in free and independent media and want to act together.

Your main tool – app.media4change.co

This dynamic international platform will be your main space for community building. There, you will:

• Share up-to-date learning materials and tools for journalists,
• Post relevant funding opportunities,
• Connect journalists, experts, and civil society members for cross-border collaboration,
• Build a culture of peer support and mutual motivation,
• Implement gamified elements to foster engagement and community vitality.

Your key responsibilities:

• Coordinate and activate an international community via app.media4change.co,
• Foster collaboration among journalists, experts, and civil society across different countries,
• Develop engagement strategies, support formats, and shape a shared community identity,
• Use digital tools to support communication and interaction – including newsletters, visual content creation, and information sharing,
• Contribute to platform development – from concept to implementation
• Initiate activities that build trust, resilience, and connection among members

What we’re looking for:

• Experience in coordinating communities, networks, or projects (especially in international settings),
• Ability to structure processes while remaining adaptive and empathetic,
• Understanding of journalism’s role in democracy (hands-on journalism experience is a plus, but not required),
• Creative, strategic thinking with a people-first mindset,
• Openness to or experience working with digital communication tools – such as newsletter platforms, basic visual design, or content planning tools,
• Strong command of English (additional languages are a plus),
• Location-independent – what matters most is your commitment to the mission

What we offer:

• Meaningful work with real impact on the future of journalism,
• An open, international, values-driven team,
• Space for your ideas – and support to make them happen,
• A chance to shape a platform that truly connects people,
• Flexible working hours and remote-friendly model,
• Salary: starting from €2000/month (depending on experience and competencies).

Start date: September–October 2025

How to apply

Fill out the application form by September 14 (inclusive):
application link

Questions? Contact us at: [email protected]

Useful links:

About us: media4change.co
The home of your future community: app.media4change.co
A project through which you can inspire change:
LIMENET – Local Innovative Media in Europe Network

The post We’re looking for a Network Activation Lead responsible for shaping community engagement across borders appeared first on Media4Change.

“What inspired me most were the ideas about regional journalism and engaging local audiences. That’s the core of our work as well, so it was valuable to validate what we do and gain new insights,” Domantas shared.

When Local Journalism Becomes the Voice of the Community

According to Domantas, one of the most powerful moments came from a speaker from the United Kingdom — not because of tools or business models, but because of the speaker’s approach to journalism in regional contexts.

“There were genuinely valuable talks that are applicable in our daily work and help align with our goals.”

Following the event, Domantas’s team established a collaboration with colleagues from Latvia, and the overall experience encouraged their newsroom to launch new projects — from acquiring better tools for information gathering to presenting stories in a more modern and engaging way.

“If we received LIMENet support, we would invest in tools that help us collect information faster and with higher quality, modernize how we present content to readers, and focus more on non-daily topics — the social issues that often get pushed aside due to time constraints.”

An Invitation to Think Bigger

“A united media is a strong media. That’s why events like this and collaboration with colleagues from other countries help us exchange ideas, reflect, and build connections.”

The ongoing LIMENet sub-grant call invites other local newsrooms to take similar steps — from inspiration and reflection to real action and change.

 Application deadline: August 25
 Support available: up to €20,000
 Includes mentoring and access to an international network of experts
 More information and application form

Key details:
– Open to media operating in Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Belgium, and Serbia;
– Eligible applicants include both registered media outlets and independent creators working locally;
– The sub-granting system is part of the EU’s Creative Europe programme under the project LIMENet – Local Innovative Media in Europe Network.

LIMENet is implemented by a consortium led by the Media Diversity Institute Global (Brussels), in cooperation with the Media Diversity Institute Western Balkans (Serbia), Media4Change (Lithuania), and SDRP.EU (Poland).

The LIMENet project is co-funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe programme.

The post From Experience to Action: The Strength of Regional Journalism Lies in Community appeared first on Media4Change.

When Decisions Grow Out of Community

Over three days, more than 50 local media professionals from seven countries came together in Budapest. Newsroom representatives exchanged daily challenges, explored sustainable models, and presented concrete solutions — from content strategies to funding mechanisms.

For Martynas, this experience helped reinforce existing plans and offered insight into how similar problems are being tackled elsewhere.

In addition to introducing a paywall, Atvira Klaipėda is planning to hire a new team member and offer new features for newsletter subscribers — a step toward a stronger relationship with their audience.

A Call for Newsrooms Ready to Act

Martynas’s story is just one example of how Innovation Fair encounters can turn ideas into concrete actions. These experiences show that even small newsrooms, without excess resources, can rethink their models and pursue more sustainable approaches.

Right now, the LIMENet sub-grant call is open for local and community-based media. It’s an opportunity for those already considering change — and looking for ways to make it real.

Application deadline: August 25
Support available: up to €20,000
Includes mentoring and access to an international network of experts
More information and application form

Key details:
– Open to media operating in Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Belgium, and Serbia;
– Eligible applicants include both registered media outlets and independent creators working locally;
– The sub-granting system is part of the EU’s Creative Europe programme under the project LIMENet – Local Innovative Media in Europe Network.

LIMENet is implemented by a consortium led by the Media Diversity Institute Global (Brussels), in cooperation with the Media Diversity Institute Western Balkans (Serbia), Media4Change (Lithuania), and SDRP.EU (Poland).

The LIMENet project is co-funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe programme.

The post From Spark to Strategy: A Moment for Local Newsrooms to Look Ahead appeared first on Media4Change.

“What inspired me most were the experiences of other small newsrooms. They showed that even with limited resources, you can create meaningful, engaging content that truly reaches the community,” Jurgita shared.

When Journalism Returns to the People

Over three days in Budapest, more than 50 representatives of local media from seven countries came together — from independent creators experimenting with new formats to long-established editorial teams seeking ways to stay resilient and sustainable.

“We had a great chat with a representative from Chayka in Latvia,” said Jurgita.
“Their insights on reaching younger audiences were very inspiring. Maybe we’ll try going in that direction too.”

While financial struggles, staffing shortages, and lack of tech came up, participants focused on what journalism can still be: close to people, creative in storytelling, and rooted in what truly matters.

From Everyday to Exceptional

A key source of inspiration was a talk by the founder of Mill Media. His motto — “Interesting before important” — resonated deeply.

For Jurgita, it sparked new reflections on how we talk to our audiences, especially younger ones.

“It was also very helpful to hear real stories about how other outlets secure and manage project-based funding,” she noted.
“That’s especially relevant for small newsrooms like ours, where there’s no dedicated person for writing or running projects.”

When Small Newsrooms Meet – Direction Emerges

“I wish more journalists could take part in initiatives like this,” Jurgita said.
“These meetings give more than contacts — they inspire through real examples.
Sometimes, all you need is to see that someone else has succeeded, and suddenly, the courage is there.”

And that’s the heart of LIMENet — not offering one-size-fits-all solutions, but creating space for newsrooms to grow together, share ideas, experiment, and clarify their direction.

Looking for More Than Inspiration?

The LIMENet sub-grant call is now open for local and community-based media outlets.
Support of up to €20,000 is available — along with mentoring, international connections, and access to a network of experts.

Application deadline: August 25

Learn more and apply here

Want to check if your idea fits?

You can still register for the online info session until July 18 by filling in the registration form.

Questions? Write to us: [email protected]

LIMENet is implemented by a consortium led by the Media Diversity Institute Global (Brussels), in cooperation with the Media Diversity Institute Western Balkans (Serbia), Media4Change (Lithuania), and SDRP.EU (Poland).

The LIMENet project is co-funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe programme.

The post From Budapest to Plungė: When Small Newsrooms See the Bigger Picture appeared first on Media4Change.

Irma Bagūnė, editor-in-chief of Etaplius, knows the answer. She represented Lithuania at the LIMENet Innovation Fair in Budapest, as part of the Media4Change delegation.

“I found not only new ideas but also meaningful collaboration and learning opportunities,” says Irma.

She was especially inspired by success stories about working with youth in media. The philosophy of Mill Media – “Interesting before important” – and Quindo’s experience of involving young people in content creation deeply resonated with her:

“People are ready to support the media – you just need to offer them something truly relevant and close to their lives.”

What did Irma bring back to her newsroom?

Concrete insights:

• how to make a news portal more attractive to younger audiences;
  
• how to produce more compelling stories rather than just short news items;
  
• how to use planning and digital tools to work more efficiently and achieve better quality.

“I heard success stories on sensitive topics we haven’t even dared to touch yet – not believing change was possible there.”

Now It’s Your Turn

LIMENet is more than a single conference – it’s a system of opportunities for newsrooms ready to make a difference.

We’re opening the call for LIMENet grants aimed at supporting local media initiatives that strive to:

• strengthen audience engagement;
  
• create inclusive, community-focused content;
  
• experiment with new collaboration and business models;
  
• receive professional mentorship.
  

Not sure where to start?
Register for our online info session by July 18. The session will be held on July 23.
During the session, we will:

• explain how to complete your application;
  
• discuss suitable project ideas;
  
• answer your questions live.
  

Register here (by July 18):
How to apply for a LIMENet Grant – Online Info Session
More about the grant system:
A new sub-granting scheme to empower journalism where it’s needed most

Change doesn’t require perfection – just readiness

As Irma’s story shows – inspiration is born from connection, and change starts with the first step.

Have questions? The Media4Change team is here to help.
Not part of our virtual community yet? It’s time to join.

LIMENet is implemented by a consortium led by the Media Diversity Institute Global (Brussels), in cooperation with the Media Diversity Institute Western Balkans (Serbia), Media4Change (Lithuania), and SDRP.EU (Poland).

The LIMENet project is co-funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe programme.

The post From Budapest to Your Newsroom: A Story That Inspires You to Apply for a LIMENet Grant appeared first on Media4Change.

Media4Change invites journalists, editors, freelancers, and media-focused organisations based in Lithuania to join this dedicated online session. It will introduce how to apply for funding through the international project LIMENET (Local Innovative Media in Europe Network) — an initiative aimed at strengthening journalism that operates close to communities, often with limited resources.

Application deadline: August 25, 2025
More about the LIMENET subgrant

What you will learn during the session:

– How the LIMENET subgrant works and what types of activities can be funded
– What mentorship support is available – from topic development to project implementation
– How to prepare a strong application and avoid common pitfalls
– How to test your content idea through bendra.lt, a collaborative journalism platform that enables feedback from audiences and experts
– How to join the Media4Change international community, connecting media professionals across Europe for shared learning and cooperation

Complete the registration form by July 15
The form also serves as a short preparation questionnaire — helping you reflect on your media’s needs and helping us tailor the session to your context.

This session can be your first step toward a funded project — and a more resilient, sustainable, and community-rooted media future.
Join us. Share with your Lithuanian media peers.

LIMENet is implemented by a consortium led by the Media Diversity Institute Global (Brussels), in cooperation with the Media Diversity Institute Western Balkans (Serbia), Media4Change (Lithuania), and SDRP.EU (Poland).

The LIMENet project is co-funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe programme.

Learn more about the project

The post How to apply for a LIMENet subgrant? Find out in the online session on July 23 appeared first on Media4Change.