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Annual Program Statement: Major Events Response Coverage Initiative

Annual Program Statement: Major Events Response Coverage Initiative

PUBLIC NOTICE 

ANNUAL PROGRAM STATEMENT (APS)  

For USAID Media Program 

 

Issuance Date: April 24, 2024

Closing Date: October 24, 2024

 

I. SUMMARY: 

The USAID Media Program in Georgia is a five-year program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by IREX. The program envisions a vibrant, resilient, networked media sector that provides Georgia’s citizens and diverse communities with the civically relevant, fact-based independent information they need to build a more just, prosperous, and inclusive society. 

 

II. PURPOSE: 

USAID Media Program through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking concept papers first and then full applications from media outlets to support objective, fact-based coverage of evolving and breaking national news stories that provide comprehensive and timely non-partisan news about urgent, breaking news events of national significance, in a range of news formats. Concept notes should only be submitted when a major event has occurred or is known to be about to occur.  

Media outlets may propose creating a series of stories, visual illustrations, investigative materials, or employing other approaches to offer the public detailed, unbiased, and fact-based information on urgent, breaking news events of national significance. This grant pool is specifically intended to expand fact-based news coverage of such events and does not seek to support advocacy campaigns of any type.  

This grant aims to ensure impartial and timely coverage of high-impact events that may occur unexpectedly and have a substantial influence on a broader audience.  The USAID Media Program encourages creative ideas and innovative approaches to media, digital journalism, and storytelling.   

The USAID Media Program will review proposals using a two-stage process. Applicants must first submit a concept paper of no more than 1 page to the USAID Media Program before submitting a full proposal. Concept papers must meet the identified needs of this solicitation.  Concept notes should only be submitted when a major event has occurred or is known to be about to occur. 

Please click here to download the Annual Program Statement (APS) and the concept paper template for the Major Events Response Coverage Grant.  

 

III. LOCATION OF ACTIVITIES: 

The geographic focus under consideration includes the following countries for regional activities: Georgia. 

 

IV. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES: 

  1. Preserve and strengthen an enabling environment that fosters press freedom and access to information.  

  1. Increased business innovation and viability of media outlets    

  1. Increase the availability of civically relevant, fact-based, independent sources of information.  

 

V. APPLICANTS ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 

Eligible Entities:   

  • Georgian nongovernment organizations with a strong track record of media publishing and a wide audience   

  • Georgian national, regional, and local online media    

 

VI. Cost share Requirements: 

Cost share is not required. 

 

VII. Award Information: 

  • Total amount: $60,000. 

  • Estimated funding for individual projects: up to $8,000.  

  • Maximum sub-grants to be awarded: 10. 

  • Grant duration: 1-3 months.  

  

The USAID Media Program/IREX reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted.