Deadline for grant applications “Media literacy and resilience to misinformation” : May 17th

Internews’ Media Program in Ukraine (MPU), a project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), invites Ukrainian media organizations, media outlets and civil society organizations to submit project proposals to the Media Literacy Grants Competition. Internews will support projects that contribute to the Media Program objective of increasing public demand for quality information, especially, of streamlining media literacy efforts: • Support and expand media literacy efforts to more schools and other audiences, particularly in the East and South; • Improve citizen skills to determine quality media content; • Support media independence, increase the consumption of high-quality content; • Develop critical thinking tools to tackle disinformation through debunking efforts, and by networking journalists around the country. This grants competition is a focused but flexible mechanism that provides opportunities to design creative, innovative national and regional short-term projects. These initiatives will need to build media literacy among those outside the education system and through means beyond formal training sessions, especially for the most vulnerable groups. Grantees should demonstrate plans for soliciting the opinions of and/or reaching out to women and minority groups. Project selection will be based on applicants’ ability to demonstrate concrete achievements that show impact in the media sector. The average amount of awarded grants will be around US$20,000 for projects of up to six-months’ duration but larger proposals will be considered if concepts, budgets and time-lines are well justified. The Projects are expected to start from August 1. Proposed projects may include (but are not limited to) the following illustrative activities: • Producing balanced professional media content that is aimed at improving critical thinking of both media consumers and journalists and stimulating demand for better journalism by the general public; • Conducting media literacy campaigns engaging different audiences and encouraging consumers to develop their skills in weighing the credibility of information sources and facts; • Organizing a range of different types of media literacy and critical thinking activities, researching their effectiveness along the way, to help Ukrainians protect themselves against disturbing and false messages; • Supporting pop-up events at libraries or cafes that use issues such as elections to teach adults how to identify manipulation in media; entertaining TV and radio content; micro video campaigns featuring prominent influencers; or interactive performances and games; • Carrying out media monitoring to assess the quality and impartiality of coverage as well as covert attempts to manipulate public opinion. • Conducting outreach activities to promote the results of media monitoring, including through existing e-Library resources. Grant Proposal Writing Instructions: All proposals should be submitted in Times New Roman, 12 point, single space. The proposal structure includes the following sections: I. Cover Page – 1 page This page should contain the following information: A. Project Title B. Brief Project Description. In one paragraph, clearly and concisely summarize your project C. Organization. Name and contact information – mailing address, e-mail, phone, cell phone and website D. Project Coordinator. Full name and contact information – e-mail and cell phone E. An additional contact person who will follow the project’s progress. Full name and contact information – e-mail and cell phone F. Project Duration (in months) G. Amount Requested from MPU; in USD H. Your organization’s cost share contribution (10% of the amount requested from MPU) in USD. II. Program Description – 5 Pages Maximum A. Description of project goals and objectives connected to MPU objectives B. Activities to achieve project goals C. Expected results, outcomes, outputs and project impact D. Monitoring and evaluation tools and indicators E. Timetable (monthly) that explains project logic and implementation F. Partners G. Organization background – two paragraphs maximum III. Budget – Excel Format – Use this format: 2_BudgetTemplate_for_proposals The budget should describe major expense categories that show clear cost-effectiveness. The suggested cost share should be no less that 10 percent of the requested sum of the grant. Justification for each cost (budget line) should be inserted to the right of the tab. IV. Capacity and Previous Experience in Project Implementation – No More Than One Page: A. Business or Project Management Experience B. Previous Grants Received Internews encourages newly established organizations to submit proposals. If your organization is new to media project implementation, please refer to other relevant projects you have carried out, indicating the competence of primary employees and consultants to be responsible for implementing the proposed project. Deadline: Project proposals, in English and Ukrainian, marked “USAID-Internews Media Literacy Contest” to be submitted no later than May 17, 18:00 (Kyiv time). Proposals should be sent electronically to [email protected]. Telephone enquires can be made on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12 to 3pm at this number: 044-334-56-49/39. Proposal Evaluation Proposals which do not correspond to MPU’s priority activities and requirements will not be considered. A jury of independent experts will evaluate all proposals, compile a short list and select the winners. Please, note that only shortlisted and winning applicants will be contacted. Internews may contact an applicant organization if any additional information regarding the submitted proposal is required. Please note the project consideration process can take one calendar month. All awards are subject to available funding and USAID approval. Grant Selection Criteria Each proposal will receive an appropriate number of points according to the following criteria: 1. The cost share is no less that 10 percent of the requested amount. 2. The proposal offers an innovative approach for achieving the Media Program in Ukraine’s priorities. 3. The project can achieve expected results in the referenced period of time. 4. Recommended types of activities make achieving expected results possible. 5. The applicant demonstrates sufficient technical skills, experience and capacity to achieve the proposed activities. 6. The project budget is reasonable and cost effective. More details are available here.