U.S. Mission to Moldova: Media Development Grants Program

Deadline: 2 April 2019

U.S. Mission to Moldova is seeking applications for its Media Development Grants Program to strengthen independent media and the development of the local production capacity in the Republic of Moldova in the interests of plurality of views, editorial independence, and the development of good quality local creative and informational content.

Themes

Project proposals must address at least one of the following themes:

Support alternative voices through programming initiatives to deliver factual and non-biased news and information relevant to Moldova’s economic and political development. Programming can include, but is not limited to, infotainment programming, innovative talk-shows, documentaries, news programs.
Supporting innovative approaches to using technology and media, including alternative delivery platforms, to more effectively inform Moldovan audiences on issues relevant to Moldova’s economic and political development.
Develop and strengthen media outlets on the regional and local level in the Republic of Moldova

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit proposals that innovative approaches, and that include partnerships with media outlets, media or marketing companies, and other organizations that would ensure a higher performance and program success.

Funding Information

Award Ceiling: $100,000
Award Floor: $15,000

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility is general limited to not-for-profit organizations (NGOs, CSOs, Think-Tanks, etc.) and independent mass media (often registered as Limited Liability Companies) officially registered in the Republic of Moldova.
Under some circumstances, direct funding for U.S. and third-country institutions is also available under this funding opportunity upon justification of excellent work experience and good practices proved in the area applicable to the project domain. U.S. and thirdcountry organizations must submit proposals that clearly indicate both their capacity for completing projects in Moldova, and that they primary beneficiaries of their projects will be Moldovan institutions, organizations, or people. Organizations without Moldovan registration can also apply as partners of organizations registered in the Republic of Moldova.
Organizations submitting proposals must meet the following criteria:
- Organizations should have existing, or demonstrate the capacity to develop, active partnerships with in-country entities and relevant stakeholders including the public sector, private sector, and civil society, as relevant to the proposed program objectives.
- Organizations may form consortia and submit a combined proposal. However, one organization should be designated as the lead applicant.
- Organizations may submit only one proposal.
- Public Affairs Section reserves the right to request additional background information on applicants that do not have previous experience administering federal grant awards, and these applicants may be subject to limited funding on a pilot basis.
- Please note: the Department of State prohibits profit under its assistance awards to for-profit or commercial organizations. No funds will be paid as profit to any recipient. Profit is defined as any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs. The permissibility of costs incurred by commercial organizations is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 48 CFR Part 31, Cost Accounting Standards, and Part 31 Contract Cost Principles and Procedures. Program income earned by the recipient must be deducted from the total project or program allowable cost in determining the net allowable costs on which the federal share of costs is based.
- Please note: no entity listed on the Excluded Parties List System in the System for Award Management (SAM) is eligible for any assistance or can participate in any activities under an award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR Part 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR Part 1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.” All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Excluded Parties List System in SAM to ensure that no ineligible entity is included.
The Media Development Grants Program cannot fund:
- Organizations with affiliation to elected officials, political parties, or religious groups;
- Humanitarian or charitable activities, including direct social services to populations;
- Fundraising campaigns;
- Career development;
- Political or partisan activities;
- Scientific research;
- Individual trips abroad;
- Trade activities; or
- Health projects.