Issuance Date: February 27, 2024

Closing Date: March 28, 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:

In media’s dynamic landscape, staying technologically relevant is paramount for media companies to maintain competitiveness and deliver high-quality content. Recognizing the need for continuous innovation, This RFA is aimed at facilitating the upgrade or purchase of production equipment for media companies. This initiative seeks to empower media organizations with modern, relevant, and efficient tools, fostering creativity, efficiency, and improved content delivery.

The grant pool will focus on supporting media companies across various platforms, including broadcasting and digital media:

• Upgrade of cameras, audio equipment, and lighting equipment.
• Implementation of post-production tools for enhanced editing and visual effects, including hardware and software. 
• Upgrading of livestreaming solutions, hardware, and software.
• Upgrading servers and storage solutions for efficient content management.
• Integration of virtual and augmented reality technologies for immersive content.

Please click here to download the Request for Application (RFA) and application and budget templates.

III. LOCATION OF ACTIVITIES:

The geographic focus under consideration includes the following countries for regional activities: Georgia.  

 

IV. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

1. Preserve and strengthen an enabling environment that fosters press freedom and access to information.
2. Increased business innovation and viability of media outlets  
3. Increase the availability of civically relevant, fact-based, independent sources of information.

 

V. APPLICANTS ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

• Applicants must be officially registered as a legal entity in Georgia and working in compliance with all applicable civil and fiscal regulations, including, but not limited to pertinent local laws and status. In lieu of official registration, an applicant may show proof of effort to secure registration, exemption from registration, or show cause why such registration is either not optional or practicable. 
• Meet the project objectives and principles. 
• Contain expected outcomes and results consistent with and linked to the project objectives. 
• Showcase a clear plan for how the upgraded equipment will enhance content quality and production efficiency.
• Have produced a high-quality body of work that consistently demonstrates adherence to strong editorial principles of neutrality, impartiality, and robust fact-checking.
• Be committed to upholding the principles of the Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics (GCJE), or similarly robust journalism principles. 
• Be a well-established media organization with the ability to reach a large audience.
• The applicant is not a debarred organization or individual. 

Eligible Entities:  

• National and regional broadcast media 
• National, regional, and local online media 

 

VI. Cost share Requirements:

Cost share is not required.

 

VII. Award Information

Subject to the availability of funds, IREX expects to award up to six in-kind subawards, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. The total amount available is $40,000. The expected duration of IREX’s support or the period of performance is 6 months. USAID Georgian Media Program /IREX reserves the right to fund any or none of the application submitted.

IREX reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted. Further, IREX reserves the right to make no awards as a result of this RFA.