Journalism Funders Forum 2026: Philanthropy’s Role in Sustaining Democratic Journalism
The Journalism Funders Forum 2026 will take place on 16-17 March in Berlin under the theme of “Philanthropy’s Role in Sustaining Democratic Journalism”.
As Germany prepares for its state elections, one truth stands out: democracy cannot function without strong, independent journalism. When credible information erodes, public trust erodes with it and the space for extremism widens.
Yet across Europe, newsrooms are working with shrinking resources, making it harder to produce the reporting democracy depends upon. The economic model for quality journalism is breaking down faster than society can adapt, and the gap between what democracy needs and what the market can sustain is only growing.
Philanthropy is uniquely positioned to step into that gap with purpose and urgency. Funding journalism isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s a democratic safeguard. If we want informed voters, accountable power, and resilient communities, we must invest in the media that makes that possible.
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