Deadline: 17-May-21
The U.S. Mission to Kyrgyzstan is pleased to announce applications for Central Asia Design Hub Program.
This funding opportunity seeks to improve professionalism in both traditional and “new” media, increase local language media content, improve production of local content throughout Central Asia, support efforts to combat disinformation, and train civil society organizations to effectively use both traditional and social media in support of their goals.
- Component A: This project will connect local television broadcasters with American and local content producers, which may include providing licenses for TV series, in order to diversify regional TV and audio programming as well as support local content creators. In addition to cooperation with established television media broadcasters, this component will also support online media, including “infotainment” content producers through capacity development on content creation and media ethics.
- Component B: This project will provide training with the aim of improving media skills in journalism and media content production for both media and civil society organizations. Since civil society organizations (CSOs) are playing an increasing role in the societies of Central Asia, the grantee should also provide select CSOs with the capacity to effectively connect with local communities to increase their reach and ability to create positive change through the creation of engaging content and strategic messaging campaigns.
- Component C: The project will identify opportunities that emphasize shared values between the United States and Central Asia by collaborating with local and regional non-traditional media actors, such as bloggers and social media influencers to create social media content and messaging campaigns that highlight U.S. and Central Asian people-to-people ties, U.S. engagement with the region, and cultural connections. These campaigns and efforts should be led by selected local and regional content producers aimed towards grassroots and locally resonant content that can engage a wide variety of Central Asian consumers. Component C should also support other Central Asia regional programs, such as the Go Viral Network, through collaborative programming including facilitated trainings and activities.
Project Goal
Support a diverse and high-quality Central Asian media environment that amplifies local voices and is connected to global media
Project Objectives
- Objective 1: Increase the technical capacity of local content creators to utilize licensed American content and to produce quality and locally resonant media content
- Objective 2: Facilitate increased networking and collaboration of media professionals across Central Asia, including promotion of the GoViral regional network
- Objective 3: Increase the availability of licensed American and local-language content that provides positive and engaging information about the United States
- Objective 4: Develop media production skills and messaging strategy abilities of CSOs, and facilitate regional networking for CSOs working in similar fields
Funding Information
- Estimated Total Project Funding: $1,000,000
- Estimated Award Ceiling: $1,000,000
- Estimated Award Floor: $800,000
- Length of Project Period: one year, with an option year
Project Audience(s)
Journalists, Media professionals, Civic-minded Central Asian youth, Civil Society Organizations
Eligibility Criteria
The following organizations are eligible to apply:
- Not-for-profit organizations
- For-profit organizations
- Civil society/non-governmental organizations
- Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=332700