Call for Proposals: Support for Independent Media Grant Program (Moldova)

The objective of the project is to strengthen and develop the local production capacity of Moldovan media in the interests of providing a plurality of views, supporting editorial independence, and increasing the quality of domestically produced media in Moldova.It also aims to improve Moldovans’s ability to critically assess mass media and social media, and to support qualified organizations that can increase the level of professionalism of Moldovan journalists and media outlets.

The Embassy invites applicants to identify and extend existing good practices and to include in their proposals a discussion of how the proposal does not duplicate existing activities undertaken by other entities.

Proposals may cover all types of media tools and channels – social interaction and social media as well as mass media. Proposals are free to target any audience within Moldova, but should not be targeted at the whole of Moldova.  Successful proposals will identify and target a specific subset of the population and should clearly explain why targeting that demographic group is important.

Program Objectives

• This proposal plans to fund a diverse range of programs.
  • Support independent news and information media outlets (broadcast, online, or print) that are committed to factual, objective and thorough reporting on issues relevant to Moldova’s economic and political development;
  • Develop the institutional capacity, competitiveness, and sustainability of independent media outlets;
  • Support innovative approaches to using technology, including alternative delivery platforms, to more effectively inform Moldovan audiences on issues relevant to Moldova’s economic and political development;
  • Upgrade media outlets’ online presences, including improved security and resilience against hacking and other threats;
  • Develop and strengthen media outlets on the regional and local level in the Republic of Moldova.

Funding Information

• Total available funding: $1,500,000
• Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $100,000
• Length of performance period: 12 to 36 months
• Number of awards anticipated: 10+ awards (dependent on amounts)

Participants and Audiences

• Successful proposals should include an assessment and sustainability plan, along with feasible solutions to current issues in the media market.
• Interested organizations shall develop a plan that would fit the above stated priorities into a comprehensive development strategy.
• This funding opportunity is authorized by the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible Applicants
  • The following organizations are eligible to apply:
    • Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations officially registered in the Republic of Moldova
    • Mass media registered as Limited Liability Companies.
  • The Public Diplomacy Section reserves the right to request additional background information on applicants that do not have previous experience administering federal grant awards, and these applicants may be subject to limited funding on a pilot basis.
  • Please note: The Department of State prohibits profit under its assistance awards to for-profit projects.  No funds will be paid as profit to any recipient.  Profit is defined as any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs. The permissibility of costs incurred by commercial organizations is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 48 CFR Part 31, Cost Accounting Standards, and Part 31 Contract Cost Principles and Procedures.  Program income earned by the recipient must be deducted from the total project or program allowable cost in determining the net allowable costs on which the federal share of costs is based.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.