Deadline: 18-May-22
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications for a cooperative agreement from qualified entities to implement the Strengthening Transparency and Accountability through Investigative Reporting (STAIR) program.
The USAID/Europe & Eurasia (EE) Bureau seeks to partner with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the investigative journalism sector in the Europe & Eurasia region. The Strengthening Transparency and Accountability through Investigative Reporting (STAIR) program will advance key USAID/EE priorities, as noted in the Department of State and USAID’s Joint Regional Strategy for Europe and Eurasia, the Interim National Security Strategy, and the U.S. Strategy on Countering Corruption. These include addressing malign influence; revitalizing support for democracy, human rights, and inclusive development; and fighting corruption as an entry point for malign influence, a barrier to U.S. investment, and a corrosive societal force.
Objectives
STAIR has the following objectives:
- Objective 1: Collaborative Journalism. Support collaborative investigative journalism networks, including the next generation of investigative reporters and editors, to expose crime, corruption, and corrosive capital across Europe & Eurasia;
- Objective 2: Capacity. Foster investigative outlets’ organizational and financial viability; and
- Objective 3: Security. Develop and advance proactive, holistic approaches to safety and security support for investigative journalists.
Funding Information
USAID intends to provide up to approximately $20,000,000 ($20 million) in total funding over a five (5) year period as a result of this RFA.
Expected Results
- Increased availability of cross-border, engaging, high-quality investigative reporting
- Increased action on crime and corruption, both domestic and from abroad, by governmental actors
- Improved resiliency of the investigative journalism sector
- Increased integrated, proactive approaches to safety and security assistance
Geographic Focus
STAIR is expected to be implemented in the Europe & Eurasia region, including, but not limited to, the following countries: Albania, Armenia, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Hungary, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Slovakia, and Ukraine.
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligibility for this RFA is not restricted.
- USAID welcomes applications from organizations that have not previously received financial assistance from USAID.
- Faith-based organizations are eligible to apply for federal financial assistance on the same basis as any other organization and are subject to the protections and requirements of Federal law.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=339336