If you have an innovative media technology idea, you might be able to
get funding from the Knight News Challenge contest.

Run by the Knight Foundation, the grant competition awards up to $5
million annually for innovative projects that use digital technology
to transform the way communities send, receive and make use of news
and information.

More info can be found here: http://newschallenge.org. The site
includes application information, as well as details about past
winners.

This year’s application deadline is December 1. The News Challenge is
looking for applications in four categories: mobile, authenticity,
sustainability and community.  All projects must make use of digital
technology to distribute news in the public interest.

The contest is open to anyone in the world.

A simple description of the project is all you need to apply. Submit a
brief pitch to http://newschallenge.org. If the reviewers like it,
you’ll be asked to submit a full proposal later.

If you have questions you can a) reference the FAQ:
http://www.newschallenge.org/frequently-asked-questions, or; b) check
the archived chat transcript here:
http://www.newschallenge.org/1026-live (another live chat will be held
before the end of the contest period, time/date TBD)