Strengthening the Internal Capacity of the Independent Journalists’ Association of Vojvodina

The organization primarily relies on project funding, making its stability contingent on securing donor support that aligns with its objectives. As a resource center for journalists, maintaining financial stability is critical for IJAV.

In the first half of this year, IJAV encountered significant operational challenges due to serious threats against its leaders, including death threats. This situation strained resources, shifted focus to security issues, and created immense stress for staff, complicating grant applications and jeopardizing financial stability.

Despite these challenges, from January to early September, IJAV implemented five projects—one currently in the reporting phase—and is executing five additional projects, including a core grant. Of the 18 project applications submitted, 10 were rejected, 5 were approved, 2 are under evaluation, and responses are pending for 3. Recent grants have enabled IJAV to upgrade outdated equipment and enhance its technical capacity, with necessary work licenses also obtained.

Continuing our activities is crucial, as previous projects have significantly enhanced our operations and helped us achieve our objectives. We are committed to developing additional projects, believing that safeguarding media freedom is vital for a democratic society. Our mission remains steadfast: to provide a platform for free and professional journalism, essential for informing the public and upholding social responsibility.

Our events have notably boosted visibility and community engagement, yielding valuable content for our social media platforms. The authentic photos, videos, and live streams generated foster active audience participation, enhancing our online presence. As we engage with donors who share our commitment to democracy and media independence, we align our goals with theirs to address critical issues. Despite the challenges faced, we remain hopeful that we have successfully navigated this period, allowing us to continue our mission with renewed determination.