NOFO: Empowering Independent Media to Combat Hate Speech and Disinformation in Lebanon

DRL seeks a project with the objective of promoting a professional and independent media sector that contributes to building a pluralistic, inclusive, and cohesive society. Programs should seek to strengthen the resilience of independent media actors, and to support their efforts in producing fact-based reporting and media content on rights-based issues that represent citizen’s concerns, including those concerning marginalized groups.

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.

Objectives

• Program objectives should include at least one of the following:
  • Independent media outlets can produce fact-based reporting and reliable coverage of issues of public interest.
  • Independent media outlets produce content that effectively counters attacks against marginalized communities.
  • Independent media outlets and journalists can compete with traditional media outlets and resist government harassment.

Funding Information

• Total Funding Floor:  $750,000
• Total Funding Ceiling:  $1,150,000
• Anticipated Number of Awards:  1-2 awards
• Period of Performance:  18-24 months

Outcomes

• Proposed projects must be designed to achieve at least one of the following outcomes:
  • Access to fact-based content and reliable information on issues of public importance, such as corruption, economic mismanagement, and abuse of power, is increased.
  • Independent media outlets’ ability to counter hate speech and negative rhetoric against vulnerable communities is enhanced.
  • Independent media outlet’s capacity to respond to politically-motivated targeting is strengthened.
  • Independent media outlets’ influence and reach with new segments of the population is expanded.
• Illustrative program approaches, where appropriate, may include at least one of the following:
  • Supporting independent media outlets to investigate and develop fact-based, quality reporting on rights issues of public concern;
  • Countering mis- and disinformation as well as negative rhetoric targeting marginalized communities;
  • Improving content development and community-based journalism by engaging under-represented and vulnerable communities on rights-related issues of community concern;
  • Evaluating data obtained from major media outlets to help increase the quality and credibility of reporting on issues relevant to the Lebanese public;
  • Engaging the public in awareness campaigns that counter inflammatory speech and promote unbiased narratives;
  • Providing independent media with technical assistance that improves organizational capacity, financial stability, and operational security;
  • Building connections between media actors and civil society organizations representative of diverse communities and perspectives.

Ineligible Activities

• 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;
  • Theoretical explorations of human rights or democracy issues, including projects aimed primarily at research and evaluation that do not incorporate training or capacity-building for local civil society;
  • Micro-loans or similar small business development initiatives;
  • Initiatives directed towards a diaspora community rather than current residents of targeted countries.

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.  Profit is defined as any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs.  The allowability of costs incurred by commercial organizations is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 48 CFR 30, Cost Accounting Standards Administration, and 48 CFR 31 Contract Cost Principles and Procedures.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.