Deadline: 23-Nov-22
Freedom House invites applications for funding from locally registered non-governmental organizations and coalitions based in the Republic of Armenia that aim to advance the development of a human-centered and human rights-based approach to media work.
For the majority of the citizens, media is the primary means to receive and spread information. Thus, it has the ability to shape public views on human rights-related issues. With this initiative, Freedom House aspires to contribute to a healthier information space for all in Armenia, reducing polarizing disinformation and discrimination.
Priority will be given to organizations and initiatives that see themselves as advocates for human rights, democracy, equality, and accountability. Applications should demonstrate an understanding of the main organizational and/or campaign needs and a desire to address them with the support of Freedom House.
Objectives
- The “Human Rights Based Approaches to Media Work in Armenia” grants program will serve the following objectives:
- To stimulate the piloting of long-term activities that will draw attention to the impact of disinformation on vulnerable and/or marginalized groups who are commonly targeted in disinformation campaigns.
- To provide critical technical support and tools for civil society and media actors to efficiently advocate in support of human rights-based media work.
- To support independent media efforts, such as reporting, analysis, and human rights-based advocacy campaigns to make citizens better informed and resistant to malign influences.
- To enable the Armenian public to see the human cost of disinformation and to increase understanding of and compassion for the victims of false narratives – humanizing and contextualizing the real impacts of disinformation.
Funding Information
- Freedom House will support one local organization with up to $15,000 in funding, for a project length of 6-12 months. Proposals should include illustrative activities. However, understanding the dynamically changing environment in Armenia, Freedom House prioritizes projects able to respond to changing needs. Therefore, it is possible that project activities will be finalized closer to the date of implementation. Illustrative activities may include: journalist sensitivity trainings, mentorship, dialogue, coalition building, advocacy, and multi-format media coverage at local, regional, and national levels.
Eligibility Criteria
- Only non-commercial organizations, associations, initiatives, and foundations registered and active in the Republic of Armenia are eligible for participation in this program. Individuals and government, quasi-government, or commercial agencies and bodies are not eligible for funding.
Criteria
Does the project:
- Raise awareness about disinformation and its impact on marginalized groups?
- Adopt a human rights lens in their work?
- Promote human rights-based journalism?
- Build an understanding of society’s diversity and multi-normativity?
- Ensure the participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds and age groups?
- Strengthen public trust in independent Armenian media in the age of disinformation and fake news?
- Engage Armenia’s regional centers and communities?
- A successful application should also have;
- Clear vision – does the applicant clearly articulate an outreach, education, and trust-building goal, as well as target groups and the tools for their initiative?
- Innovation – does the applicant propose innovative approaches, including through the use of technology, to distribute its content, engage the public, raise awareness, and/or build trust to increase resilience to disinformation in the Republic of Armenia?
- Public outreach – does the applicant have a regional or local focus, as well as a clear idea of its current and/or desired audience and how to engage and serve the needs of target audiences?
- Inclusivity, non-discrimination, and human rights – does the applicant take into account how political, social, and cultural affiliations and identities are portrayed in the media and articulate strategies for supporting non-discrimination and inclusiveness? Does the project reach marginalized communities or populations? Does their project demonstrate a commitment to and emphasis on democracy and human rights?
- Organizational development readiness – does the application clearly demonstrate the capacity to implement the proposed initiative?
For more information, visit https://freedomhouse.org/Human-Rights-Based-Approaches-to-Media-Work-in-Armenia
