Media literacy funding
Coimisiún na Meán has a statutory remit around promoting media literacy initiatives and activities. We see media literacy as a lifelong learning journey. Funding opportunities may be made available for projects and initiatives that are in line with our Media Literacy Policy (PDF) and other priority areas.
Media Literacy Countering Disinformation
Disinformation is a growing challenge. We launched a call for submissions for funding for specific media literacy initiatives in 2026. A total of €200,000 was made available to fund organisations that can deliver media literacy activities in line with the National Counter Disinformation Strategy (NCDS) to help address the harmful effects of disinformation. This was the first of two calls to issue in 2026, and is now closed.
Successful funding recipients for Call 1 submissions:
| Applicant | Project | Funding Award in Principle |
|---|---|---|
| DCU FuJo/EDMO Ireland | Mainstreaming Media Literacy a Response to Disinformation: Sectoral Perspectives and Implementation Needs | €50,003 |
| Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) | Media Literacy / Countering Disinformation | €68,950 |
| Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) | Skills for Life Information Integrity Project | €150,000 |
Media Literacy Countering Disinformation Micro Fund & Innovation Fund
We are seeking applications for grant funding for media literacy initiatives under our Media Literacy Countering Disinformation Micro Fund and Media Literacy Countering Disinformation Innovation Fund.
A total of €100,000 is available for organisations that can deliver media literacy activities in line with the National Counter Disinformation Strategy (NCDS) published on 17 April 2025. This is the second of two calls issued in 2026. This call for submissions consists of Strand A and Strand B.
Strand A: Media Literacy Countering Disinformation Micro Fund
Strand A will seek to provide micro-grants for community-based media literacy activities, with grants ranging from €500 up to a maximum of €3,000 per application.
Strand A welcomes applications from organisations and bodies embedded within communities (community and voluntary groups, including Broadband Coordinators in Local Authorities, Local Action Groups and community training programmes). Funding received should be used to develop, facilitate, enhance or deliver media literacy activities at a local level.
What can be funded or supported under this call?
This fund aims to provide support to community and voluntary organisations to deliver in-person media literacy activities. In-person activities must take place in Ireland and be free for participants to attend. Applications from all counties across the country are sought.
Some potential examples include but are not limited to:
- Awareness-raising events about the impact of mis- and disinformation for your community.
- Drop-in clinics, community cafés and hubs that foster digital literacy skills (e.g. how to spot mis- and disinformation, how to avoid scams).
- Talks or presentations by media literacy, fact-checking or mis- and disinformation experts.
- Development of exhibitions and/or printed resources in community spaces (e.g. raising awareness of the risks of mis- and disinformation).
- Developing and delivering community-based workshops on media literacy and verifying information and promoting critical thinking (e.g. using the Be Media Smart ‘Stop, Think, Check’ message and resources).
- Identifying and developing media literacy trainers/facilitators within your community.
Examples of activities that cannot be supported under this call include the production of films, television or radio programmes, or the recording of podcasts, and/or sponsoring of activities. For opportunities in the latter areas, our other funding programmes may be of interest.
Strand B: Media Literacy Countering Disinformation Innovation Fund
Strand B will seek to provide grants to collaborative innovation projects up to a maximum of €25,000 per application.
Strand B is intended for applications from any consortium of two or more bodies. Funding received should be used to counter disinformation through media literacy activities at regional or national level.
What can be funded or supported under this call?
Some potential activities are identified below. This list is not exhaustive:
- Pilot programmes, events, activities and workshop series on media literacy and verifying information to promote critical thinking skills.
- Research studies that focus on the use of media literacy activities to counter disinformation and related areas.
Examples of activities that cannot be supported under this call include activities that do not have a media literacy focus or do not have an innovative element or a new component (e.g. reaching a new audience or launching a new publication, resource or study).
For both Strands A and B, eligible costs may include personnel costs (e.g. for trainers, researchers, speakers and facilitators), printing, catering, tea/coffee for participants, travel expenses, accounting fees, and, in specific and limited circumstances, capital costs.
How to apply
Please see the Guidelines for Applicants and Application Form for all relevant information on applying to this dedicated Media Literacy Countering Disinformation Micro Fund (Strand A) and Innovation Fund (Strand B).
- Guidelines: Applicants for Micro Fund – Strand A (PDF)
- Microsoft Form: Micro Fund – Strand A
- Guidelines: Applicants for Innovation Fund – Strand B (PDF)
- Application form: Innovation Fund – Strand B (Word)
The closing date for applications for the Micro and Innovation Funds is 12 noon, 9 October 2026.
A webinar for prospective applicants will take place on MS Teams at 12 noon on Wednesday, 16 September 2026. Applicants are invited to register for the event.