Acelerate Fund for Independent Media and Content Creators – Cuba

The Accelerate Fund aims to provide opportunities for Cuban independent content creators and journalists.

Purpose

• The U.S. Embassy Havana invites proposals for Public Diplomacy (PD) programs that advance U.S. foreign policy goals in Cuba with a particular focus on advocating respect for human rights, encouraging safe and legal travel and migration, and building the cultural, educational, and private sectors to provide meaningful opportunities in Cuba.  All programs must include an American cultural element or a connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.  The proposed programs should promote communication, engagement, and/or dialogue between the United States and Cuba’s private sector and/or civil society.

Examples of grants programs include, but are not limited to:

• Programs that promote, educate, and encourage discussion about internationally recognized human rights.
• Programs that provide information, capacity building, mentorships, networking opportunities etc. to private Cuban businesses/entrepreneurs
• Programs that expand space in Cuba (in person or digitally) for discussion of the rights of traditionally marginalized populations, including women, the LGBTQ+ community, Afro-Cubans, and disabled populations.
• English language programs that focus on skills needed to work in the private sector.
• Programs to empower women and girls by providing life-skills such as financial literacy, entrepreneurship and innovation training, and access to education.

Examples of PAS Small Grants Programs Focus Areas on Independent Media and Content Creators:

• Support content production addressing challenging issues in Cuba, contributing to public debate and awareness.
• Funding for training workshops that allow independent journalists to refine their skills in the latest trends of quality journalism.
• Development of online platforms to support creating and disseminating online content reflecting diverse perspectives and voices.
• Grants to independent media creating relevant and accessible content for people with disabilities, increasing their participation in the democratic process.
• Development of mobile applications or other technologies providing resources and support to Cuban civil society, promoting democratic values, equality, and inclusion.

Program Priority Areas

• The program will support projects related to the following strategic objectives:
  • Promoting professional development, increasing impact, and strengthening the sustainability of Cuban independent content creators and journalists.
  • Empowering women, Afro-Cubans, LGBTQI+ creators, and other traditionally underserved populations.
  • Supporting social impact programs in neighborhoods and communities, benefiting marginalized populations.
  • Promoting the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities and enhancing their political and democratic participation.
  • Promoting new media like podcasting, comedy through information sharing, and using social media to share information.
  • Improving the quality of journalism and content served to Cuban audiences, transparency and diversity of the public space, promoting media literacy, and combating misinformation.
  • Raising awareness about the risks of irregular migration and promoting safe and legal alternatives.
  • Supporting the expansion of educational opportunities, especially for women, girls, Afro-Cubans, LGBTQI+ individuals, and people with disabilities.
  • Increasing physical or digital spaces that foster unpolarized discussions or debates on civil and socioeconomic issues.
  • Assisting in the understanding of independent media and audience trends.
  • Fostering cultural exchanges between the U.S. and Cuba, the flourishing of independent Cuban entrepreneurs, and developing the economy of media and content creators for Cuba.

Funding Information

• Total Funding Available: 68,800.00 USD
• Maximum of Each Award: 10,000.00 USD
• Minimum of Each Award: 1,000.00 USD

Desired Outcomes and Illustrative Indicators

• Beneficiaries must demonstrate that their projects have contributed to strengthening the landscape of independent media and content creators in line with the priorities of the U.S.-Cuba cooperation program. Preference will be given to proposals including a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan with objectives and anticipated results for key outcome indicators.
  • Results: Increase in the audience of independent media
    • Indicators: It is measured by the number of followers on social media, members in broadcast groups, website visits, or application downloads, reflecting the impact on the dissemination of independent content.
  • Results: Increase in the financial sustainability of independent media.
    • Indicators: Assessing whether independent media and creators are diversifying their funding sources, such as subscribers, donations, advertising, or sponsorships.
  • Results: Active participation of independent creators in events and conferences.
    • Indicators: It can be measured by the number of participations and presentations in events.
  • Results: Improvement in the quality of content
    • Indicators: Evaluating the quality of produced content through metrics such as user ratings, audience feedback, the amount of shared content, audience sentiment and objective correspondence to journalistic standards.
  • Results: Increase in the diversity of voices and perspectives.
    • Indicators: Assessing how many new independent creators have joined the movement and how many diverse voices and perspectives are represented in independent media.
  • Results: Increase physical and/or digital spaces of unpolarized debate or conversation.
    • Indicators: Assessing how many exchanges have been hosted between experts or community leaders, which generated public engagement in the form of participation or social media reactions.
  • Results: Amplify discussions or analysis on subjects which are of civil, and socioeconomic importance.
    • Indicators: Assessing how many pieces of media content (e.g. articles, podcasts, infographic) have been created towards that direction.

Eligibility Criteria

• Non-profit organizations:
  • Must have experience in implementing programs related to media and independent content for Cuban users.
• Independent media organizations and projects:
  • Must demonstrate a priority focus on issues relevant to Cuban civil society and citizens.
• Cuban individual and/or Cuban content creators:
  • Must be Cuban citizens producing content for Cuban audiences without affiliation with the Cuban government.
  • Must present a project or proposal related to independent media or creating independent content.
• Researchers and consultants:
  • Must demonstrate experience in knowledge management associated with independent media and content creators in Cuba.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Cuba.