Call for Applications: Human Rights-Based Approaches to Media Work in Armenia

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Supporting Files Download: Budget Notes Example | Budget Template | Project Proposal Template

Grant Support to Advance a Human Rights-Based Approach to Media Work 

Issuance Date: November 9, 2022 

Application Deadline and Instructions:  Applications must be received by Freedom House by 23:59 EST on November 23, 2022.  All grant applications must be submitted electronically to [email protected]  with “Grant Support to Advance Human Rights-Based Approach to Media Work in Armenia” in the subject line. 

Funding Opportunity

Freedom House invites applications for funding from locally registered non-governmental organizations and coalitions based in the Republic of Armenia that aim to advance the development of a human-centered and human rights-based approach to media work.  

Disinformation not only undermines the democratic development of the country, but also has a harmful effect on basic human rights. The Human Rights-Based Approach to media (HRBA) places the inherent diversity of humans and their fundamental rights at the center of any news story. Freedom House believes that HRBA has a paradigm-shifting framework capable of substantially improving the quality and impact of media work. Proposed projects will propose interventions that focus on improving the sensitivity of the Armenian public and media workers to the negative impacts of disinformation on individuals, reaching all spheres of society including women, people with disabilities, senior citizens, marginalized communities, civil society, and others.  

For the majority of the citizens, media is the primary means to receive and spread information. Thus, it has the ability to shape public views on human rights-related issues. With this initiative, Freedom House aspires to contribute to a healthier information space for all in Armenia, reducing polarizing disinformation and discrimination. 

The “Human Rights Based Approaches to Media Work in Armenia” grants program will serve the following objectives: 

1. To stimulate the piloting of long-term activities that will draw attention to the impact of disinformation on vulnerable and/or marginalized groups who are commonly targeted in disinformation campaigns. 

2. To provide critical technical support and tools for civil society and media actors to efficiently advocate in support of human rights-based media work. 

3. To support independent media efforts, such as reporting, analysis, and human rights-based advocacy campaigns to make citizens better informed and resistant to malign influences. 

4. To enable the Armenian public to see the human cost of disinformation and to increase understanding of and compassion for the victims of false narratives – humanizing and contextualizing the real impacts of disinformation.  

Freedom House will support one local organization with up to $15,000 in funding, for a project length of 6-12 months. Proposals should include illustrative activities. However, understanding the dynamically changing environment in Armenia, Freedom House prioritizes projects able to respond to changing needs. Therefore, it is possible that project activities will be finalized closer to the date of implementation. Illustrative activities may include: journalist sensitivity trainings, mentorship, dialogue, coalition building, advocacy, and multi-format media coverage at local, regional, and national levels.  

The proposals will be evaluated by a selection committee comprised of Freedom House representatives and local partner organizations. Following their selection, Freedom House’s local Armenia team will work in close cooperation with selected grantees to finalize their projects and implement their initiatives. 

Priority will be given to organizations and initiatives that see themselves as advocates for human rights, democracy, equality, and accountability. Applications should demonstrate an understanding of the main organizational and/or campaign needs and a desire to address them with the support of Freedom House. 

Applicants have broad latitude to design projects under this call, but applications will also be evaluated on the following criteria: 

Does the project:  

• Raise awareness about disinformation and its impact on marginalized groups? 

• Adopt a human rights lens in their work? 

• Promote human rights-based journalism? 

• Build an understanding of society’s diversity and multi-normativity? 

• Ensure the participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds and age groups? 

• Strengthen public trust in independent Armenian media in the age of disinformation and fake news? 

• Engage Armenia’s regional centers and communities? 

A successful application should also have; 

• Clear vision – does the applicant clearly articulate an outreach, education, and trust-building goal, as well as target groups and the tools for their initiative? 

• Innovation – does the applicant propose innovative approaches, including through the use of technology, to distribute its content, engage the public, raise awareness, and/or build trust to increase resilience to disinformation in the Republic of Armenia? 

• Public outreach – does the applicant have a regional or local focus, as well as a clear idea of its current and/or desired audience and how to engage and serve the needs of target audiences? 

• Inclusivity, non-discrimination, and human rights – does the applicant take into account how political, social, and cultural affiliations and identities are portrayed in the media and articulate strategies for supporting non-discrimination and inclusiveness? Does the project reach marginalized communities or populations? Does their project demonstrate a commitment to and emphasis on democracy and human rights? 

• Organizational development readiness – does the application clearly demonstrate the capacity to implement the proposed initiative? 

Eligibility 

Only non-commercial organizations, associations, initiatives, and foundations registered and active in the Republic of Armenia are eligible for participation in this program. Individuals and government, quasi-government, or commercial agencies and bodies are not eligible for funding. 

Award Information 

The selection decisions will be made by mid-November 2022. Freedom House intends to fund projects as soon as decisions are made, and documentation is prepared. Freedom House and the successful organization(s) will enter into a partnership agreement and following execution of this agreement,  the organization will receive the funds. 

Application Submission Criteria

• Applications will be accepted until the closing date noted above. 

• Applications must be submitted electronically in Armenian or English using the Project proposal template provided. 

• Budget AND budget notes must be submitted using the provided templates by the closing date. 

• Incomplete applications will not be considered. Each application requires a complete application proposal form, budget, and budget notes. 

Program Information

This initiative is part of Freedom House’s ongoing project, “Advancing Democratic Culture in Armenia.” This project creates spaces for dialogue among civil society, the government, policymakers, journalists, and the public to identify constructive ways to address disinformation and protect democracy and human rights in the Republic of Armenia.   

Founded in 1941 by Eleanor Roosevelt and others, Freedom House is the oldest non-profit, nongovernmental organization in the United States dedicated to promoting and defending democracy and freedom worldwide. Freedom House supports the global expansion of freedom through its advocacy activities, monitoring, in-depth research on the state of freedom, and direct support of democratic reformers throughout the world.