Independent Media Program

Description

1) Objective

The U.S. Embassy in Pristina, Kosovo announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out program(s) that strengthen and increase the audience share, self-sufficiency, and resilience of Kosovo-based independent media organizations toward mis- and disinformation and cyber threats.

The goal of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to solicit proposals that address and implement projects that contribute to any of the following themes:

1. Strengthen and increase the audience share, self-sufficiency, and resilience of Kosovo-based independent media partners that deliver accurate, unbiased information to Kosovan audiences, including underserved communities and socially marginalized groups, thus, to reduce portions of these audiences that rely on mis/disinformation meant to undermine U.S. and Euro-Atlantic interests in Kosovo and the Western Balkans.

2. Strengthen Kosovan civil society organizations’ and independent media organizations’ capacity to counter cyberattacks, thereby strengthening their ability to better hold government institutions (national and local) accountable, increase transparency, and provide unbiased information that informs the public.

3. Develop the capacity of Kosovo ethical hacker organizations not only to identify weaknesses and help partners fortify against them, but also improve communication skills needed to educate partners and the public about the potential for malign actors to gain access to critical infrastructure and information.

4. Support media literacy campaigns/activities/projects and critical thinking through programs designed to assist youth from underserved minority communities who are either specifically targeted by disinformation and/or susceptible to misinformation to recognize, analyze, and reject false pervasive narratives that undermine U.S. and Euro-Atlantic interests in Kosovo and the Western Balkans.

5. Build new partnerships between Kosovo-based independent journalists (including underserved minority community media) and their youth audiences through engagements with organizations, schools, and universities. The goal of these engagements is to dispel existing disinformation about the role of journalists and increase knowledge about the important role journalists play in democratic societies; thus, encouraging new generations of Kosovan youth to consider future careers as independent journalists.

2) Eligibility

The following organizations are eligible to apply: Independent media organizations, registered in Kosovo; Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations.

3) Location

Actions must take place in Kosovo.

4) Budget

The total available funding amount is $650,000. Grants may range from $80,000-$150,000.

5) Application

All applications must be submitted on or before 31 March 2023 via the online application portal. The application guidelines and templates can be downloaded from their website.