SECTION I - FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

1. Description of the Proposed Program

Background

YouThink is a five-year program working with youth to help them navigate and shape an information ecosystem that informs and engages rather than divides and polarizes. The YouThink consortium’s experience      demonstrates both short and long-term strategies  are necessary to strengthen youth resilience to manipulative information tactics, including to proliferation of targeted disinformation, and foster critical thinking skills so youth and citizens can engage with information systems and their communities in a responsible way.

Working with youth and local organizations and institutions as partners, contributors, stakeholders, and agents for change, including the Ministry of Education and Science (MOES), its Bureau for Development of Education (BDE), and the State Examination Center (SEC), IREX builds on the existing momentum for changes in the education system and draws on the in-depth expertise around media literacy in North Macedonia to support a coordinated, locally-led effort to fully leverage the best principles for use of modern media literacy.

The misuse of digital technologies and manipulation of information continue to rise. This global problem is among the most urgent threats to democratic principles and civic participation, both globally and in North Macedonia. The unprecedented volume, speed, and reach of manipulative information across largely unregulated digital platforms negatively affects millions of people. Macedonian watchdogs, CSOs, governments, and others seeking to address this challenge lack options and tools to detect, prevent, and mitigate the spread of manipulation across the country’s information space where it impacts individuals, communities, and Macedonian politics and public life. 

Program Objectives

In response to the escalating misuse of digital technologies and the manipulation of information globally and within North Macedonia, YouThink has identified a critical objective to enhance the whole-of-society capacity in North Macedonia to counter the proliferation of mis-, dis-, and mal-information (MDM).

The unprecedented volume, rate, and reach of manipulative information across largely unregulated digital platforms negatively affects millions of people. Macedonian watchdogs, CSOs, government agencies, and others seeking to address this challenge lack options and tools to detect, prevent, and mitigate the spread of manipulation across the country’s information space where it impacts individuals, communities, and Macedonian politics and public life. Under this program objective, YouThink is soliciting creative and effective solutions from eligible organizations. The focus is on fostering diverse local responses to address vulnerabilities in the Macedonian information space.  

YouThink aims to facilitate a multi-stakeholder effort that not only responds to the challenges posed by mis-, dis-, and mal-information but also contributes to building a resilient and informed society in North Macedonia. Through this program, Applicants are expected to share valuable insights, disseminate outcomes to the broader community, and collectively contribute to the ongoing battle against digital manipulation.

The specific LOTs for application should serve as areas of interest for potential grant funding under this APS:

LOT 1: Diverse local responses that address vulnerabilities of the Macedonian Information Space and reduce polarization

Examples of potential proposals include: establishing responsible and transparent mechanisms to safeguard information integrity; training, capacity building and actions to promote  information integrity  for various stakeholders and/or demographic sub-groups of citizens; enhancing  knowledge and skills; and raising awareness  related to MDM narratives; technology (app) development to address the proliferation of MDM narratives; etc.

LOT 2: Strengthening information integrity in the online space

            Examples of potential proposals include: support to local media outlets  (online preferably, and, if arguments are made to justify engagement with, other types like TV, print, radio, etc.) to improve content development; content creation; audience engagement; capacity building for MDM and other support activities that focus on pre and debunking of MDM narratives; etc.

LOT 3: The use of Artificial Intelligence and technology in strengthening information integrity

Examples of potential proposals include: creative endeavors focused on development of applications, resources and other tools and applications that address digital manipulations such as deep fakes, photo manipulations and other synthetic media products; etc.  

2. Administration of Subawards

USAID Standard Provisions for non-U.S. Non-Governmental Organizations would apply.

Applicants may obtain copies of the referenced material at the following websites:

• 2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 700
• Standard Provisions for Non-U.S., Nongovernmental Recipients: https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/303mab.pdf

 

SECTION II- AWARD INFORMATION

1. Estimated Funding Level

The total amount of funding currently available for this APS is approximately $ 35,000 per grant for a period of 7 to 12 months of implementation. The number of subawards and amount of available funding is subject to change.

2. Anticipated Start Date of this Subaward and Performance Period

IREX/YouThink anticipates the earliest start date upon award to be from April 1st, 2024, onward, with a performance period of 7 to 12 months.

3. Subaward Type

IREX/YouThink will award either a Fixed Amount Awards or Cost Reimbursable Subawards (hereafter called Agreement), based on Applicant’s risk assessment level.

 

SECTION III- ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Applicant is an organization or individual legally registered as a non-profit and non-governmental organization (CSO) in North Macedonia:
   1. Be officially registered in North Macedonia and working in compliance with all applicable civil and fiscal regulations, including, but not limited to pertinent local laws and status.
   2. 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.
2. Applicants are eligible for USAID funding:
   1. Have or are willing to register for a Unique Entity ID (UEI)
   2. Able to sign ADS 303 Certifications, Assurances, Representations, and Other Statements of the Recipient
   3. Do not have any active exclusions in the System for Award Management, does not appear on the Specifically Designated Nationals (SDN) and Blocked Persons List maintained by the U.S. Treasury for the Office of Foreign Assets Control, and is not listed in the United Nations Security designation list.
3. Concepts were submitted before the deadline with all requested information and sections completed.
4. Applicant is based in and focused on implementation in North Macedonia.
5. Applicant does not have a conflict of interest due to engagement of their representatives in YouThink program as staff, YouThink partner organizations, URA member, and/or other positions of influence.
6. Application meets the project’s objectives and principles.
7. Submitted Concepts address expected outcomes and results consistent with the project objectives.

This APS is issued as a public notice to ensure that all interested and qualified organizations have a fair opportunity to submit applications for funding. Eligible organizations could include, for example, foundations, non-governmental organizations, faith-based organizations (FBOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), host country organizations, private organizations affiliated with public academic institutions and international non-governmental organizations, private companies, professional associations and consortiums of the above.

If interested to apply, other types of media organizations or content creators are encouraged to partner and collaborate jointly with CSOs on applications that the organization will submit.

Establishment requirements:

Applicants need to be established in accordance with the Law on Associations and Foundations of Republic of North Macedonia.

Application limitations:

• Applicants are allowed to submit 1 (one) Concept Note for each of the LOTS they are interested in.
• A selected CSO can receive only 1 grant under this call.

 

SECTION IV- APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1.  Application Process (rolling basis)

IREX/YouThink will review proposals on a rolling basis. Applicants must first submit a concept paper of no more than 4 pages (without Annexes) in the provided format before submitting a full proposal. Concept papers must meet the identified needs of this APS. Please note the following:

Do not submit a full proposal unless requested by IREX. Only upon receipt of positive feedback on the concept paper is the Applicant formally requested to develop a full proposal for consideration, using the criteria below.

The concept paper must be submitted in accordance with the instructions in section IV B below.

2. Concept Paper

In the first stage, all interested Applicants are required to submit a short technical concept paper no longer than 4 pages that is specific, complete and concise. The concept paper should demonstrate Applicant’s capabilities and expertise with respect to achieving the goals of this program. The instructions for developing the concept paper should consider the instructions listed in the Concept Paper Instructions.

Concept papers will be evaluated based on responsiveness to the APS, appropriateness of subject matter, and creativity. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their proposed work will contribute to YouThink’s objective to address the proliferation of mis-, dis-, and mal-information in North Macedonia.

Concept Paper Instructions

The concept paper must be submitted in Arial 11 pt. font and must include page numbers. Each page must be marked with the APS title and number.

Prepare the application for the concept paper according to the structural format set forth below:

1-Cover Page (no more than one (1) page). The cover page must include:

1. Name of the organization
2. Address of organization
3. Type of organization (e.g., for-profit, non-profit, university, etc.);
4. Contact point (lead contact name; relevant telephone, fax, e-mail information);
5. Names of other organizations (federal and non-federal as well as any other USAID offices) to whom you are submitting and/or have submitted the application and/or who are funding the proposed activity; and
6. Signature of authorized representative of the applicant.

2-Technical approach (no more than 4 pages): This section should address the program summary and selected objectives from Section I of this document and should include:

1. Concise title and objectives of proposed activity;
2. LOT applying for;
3. Discussion of the objectives, the method of approach, the amount of effort to be employed, the anticipated results, and how the work will help accomplish YouThink objectives;
4. Brief outline of anticipated activities; and
5. Type of support the applicant requests from YouThink (e.g., funds, facilities, equipment, materials, personnel resources, etc.).

3-Supporting information (no more than (1) page):

Proposed total estimated cost; Brief cost breakdown (e.g., salaries, travel, etc.); proposed optional amount of the applicant’s financial as well as in-kind participation if applicable; proposed amount of prospective or existing partner(s) financial as well as in-kind participation if applicable; proposed duration of the activity; and brief description of applicant, as well as prospective or existing partner(s’) previous work or experience.

IREX will contact selected applicants to request a full proposal based on the information provided in the concept paper.

3. Application Process (Full application)

If a concept paper is approved, IREX/YouThink will contact Applicants and provide instructions and templates to complete a full proposal submission. As indicated above, IREX will lead a co-creation process with the applicants whose Concept Papers are approved to help them fine-tune and shape their ideas for maximum results and impact.

Do not submit a full proposal unless requested by IREX.  Only upon receipt of positive feedback on the concept paper is the applicant requested to put together a full proposal for YouThink and USAID consideration, based on instructions provided by IREX.

 

SECTION V – CONCEPT PAPER REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Evaluation Criteria for Concept Paper

Concept papers will be reviewed in terms of responsiveness to the APS, appropriateness of subject matter, and creativity of proposed solutions. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their proposed work will address the proliferation of mis-, dis-, and mal-information in North Macedonia.

 

SECTION VI - PROJECT CONTACTS

Any questions during the APS process should be addressed to:

Contact email: info.youthink@irex.org or

Mailing address:  IREX/YouThink

                        St. Orce Nikolov 182A no.16,

                        1000 Skopje, North Macedonia

Any prospective Applicant requiring an explanation or interpretation of this APS must request it in writing on their cover letter to allow a reply to reach all prospective Applicants before the submission of their applications. Oral explanations or instructions given before the award of a subaward will not be binding. Any information given to a prospective applicant concerning this APS will be furnished promptly to all other prospective applicants as an amendment of this APS, if that information is necessary in submitting applications or if the lack of it would be prejudicial to any other prospective applicants.

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SECTION VII - OTHER INFORMATION

The issuance of this APS is a testament to our commitment to fostering positive change and resilience in the face of digital manipulation. We extend our gratitude to all interested and qualified organizations for considering participation. Your dedication to addressing the challenges posed by mis-, dis-, and mal- information in North Macedonia is crucial to the success of the YouThink program.

Be aware that issuance of this APS does not constitute an award or commitment on the part of IREX, nor does it commit IREX/YouThink to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application.

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 APS or increase the incremental funding based on donor guidance and approval.