Journalism Funders Forum is a new European community that is changing how philanthropists and journalists engage with one another. Through engaging case studies, unseen research and open discussion, our network and events explore key editorial, ethical, financial and technological questions with world-class experts. We aim to build trust and provide a blueprint for future collaboration.

The events bring stakeholders from both sides together, point them towards cooperation opportunities, build a foundation of trust between them, and help develop appropriate ethical guidelines that respect journalism’s integrity and independence, while enabling philanthropies to support their respective causes. The events are often underpinned by a stock-taking study that analyses existing funding partnerships in Europe as well as the lessons learned so far.

The events have been organised by the European Journalism Centre, with the kind co-operation of around 50 organisations and individuals, and the financial support of Democracy & Media Foundation, Adessium Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The number of freelance journalists across Europe has been growing over the past years. More and more professionals are going freelance - partly of their own choice, partly due to the newsrooms’ reorganisation processes. This transition creates increasing professional and personal challenges for freelancers, mostly related to economic sustainability, the need to work in an international environment, and the capacity for building new connections.

Freelance journalists need a support network more than ever. This is why the Assembly was created, to provide the space and the support the community needs.

At the Assembly, freelance journalists will acquire skills and build connections to face their professional and personal challenges through online training sessions and mentorship, networking opportunities and a major face-to-face event to be held in 2021.

The goal of the Assembly is to serve as a meeting point where freelancers will gather and work together to strengthen the resilience of the freelance journalism community in Europe.

In 2020 the programme covers the following topics essential to freelance journalists: personal branding & audience engagement, personal finances & entrepreneurial skills, well-being & safety, and pitching & negotiation.