Grants for intergenerational media education projects: an opportunity for rural communities and small towns in Romania and the region

The opportunity to build bridges between generations through media education

Projects focused on media education are taking on a new and necessary dimension in the context of accelerated digitalisation and today's fragmented information landscape. A funding procedure launched in December 2025 addresses this need by supporting intergenerational learning projects, with a focus on rural communities and small and medium-sized towns with populations under 50,000, in Bulgaria, Romania, Greece and Cyprus.

The initiative is multinational and aims to connect at least two of the following three social groups: young people, adults and older people. This approach encourages dialogue and the transfer of knowledge between different generations, enabling media literacy that equips people of all ages with the skills they need to navigate the complex landscape of modern media critically and with good information.

Context and relevance for Romania

Media education remains an essential but often under-explored field in Romania's rural areas and small towns, where access to digital resources and specialised programmes is limited. These grants encourage the creation of local projects that help narrow the gaps in access to accurate information, prevent disinformation and strengthen civic spirit.

Involving several generations in learning processes creates the conditions for a more cohesive community that is more resilient to the challenges of today's media environment. This initiative is particularly important not only for strengthening digital and media skills, but also for supporting social cohesion, which is much needed in communities with limited resources.

Key details of the funding procedure

• The call officially opens on 10 December 2025.
• The deadline for submitting projects is 6 February 2026.
• Projects must explicitly address interaction between at least two generations and focus on media education.
• The target geographical area includes rural areas and small and medium-sized towns with fewer than 50,000 inhabitants, in Romania, Bulgaria, Greece and Cyprus.

What entrepreneurs and interested organisations can do

For NGOs, educational institutions, cultural entities and locally active NGOs, this procedure offers a concrete opportunity to develop projects with real social and educational impact. From the perspective of entrepreneurs and local stakeholders, the initiative can indirectly contribute to revitalising communities, by creating spaces for intergenerational learning and dialogue, and by promoting media literacy as a pillar of sustainable development.

Next steps for those interested include:

• Reviewing the call documentation to understand the exact eligibility criteria and funding priorities;
• Identifying relevant partners from at least two age groups;
• Developing innovative projects that respond to the specific needs of the target communities;
• Preparing and checking your application before the submission deadline.

The importance of an intergenerational model in media education

In a world dominated by rapid changes in how information is produced, distributed and consumed, the emphasis on media education is becoming crucial. The ability to filter information, recognise fake news and understand the role of the media in society are critical skills for every citizen, regardless of age.

Intergenerational projects promote not only the transfer of digital and media skills, but also important social values – respect, dialogue and solidarity between generations. This type of learning can help reduce social isolation among older people and increase civic engagement among young people.

Conclusion

The initiative to fund intergenerational projects in media education opens a strategic window for the development of vulnerable communities in Romania and the partner countries. Through the active involvement of different age groups, these projects can bring greater social cohesion and resilience in the face of today's information challenges. For beneficiaries, accessing these small grants can be an important step towards strengthening local social and educational capital.

Want to find out what non-refundable funding you can access?

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