Deadline: 3-Apr-24
The U.S. Consulate General Karachi Public Diplomacy Section (PDS Karachi) announces an open competition for one assistance award through this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), contingent on funding availability, through the Public Diplomacy Grants Program.
Project Goal
- The primary goal of this project is to increase public understanding of the U.S.-Pakistan partnership by providing journalists with nuanced insights during reporting tours and training workshops. It will enhance the accuracy of media coverage related to U.S.-Pakistan relations by equipping journalists with firsthand knowledge and diverse perspectives. Through training programs and workshops, the grant seeks to encourage dialogue and informed discussions among the American and Pakistani public and policymakers about the strategic importance of the U.S.-Pakistan partnership. Though immersive reporting, the Pakistani public will better understand the scope and breadth of the U.S.-Pakistan partnership.
Project Objectives
- Recruitment: Recruit and train 120 local rural broadcast and digital journalists and emerging social media influencers.
- Orientation Workshops and Training: Conduct pre-tour workshops to brief participants on historical context, current issues, and the strategic importance of the U.S.-Pakistan partnership. Design and create curriculum or update existing training curriculum.
- Domestic Reporting Tours: Organize immersive tours within Pakistan, featuring engagements with experts, policymakers, and community leaders to provide participants with a holistic understanding of the partnership.
- Media Roundtables: Facilitate discussions between participants and key stakeholders, fostering an open dialogue and allowing for the exchange of perspectives and insights.
- Post-Tour Reporting: Encourage participants to produce in-depth, well-researched reports, articles, and multimedia content that accurately reflect their experiences and contribute to a more nuanced public discourse.
Funding Information
- Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $200,000 to a maximum of $250,000
- Total available funding: $250,000
- Award Ceiling: $250,000
- Award Floor: $200,000
- Length of performance period: 12 to 18 months
- Number of awards anticipated: 1 award
- Anticipated program start date: October 1, 2024
Project Outcomes
- Enhanced Public Understanding:
- Increased awareness and understanding among Pakistani public about the multifaceted dimensions of the U.S.-Pakistan bilateral partnership.
- Improved perception of the partnership beyond security concerns, emphasizing cultural, economic, educational, and diplomatic aspects.
- Media Coverage Expansion:
- Expanded media coverage, showcasing a balanced and comprehensive view of the U.S.-Pakistan partnership.
- Increased positive and constructive narratives in media reporting, promoting a more nuanced understanding of the relationship.
- Policy Advocacy and Impact:
- Influence policy discussions and decision-making by presenting a more informed and positive narrative on the U.S.-Pakistan partnership.
- Encourage policy adjustments that align with the shared goals and values of both nations.
- Sustained Engagement:
- Establish a foundation for continued dialogue and engagement by creating a network of journalists, experts, and stakeholders interested in U.S.-Pakistan relations.
- Measurable Increase in Public Support:
- Conduct pre-and post-awareness surveys and public opinion polls to quantify changes in public perception and support for the U.S.-Pakistan partnership.
- Measure the success of the project through indicators such as increased social media engagement, event attendance, and positive media mentions.
Activities
- Participant Selection: Collaborate with media organizations to identify and select journalists with a keen interest in international relations, ensuring diversity in terms of background and experience.
- Participant Training: The training will encompass investigative reporting, report writing, and effective marketing of stories to maximize impact.
- Coverage Assignments: After the training, participants will be tasked with investigating and reporting on a theme and focus aligned with their training. Among other aspects, they will assess the community-based impacts of USG assistance in their respective regions, emphasizing projects in education, healthcare, climate change awareness, economic empowerment, and clean energy.
- On-Site Research: Participants will conduct in-depth research and produce multimedia content at the project sites. This will allow them to gather authentic and compelling stories that resonate with the local population.
- Networking and Collaboration: In addition to their fieldwork, the prospective grantee will host small networking events, bringing together local journalists, community leaders, and project beneficiaries to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Publication: The participants will produce stories based on their case studies, and these will be disseminated through various media outlets, including print, electronic, radio, and social media platforms.
Project Audience(s)
- The target audience includes broadcast and print journalists, bloggers, YouTubers, and digital content creators from across Sindh and Balochistan. The prospective grantee should strive to include at least 40 percent female participants. Each workshop will train a maximum of 20 participants, selected based on their applications by the implementing partner and the U.S. Consulate General Karachi.
- Direct Audiences: Participants of the project (Journalists, Bloggers, YouTubers, Digital content creators from Sindh and Balochistan)
- Indirect Audiences: General Public
Eligibility Criteria
- The following Not-for-profit organizations are eligible to apply:
- U.S. based organizations
- Foreign/Domestic organizations
- Civil society/non-governmental organizations
- Public and private educational institutions
- For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not eligible to apply for this NOFO. Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.