Global Ireland Media Challenge Fund

In the context of the Global Ireland Strategy, the Department of Foreign Affairs established the Global Ireland Media Challenge Fund ('the Fund').

The objective of the Fund is to support the provision of information about major geo-political developments and the changing nature of Ireland’s role in the world, to the public in Ireland, by helping build the capacity of Irish media outlets to undertake international reporting.

A core principle of the Global Ireland Media Challenge Fund is editorial independence. Accordingly, following the allocation of funding to organisations to support their coverage of international issues, the Department of Foreign Affairs does not direct the organisations in terms of the projects selected, the tone of the coverage, or the allocation of staff to carry out this work.

The Fund was first established on a two-year basis. A review of the pilot was conducted in Q1 2024, following which the Department confirmed the continuation of the Fund for a further two years, at which point the initiative will be reviewed.

During the prescribed application periods, applicant organisations are invited to submit proposals via an application form which will be published here once the application window opens.

Applications will only be accepted during the application window.

Applicants are advised to read the Fund Terms of Reference (TORs) in advance of applying. The TORs outline eligibility criteria and the factors taken into account when assessing applications.

Global Ireland Media Challenge Fund: Terms of Reference

Applications are reviewed by the Expert Advisory Panel (EAP). The EAP feedback and applications are shared with the Global Ireland Media Challenge Fund/GIMCF Evaluation Committee for final evaluation and recommendation to the Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs, who is the final decision maker for funding awarded through the GIMCF.

Awards under Global Ireland Media Challenge Fund

Awards under Global Ireland Media Challenge Fund

Awards under Global Ireland Media Challenge Fund

To provide objective input into the pilot process, DFA authorised the establishment of an external panel to support the objectives of and help ensure quality and good governance of the Fund. This Panel was composed of independent experts from the media and journalism sector who provided advice and feedback on applications to inform the DFA-decision making process on applications to the Fund.

The Expert Advisory Panel in place for the pilot phase of the Fund has now been dissolved and a new EAP will be established in 2025 for a 2-year period via a public call for expressions of interest. A list of panel members will be published once established.

Call for Expressions of Interest: Expert Advisory Panel for the Global Ireland Media Challenge Fund

All enquires related to the Global Ireland Media Challenge Fund should be addressed to GIUMediaChallenge@dfa.ie.