Call for Proposals: Small Grant for Media Organisations (Malaysia)

Deadline: 28-Feb-2026

UNDP is offering a small grant of up to USD 35,000 to support Malaysian media-focused civil society organisations producing high-quality, issue-based reporting on corporate accountability, human rights, and environmental or climate change impacts. The grant prioritises a three-part data-driven storytelling series that highlights responsible business practices, community-led solutions, and the voices of vulnerable and underrepresented communities.

Programme Overview

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting applications from media-focused civil society organisations in Malaysia for a small grant to support in-depth, high-quality journalism on corporate accountability to the environment and/or climate change.

The initiative focuses on strengthening public awareness of how business practices intersect with human rights, environmental protection, and climate justice, particularly at the community level. The supported project will produce a three-part issue-based data storytelling series examining responsible and sustainable corporate practices and solutions that mitigate harm to people and the environment.

Core Objective of the Grant

The grant aims to:

• Surface community-level stories on corporate accountability

• Highlight responsible and sustainable business practices

• Address corporate-related human rights and environmental harm

• Safeguard and amplify the voices of vulnerable and underrepresented communities

• Promote constructive advocacy linking business, human rights, and environmental protection

Thematic Focus Areas

Proposals must clearly align with the following themes:

• Corporate accountability to the environment and climate change

• Business and human rights, including BHR+E (Business, Human Rights, and Environment)

• Climate and environmental impacts of corporate activities

• Community-led responses and successful mitigation initiatives

• Policies, practices, or interventions that reduce corporate harm

The storytelling should focus on Malaysia, with relevance to local or regional contexts.

Required Media Output

Three-Part Data Storytelling Series

The funded project must deliver a three-part storytelling series that:

• Explores human rights and environmental issues linked to corporate accountability

• Highlights successful initiatives, policies, or community actions

• Centers perspectives of communities disproportionately affected by environmental and climate harm

• Uses culturally sensitive and gender-responsive approaches

Encouraged Storytelling Formats

Applicants are encouraged to use innovative media formats, including:

• Long-form scrollytelling

• Visual storytelling, such as short documentaries or video series

• Data-driven journalism and evidence-based reporting

A clear and strategic dissemination plan is required to ensure public reach, engagement, and action.

Funding Available

• Maximum grant amount: up to USD 35,000

• Number of organisations supported: One

• Funding is provided by UNDP

The selected organisation is expected to deliver well-researched, editorially independent media outputs aligned with the programme’s priorities.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Lead Applicants

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be media-focused civil society organisations

• Be registered in Malaysia

• Have been active for at least three years

• Demonstrate a proven track record in environmental or social issue reporting

Unregistered or Informal Media Groups

• Informal media collectives may participate only if partnered with an eligible registered organisation

• The registered organisation must act as the lead applicant and grant recipient

Experience and Documentation Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate journalism experience by submitting:

• Samples of similar media projects completed within the last three years

• Evidence of editorial integrity and quality reporting

Proposals without relevant work samples will not be considered competitive.

Mandatory Proposal Components

To ensure alignment with programme objectives, proposals must include:

1. Detailed Storyboard

The storyboard must outline:

• Proposed story topics

• Key angles and narratives

• Preliminary sources

• Reporting and data collection methodologies

This storyboard will be reviewed before production begins.

2. Risk Assessment

Applicants must submit a risk assessment identifying:

• Potential political, legal, or safety risks

• Ethical or security concerns related to reporting

• Practical risk mitigation measures

This is essential due to the sensitive nature of corporate accountability reporting.

Why This Grant Matters

This initiative supports media as a critical actor in advancing accountability and transparency.

It matters because it:

• Strengthens investigative and issue-based journalism

• Elevates community voices affected by climate and environmental harm

• Encourages responsible business conduct through public scrutiny

• Connects corporate accountability with human rights and sustainability

• Promotes informed public dialogue and civic action

How the Grant Works

1. Eligible organisations submit a detailed proposal

2. UNDP reviews proposals for relevance, quality, and feasibility

3. One organisation is selected for funding

4. The selected organisation produces a three-part storytelling series

5. Outputs are disseminated according to the approved plan

6. Reporting and accountability requirements are fulfilled

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Applicants should:

1. Clearly link corporate accountability to human rights and environmental impacts

2. Focus on local Malaysian contexts and communities

3. Demonstrate experience in data-driven and multimedia storytelling

4. Present a realistic production plan and timeline

5. Include a strong dissemination and audience engagement strategy

6. Provide a thoughtful and practical risk assessment

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals not focused on corporate accountability

• Treating climate or environmental issues without a business or human rights link

• Weak or generic storyboards lacking depth or sources

• Failure to address legal or safety risks

• Insufficient evidence of prior journalism experience

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for this UNDP media grant?

Registered Malaysian media-focused civil society organisations with at least three years of activity.

2. How much funding is available?

Up to USD 35,000 for one selected organisation.

3. What type of content must be produced?

A three-part data storytelling series on corporate accountability, human rights, and environmental or climate change issues.

4. Can informal media groups apply?

Only if they partner with an eligible registered organisation that serves as the lead applicant.

5. Is international reporting allowed?

The focus must remain on Malaysia, though regional relevance is acceptable.

6. Are innovative formats required?

Yes. The programme strongly encourages innovative digital and visual storytelling approaches.

7. Is a risk assessment mandatory?

Yes. All proposals must include a detailed risk assessment and mitigation plan.

Conclusion

The UNDP AOC Small Grant for Media Organisations offers a significant opportunity for Malaysian media-focused civil society organisations to produce impactful journalism on corporate accountability, human rights, and climate change. With funding of up to USD 35,000, the programme supports rigorous, innovative storytelling that amplifies community voices and promotes responsible business practices.

For more information, visit UNDP.