Deadline: 20-May-24
The U.S. Mission Kazakhstan’s Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) is pleased to announce an open competition for assistance awards for one or a series of programs to support Kazakhstan’s Kazakh-language content creators.
The objective of the assistance is to strengthen and develop the local production capacity of independent online content creators and increase the quality of domestically produced Kazakh-language media in Kazakhstan. It also aims to help increase the level of professionalism of independent journalists.
Project Goal
- The primary goal of this assistance is to increase access to high-quality, reliable content for Kazakh-speaking audiences through support for Kazakh online content creators.
Project Objectives
- Project proposals may address one or more of these objectives, or other objectives within the above policy priorities.
- Objective 1: Supportive ecosystem for content creators: Equip Kazakh-language content creators with necessary knowledge and skills to produce accurate, reliable, and fact-based content. Topics may include: fact-checking techniques, critical thinking and analysis, audience engagement strategies, visual storytelling, etc.
- Objective 2: Technological advancement through Kazakh-language content creation: Develop content creator’s abilities to integrate new and emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the content creation process.
- Objective 3: Integrity and accuracy in Kazakh-language media: Increase production of high-quality content that combats disinformation/misinformation and historical manipulation among Kazakh-language content creators.
Funding Information
- Total available funding: $150,000
- Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $20,000 to a maximum of $50,000
- Length of performance period: 6-12 months with possible extension
- Number of awards anticipated: 1-5 awards (dependent on amounts)
- Anticipated program start date: October 1, 2024
Project Audience(s)
- Kazakh-language content creators, social media content creators, as well as technology professionals promoting innovation in the media space. In addition to individual creators, academic or cultural institutions and organizations promoting Kazakh language, history, and culture could form part of the audience.
Eligibility Criteria
- The following organizations and individuals are eligible to apply:
- Not-for-profit organizations dedicated to promoting Kazakh language and culture through online media.
- Non-governmental organizations, including media-related organizations.
- For-profit organizations or small businesses focused on developing innovative technologies or platforms to support Kazakh language content creation and distribution online.
- Individual content creators producing Kazakh language educational or informative content for online platforms.
- Independent journalists or writers creating content in Kazakh language for online publication.
- For this announcement, only Kazakhstan-based organizations are eligible to apply.
- 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.
- In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a unique entity identifier, as well as a valid registration.
Ineligible
- This award does not allow:
- Projects relating to partisan political activity;
- Conferences abroad or individual trips abroad;
- Charitable or development activities; including direct social services;
- Construction projects;
- Projects that support specific religious activities.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.