DRL Promoting and Protecting Local Journalists in Mexico

DRL aims to support journalists and independent media in Mexico facing threats and harassment with bespoke security assistance and to stem violence against journalists by reducing impunity. To this end, proposals should support outline activities to build their resiliency to threats that inhibit their ability to inform the public and provide accountability by i) documenting human rights violations of journalists; ii) providing holistic assistance to victims; and iii) Advocating for improved policies and laws in compliance with international standards that reduce impunity rates for attacks against journalists that support the ability of journalists and independent media outlets to exercise their fundamental freedoms, free from harassment, intimidation, and physical harm.

All programs should aim to have impact that leads to reforms and have the potential for sustainability beyond DRL resources. DRL’s preference is to avoid duplicating past efforts by supporting new and creative approaches. This does not exclude from consideration projects that improve upon or expand existing successful projects in a new and complementary way.

DRL is committed to advancing equity and support for underserved and underrepresented communities. In accordance with the Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Underserved Communities, programs should implement strategies for integration and inclusion of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries that can bring perspectives based on their religion, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, national origin, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, political affiliation, or veteran’s status. Programs should be demand-driven and locally led to the extent possible.

Funding Information

• Total Funding Ceiling: $500,000
• Total Funding Floor: $500,000
• Anticipated Number of Awards: 1
• Type of Award: Grant Period of Performance: 18-24 months
• Anticipated Time to Award, Pending Availability of Funds: 6-7 months

Activities may include but are not limited to:

• Monitoring the situation of journalists and investigating and documenting attacks;
• Providing legal assistance, psychosocial care, digital and physical safety to victims and at-risk journalists;
• Strengthening self-protection systems and networks;
• Strengthening strategic litigation strategies of local legal defense organizations with issue-specific expertise on freedom of expression and press freedom;
• Engaging with state authorities and national mechanisms like the Special Prosecutor for Attention to Crimes Committed against Freedom of Expression (FEADLE) to promote innovative strategies to improve investigations and reduce impunity for attacks against journalists;
• Implementing local and international advocacy initiatives targeting journalist networks, civil society, international human rights bodies, and appropriate government stakeholders.

Where appropriate, competitive proposals may include:

• Opportunities for beneficiaries to apply their new knowledge and skills in practical efforts;
• Solicitation of feedback and suggestions from beneficiaries when developing activities in order to strengthen the sustainability of programs and participant ownership of project outcomes;
• Input from participants on sustainability plans and systematic review of the plans throughout the life of the project, with adjustments made as necessary;
• Joint identification and definition of key concepts with relevant stakeholders and stakeholder input into project activities;
• Systematic follow-up with beneficiaries at specific intervals after the completion of activities to track how beneficiaries are retaining new knowledge as well as applying their new skills.

Activities that are not typically allowed include, but are not limited to:

• The provision of humanitarian assistance;
• English language instruction;
• Development of high-tech computer or communications software and/or hardware;
• Purely academic exchanges or fellowships;
• External exchanges or fellowships lasting longer than six months;
• Off-shore activities that are not clearly linked to in-country initiatives and impact or are not necessary per security concerns.

Eligibility Criteria

• DRL welcomes applications from U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernmental organizations (NGO) and public international organizations; private, public, or state institutions of higher education; and for-profit organizations or businesses. DRL’s preference is to work with non-profit entities; however, there may be some occasions when a for-profit entity is best suited.
• Applications submitted by for-profit entities may be subject to additional review following the panel selection process. Additionally, the Department of State prohibits profit to for-profit or commercial organizations under its assistance awards.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.