Netzpolitik.org has published its transparency report for the third quarter of 2026, detailing its income, expenses and ongoing fundraising campaign. The organization said its work depends on donations used to support journalism and defend fundamental and civil rights.
The organization reported €218,843 in donations between July and September. That figure was slightly more than 15 percent above its quarterly plan, helped by a €15,000 major donation received in September. Despite weaker results at the beginning of the year, donations were €222 above the cumulative target at the end of the quarter.
Total revenue for the quarter amounted to €228,638. Donations accounted for almost 96 percent of that total. The remaining income came from regular sources, including online shop sales, the use of publications in press reviews and a subsidy connected to a voluntary service position, as well as other revenue such as sickness-related reimbursements and interest income.
Personnel expenses reached €232,571, around €5,000 below the amount projected in the staffing plan. The organization attributed part of the saving to a scholarship from Netzwerk Recherche for one of its trainees. Material expenses totaled €64,482, approximately €13,300 below budget, partly because some costs planned monthly arise only at specific points during the year and because consultancy and training expenses had not yet been incurred.
Together, personnel and material costs amounted to €297,053 during the quarter. The organization also spent €15,900 on its Reichweite project, primarily for final work on software used to manage donation data and related personnel costs. The software went live during the third quarter. Netzpolitik.org said just under €97,800 remains in the project budget, earmarked mainly for social media and donation-management personnel costs and fundraising consultancy through the end of 2027.
The preliminary result for the third quarter was a deficit of €68,400. This was €44,000 less than the planned deficit of €112,400, reflecting stronger income and lower personnel and material expenses. Netzpolitik.org said a deficit during the first three quarters does not cause particular concern when it remains within expectations, as previous experience suggests the annual year-end campaign can offset it in the fourth quarter.
The current fundraising campaign, titled “The house is on fire. We’re going in,” seeks 300 recurring donors, described by the organization as “fire-safety helpers.” Monthly contributions starting at €5 are accepted, with the organization saying that recurring donations would reduce the need to pre-finance expenses during the year and release funds for its work.
The report also links the campaign to what Netzpolitik.org describes as growing political pressure, rising living costs and restrictions on civil rights. It says the organization wants to investigate legislation, publish documents, highlight threats to fundamental rights and support civil-society networks.
Sources: netzpolitik.org.