Grants Competition: Media Literacy
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.
This grants competition is a focused but flexible mechanism that provides opportunities to design creative, innovative national and regional short-term projects. These initiatives may build media literacy among those in education and outside the education system and through means beyond formal trainings, especially for the most marginalized groups. Grantees should demonstrate plans for soliciting the engagement of and outreach to women and minority groups. Project selection will be based on applicants’ ability to demonstrate concrete achievements that show impact.
The average amount of awarded grants will be around US$25,000 for projects of up to six-months’ duration but larger proposals will be considered if concepts, budgets and time-lines are well justified.
Proposed projects may include (but are not limited to) the following illustrative activities:
· Concepts that specifically target Telegram users, to build their skills in filtering disinformation narratives on the platform;
· Ideas for popularizing media literacy and building resilience to disinformation in schools and universities, involving teachers and university educators, as well as students.
· Producing educational or entertaining content, video campaigns featuring prominent influencers; or interactive performances and games, aimed at improving critical thinking of specific target audiences that may be various demographics of media consumers, or journalists, or members of other professions etc., 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 disinformation;
· Supporting events at public places, libraries, cafes, or other spaces that engage adults with the problem of how to identify manipulation in media;
· Carrying out targeted 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 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 – email and cell phone
F. Project Duration (in months)
G. 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 – Must Use This Template BudgetTemplate_for_proposals
The budget should describe major expense categories that show clear cost-effectiveness. 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 January 15, 2023.
Proposals should be sent electronically to [email protected].
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 proposal offers an innovative approach for achieving the Media Program in Ukraine’s priorities.
2. The project can achieve expected results in the referenced period of time.
3. Recommended types of activities make achieving expected results possible.
4. The applicant demonstrates sufficient technical skills, experience and capacity to achieve the proposed activities.
5. The project budget is reasonable and cost effective.