This grant is for enhancing independent media and strengthening civil society organizations in the Kyrgyz Republic, offered by the U.S. Embassy. Despite an open media environment, challenges persist, including self-censorship, professionalism gaps, financial issues, and widespread misinformation. The program aims to expand independent media capabilities, fostering production of balanced, locally relevant content and diverse narratives. It also supports media-focused NGOs. Key priorities include promoting freedom of speech, enhancing journalistic professionalism and sustainability, fostering government transparency, and raising public awareness on crucial topics like civil society’s contributions, climate change, and combating misinformation and disinformation.
Opportunity ID: 347210
General Information
| Document Type: | Grants Notice |
| Funding Opportunity Number: | STATE-BISHKEK-PDS-23-0004 |
| Funding Opportunity Title: | Media Small Grants Program |
| Opportunity Category: | Other |
| Opportunity Category Explanation: | PDS invites proposals for programs that support Technical Training and Support for Professional Journalism. These programs should promote the free flow of information and freedom of expression through support for independent and responsible journalism. |
| Funding Instrument Type: | Other |
| Category of Funding Activity: | Other (see text field entitled “Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity” for clarification) |
| Category Explanation: | The U.S. Embassy Bishkek Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce funding is available as specified below through the Embassy’s Media Small Grants Program. This program supports the development of the Kyrgyz Republic’s media and its role in society by competitively awarding small grants to Kyrgyz non-profit, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and associations working in the media sector, and to independent media organizations. We encourage proposals that include partnerships with relevant government agencies and/or private sector institutions, including traditional and social media. Awards will be made pending the availability of funds. |
| Expected Number of Awards: | – |
| Assistance Listings: | 19.900 — AEECA/ESF PD Programs |
| Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: | No |
| Version: | Synopsis 1 |
| Posted Date: | Mar 30, 2023 |
| Last Updated Date: | Mar 30, 2023 |
| Original Closing Date for Applications: | May 31, 2023 |
| Current Closing Date for Applications: | May 31, 2023 |
| Archive Date: | Jun 30, 2023 |
| Estimated Total Program Funding: | – |
| Award Ceiling: | $50,000 |
| Award Floor: | $10,000 |
Eligibility
| Eligible Applicants: | Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) |
| Additional Information on Eligibility: | The Media Small Grants Program supports the development of the Kyrgyz Republic’s media institutions by competitively awarding small grants to: ⮚ Kyrgyz Republic-registered non-profit, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and associations working in media-related areas; and⮚ Kyrgyz Republic-registered independent media organizations.State bodies are encouraged to work with eligible NGOs and independent media organizations to submit applications. American or other third country organizations or individuals are not eligible for grants under this program. |
Additional Information
| Agency Name: | U.S. Mission to Kyrgyzstan |
| Description: |
While media in the Kyrgyz Republic is the most open in the region, few outlets are truly independent and the industry suffers from self-censorship, a lack of professionalism, and financial sustainability issues. Misinformation and disinformation are regularly disseminated by both local and international actors through local media. Independent media outlets have been subjected to harassment, threats, and unfounded defamation lawsuits by subjects of reporting.
The Media Small Grants Program advances the U.S. Embassy goal of supporting a more inclusive and accountable democracy. It seeks to expand the capabilities of independent media, resulting in increased production of balanced and locally relevant media products as well as diverse and alternative media narratives. The program also supports the development of the Kyrgyz Republic’s nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and associations working in the media-related areas. Through local innovative strategies, the program may address policy priorities such as:
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| Link to Additional Information: | – |
| Grantor Contact Information: | If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact:
PDS Grants team
Email:Bishkekprojectproposals@state.gov |
Version History
| Version | Modification Description | Updated Date |
|---|---|---|
Related Documents
Folder 347210 Full Announcement-NOFO -> Attachment 1b.SF424A.pdf
Folder 347210 Full Announcement-NOFO -> Attachment 5. 2023-Media-Small-Grants-Indicators.pdf
Folder 347210 Full Announcement-NOFO -> Attachment 4. 2023-Media-Small-Grants-Performance-Monitoring-Plan-Template.pdf
Folder 347210 Full Announcement-NOFO -> Attachment 3. 2023 Media-Small-Grants-Project Application Form.pdf
Folder 347210 Full Announcement-NOFO -> Attachment 2. Applicant Organizational Information.pdf
Folder 347210 Full Announcement-NOFO -> Attachment 6. 2023 Media-Small-Grants Template Budget.pdf
Folder 347210 Full Announcement-NOFO -> Attachment 1a.SF424.pdf
Folder 347210 Full Announcement-NOFO -> Notice-of-Funding-Opportunity_2023-Media-Final.pdf
Packages
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