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The International Fact-Checking Network Launches Sustainability Fund for Verification Organizations
Fact-checking organizations worldwide face unprecedented challenges as media landscapes shift, platform partnerships evolve, and traditional funding models undergo transformation. In response to these pressures, the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) at the Poynter Institute has announced the Global Fact Check Fund: SUSTAIN 2025, a targeted initiative designed to provide critical financial support to verification organizations navigating industry transitions.
The new program represents a strategic pivot from the IFCN’s previous funding approaches. While earlier rounds of the Global Fact Check Fund (launched in 2023 under the designations BUILD, GROW, and ENGAGE) focused on project-based initiatives, SUSTAIN explicitly addresses the need for core operational support during a period of reduced platform partnerships and changing economic realities.
“Many fact-checking organizations find themselves at a crossroads, particularly as tech company contracts and institutional funding arrangements conclude,” an IFCN representative explained. “SUSTAIN provides bridge funding that allows these vital information integrity watchdogs to maintain operations while developing more diverse and resilient revenue models.”
The fund will distribute grants of $30,000 USD to eligible organizations through two application windows – one beginning in November 2025 and another in February 2026. Only verified signatories to the IFCN Code of Principles with active or in-renewal status will qualify for consideration.
Unlike traditional project grants, SUSTAIN focuses specifically on organizational sustainability. Successful applications will demonstrate immediate financial challenges and present concrete plans for maintaining operations through the development of diverse revenue streams. Eligible activities include retaining essential staff, launching fundraising initiatives, implementing revenue diversification strategies, or investing in analytics tools that support long-term viability.
The program’s design reflects growing recognition of structural challenges facing the fact-checking ecosystem globally. As government initiatives conclude and platform companies reassess content moderation strategies, many verification organizations that expanded during the “infodemic” period now face difficult sustainability questions.
Applications will be evaluated by a panel including IFCN staff and regional experts familiar with local media markets. The review process prioritizes organizations that can document specific financial pressures while demonstrating that SUSTAIN funding would serve as one element of a comprehensive sustainability strategy rather than a sole lifeline.
“Strong applications will present well-thought-out ideas for sustainability over the next two years and include a variety of revenue sources, either existing or to be developed,” according to program guidelines.
Recipients must commit to a 24-month financial sustainability outlook showing how the funds address specific gaps while outlining additional funding sources being pursued. The grant performance period ranges from six to 12 months, with simplified reporting requirements compared to previous funding rounds.
The IFCN’s shift toward operational sustainability support comes amid growing concern about information integrity globally. As verification organizations face financial pressures, experts worry about potential gaps in the fact-checking landscape that could leave communities vulnerable to misinformation, particularly during election cycles and public health emergencies.
Organizations that have previously received IFCN funding must have completed and closed out those grants, including submission of final reports and approval of final payments, before becoming eligible for SUSTAIN awards.
The fund is administered by the IFCN with guidance from a steering committee comprising experts in fact-checking and leaders from verification organizations worldwide. Applications for the first round open November 6, 2025, with awards typically disbursed in January 2026.
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9 Comments
The challenges facing fact-checking organizations are significant, so this new fund from the Poynter Institute is a positive step. I hope it can provide the necessary support to help these groups continue their vital work in the face of evolving media dynamics.
The IFCN’s pivot to focus on core operational support is a smart move. Fact-checking organizations need stable funding to sustain their work, not just project-based grants. I’m hopeful this new fund will help address the challenges they face.
Interesting move by the Poynter Institute to launch this sustainability fund. Fact-checking is crucial in today’s media landscape, so supporting these organizations is vital. I’m curious to see how the fund will be distributed and what impact it will have.
You raise a good point. With the evolving media landscape, traditional funding models are being disrupted. This fund could help fact-checkers weather those changes and continue their important work.
The Global Fact Check Fund seems like a positive step, but I wonder if it will be enough to address the significant challenges facing fact-checking organizations. I hope the IFCN can secure additional long-term funding to ensure the sustainability of this critical work.
This is a welcome initiative, but I’m curious to know more about the selection criteria for the fund. Will it prioritize fact-checkers in certain regions or focus areas? Transparent and equitable distribution will be key to ensuring the greatest impact.
That’s a good point. The IFCN will need to carefully consider how to allocate the funds to ensure they reach the organizations that need it most, while maintaining fairness and objectivity in the process.
I’m glad to see the Poynter Institute taking action to support fact-checking groups. With the rise of misinformation, their work is more important than ever. I hope this new fund can provide the resources they need to continue their vital mission.
Agreed. Fact-checking is a crucial safeguard against the spread of false information. This fund could be a game-changer for many organizations that have been struggling to maintain their operations.