In this article in our series about media sustainability, Patrice Schneider, the Chief Strategy Officer for the Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF), explains the organisation’s approach to supporting independent media.
The MDIF model for media growth
The Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF) has a unique way of helping independent news outlets survive and thrive. It offers a special blend of financing combined with practical advice and deep, long-term support.
The MDIF method fills the gap between quick-fix donations (philanthropy) and investments that just aim to make the most money (profit-maximising investment). Instead, MDIF provides patient capital that aligns with a news organisation’s mission, ensuring that financial health and editorial independence go hand-in-hand.
MDIF acts as both a human rights group and an investment fund. Its core goal is to help build free, diverse, and lasting media systems in countries where independent journalism faces serious financial and political pressure. Importantly, MDIF’s support is always structured as an investment, not a grant, encouraging partners to grow toward financial sustainability.
MDIF offers several types of funding, including affordable loans, buying a stake (equity) in the company. All of these are designed to help media organisations expand while keeping their focus on serving the public interest.
Over the last 30 years, MDIF has invested more than $327 million in 157 media companies across 50 countries. This funding has supported everything from new digital startups to established publishers and broadcasters that serve communities often overlooked or vulnerable.
Unlike typical commercial investors, MDIF’s main objective isn’t just to make a large profit; it’s to align with the mission of the news organisation. This kind of mission-driven investment helps news ventures plan for the long term, strengthen their revenue models, and innovate without compromising independence. The approach creates value for society, ensuring journalism remains a public good rather than just a product to be sold for profit.
Advice, coaching, and change
A major part of MDIF’s path to sustainability is its Media Advisory Services (MAS). This support helps turn financial investment into a successful, self-sufficient business. Started in 1996, MAS gives media organisations the skills and knowledge they need to manage their business, develop their product, and understand their audience so they can succeed in difficult markets.
The support includes:
- Tailored advice from experts
- Hands-on mentorship (coaching)
- Peer learning (sharing with others in the same field)
- Workshops to address major business and editorial problems
These services cover six main areas:
- product development
- finding new income
- business planning
- audience growth
- day-to-day operations
- managing innovation – including AI
MAS adapts its approach for every client; this might mean helping with long-term plans, improving governance, or transforming digital strategies.
The results show that 70% of those who use MAS have increased both their audience size and their revenues. So far, MDIF’s programmes have provided more than $56 million worth of media management assistance.
How to get apply
For a media organisation to receive MDIF’s support, the first step is to align on mission and sustainability goals. MDIF looks for independent outlets that:
- Serve the public interest.
- Operate with editorial integrity (meaning they report honestly).
- Show they have the potential to last over the long term.
Those applying should clearly explain how they generate income and how an investment would help them grow their reach and impact. Having a solid business plan and showing a credible path to profitability are vital steps in preparing for a partnership.
Once a good match is found, media organisations can discuss a combination of investment and advisory support that fits where they are in their development – from a new digital newsroom testing revenue models to a regional network seeking capital to expand.
MDIF’s relationship is patient, personal, and ongoing: it builds trust over years, not just months.
Those wanting to partner with MDIF should first check the eligibility criteria. The next step is to apply for financing.
Editor’s note: MDIF is one of numerous organisations that MHM has worked with over many years
