U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan announces Fifth Annual Forum of the Kazakh-Language Content Creators

Deadline: 09-Jul-20

The Embassy of the United States of America is seeking applications from qualified for-profit or non-profit organizations to implement the program entitled “Fifth Annual Forum of the Kazakh-Language Content Creators.”

A successful application should incorporate the following key components: a clear vision of the theme of the Forum, reflecting the actual interests and needs of Kazakh-language content creators; engagement of experts into the building of the program’s content who will be able to provide relevant subject-based experience and ensure diversity and inclusion; and organization of in-person and virtual follow-up training in the regions of Kazakhstan in accordance with the identified needs and demands of key beneficiaries.

Project Purpose

• Goal:  Through the Forum of Kazakh-language Content Creators, media professionals identify ways to collectively advance the media space in Kazakhstan.
  • Objective 1: Participants network and collaborate with each other to form new partnerships across traditional boundaries.
  • Objective 2:  Participants increase their technical skills and practical knowledge regarding tools and strategies for media development.

Expected Results

• The Embassy expects that participants of the Forum will gain practical and theoretical knowledge of journalism and online content creation, expand their networks, and build collaboration. They expect that some media outlets, bloggers will build collaboration or find sponsors on the sidelines of the Forum.
• The participants should have an opportunity to discuss international and national trends. They should be encouraged to actively participate and contribute to regional training events or master-classes and share how the Forum helped them progress in their fields.
• The Forum should contribute to successful and efficient community creation, where alumni of previous years’ programs can contribute, delegate, or mentor the activities of the current year program.

Funding Information

• The award floor is set at $45,000; the award ceiling is set at $80,000.
• The period of performance is 9-12 months with anticipated start date of October 1, 2020.

Eligibility Criteria

• This funding opportunity is limited to non-governmental, non-profit, and for-profit organizations registered in Kazakhstan. Applications from organizations registered outside of Kazakhstan, political groups carrying out partisan activities, and charity organizations will not be considered. Only one concept paper may be submitted per eligible organization or individual. Kazakhstan-based organizations should submit a copy of their certificate of registration from the appropriate government organization.
• Qualified applicants should have demonstrated at least four years of relevant programming experience. This experience should be documented in the organization’s proposal. The Embassy reserves the right to request additional background information on organizations that do not have previous experience administering similar programs and/or federal grant awards. Applicants must have existing facilities, a trained team in Nur-Sultan, and the capacity to develop active partnerships in the Aktau, Aktobe, Atyrau, Shymkent, Almaty, and Zhambyl regions.
• Organizations may form a consortium and submit a combined proposal. However, one organization should be designated as the lead applicant.