Annual Program Statement (APS) for USAID Media Program
Issuance Date: 02/23/2024
Closing Date: 08/23/2024
I. SUMMARY:
The USAID Media Program is a five-year program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the International Research and Exchange Board (IREX). The USAID Media Program supports 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 intends to support innovative media actors and journalistic start-ups. USAID Media Program will provide grants and managerial guidance for initiatives which aim to support media and information outlets with new, sustainable approaches and business models for reaching communities and audiences with fact-based, civically-relevant content.
As consumption of news and current events content is constantly evolving and audiences are steadily migrating from single to multi-platform and social media domains, the New Business Model Grants Program seeks to provide modest financing to address evolving shifts in Georgia’s media landscape. The grants are intended to trigger and encourage experimentation with new, more financially sustainable journalistic models and support entrepreneurial journalism. In addition to funding support, USAID Media Program will support successful applicants in accessing relevant international models and lessons which can benefit their initiative.
The USAID Media Program encourages creative, out-of-box ideas and approaches to media, digital journalism and storytelling.
USAID Media Program will review candidates for the grants using a two-stage process. Applicants must first submit a short concept note, describing their business idea in brief.
Please click here to download the Annual Program Statement (APS) and concept note template.
III. LOCATION OF ACTIVITIES:
The geographic focus under consideration includes the following countries for regional activities: Georgia.
IV. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
- Preserve and strengthen an enabling environment that fosters press freedom and access to information.
- Increased business innovation and viability of media outlets.
- Increase the availability of civically relevant, fact-based, independent sources of information.
V. APPLICANTS ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
- Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
- Community Based Organizations (CBOs)
- Private Enterprises
- Professional Associations
- Foundations and Associations
VI. COST SHARE REQUIREMENTS
Not applicable.
VII. AWARD INFORMATION
- Estimated funding for individual projects: up to $15,000
- Maximum sub-grants to be awarded in this round: 5
- Grant duration: 4-8 months
- USAID Media Program may choose to fund selected application(s) fully or incrementally.
The USAID Media Program/IREX reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted.
IREX reserves the right to close this APS once available funding is no longer sufficient to fund new awards.
Only one application is accepted per organization or individual.