Call for Applications: Grant Support for Solution-Oriented Reform Journalism and Investigative Reporting

Issuance Date: March 31, 2021

Application Deadline and Instructions: Applications must be received by Freedom House by 23:59 EST on April 26, 2021.  All grant applications must be submitted electronically to [email protected] with “Moldova Citizens Speak Grant 1” or “Moldova Citizens Speak Grant 2” in the subject line.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Freedom House invites applications for funding and support from independent media outlets based in the Republic of Moldova that seek to raise awareness among the public about democratic reform, government accountability, and threats to fundamental freedoms in Moldova.

Two (2) grants for media outlets with distinct objectives are available. Applicants are encouraged to apply for one or both of the opportunities based on their interest; however, a separate and full application must be submitted for each grant opportunity.

Grant 1: Solution-Oriented Journalism on Reform: This grant seeks to support in-depth media coverage and analysis of democratic reform developments at local, regional and national levels, with the aim to better inform Moldovan citizens about issues important to them and the range of potential policy solutions available. Grantees would provide media coverage of these issues with a constructive, solution-oriented approach, combining investigative journalism and policy-oriented advocacy to make complex, fast-moving policy developments easily accessible to the public.

Grant 2: Investigative Journalism for Government Accountability: This grant seeks to support monitoring and reporting of government violations of human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law, with the goal of raising public awareness of government abuses at the local and national level and building support for government accountability. Grantees would uncover and highlight official abuses at the local and national level through hard-hitting investigative reporting, focusing their coverage on the human impact of these violations.

In addition to these objectives, recipients of both grants would provide regular coverage of activities implemented under Freedom House’s project Citizens Speaks to amplify their reach and impact. These activities include an information and training campaign on whistleblowing, a range of initiatives to increase citizen engagement with local government, small grants to support citizen-led advocacy initiatives, and civil society policy statements released in response to legislative developments that threaten fundamental freedoms.

Freedom House will select one (1) application from each category for up to $12,000 in funding each.  Applicants will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Organizational readiness – does the application clearly demonstrate the capacity to fulfill the requirements of the grant?
• Audience and reach – does the applicant have a clear idea of its current or desired audience and how to engage and serve the needs of that audience?
• Clear vision – does the applicant articulate a clear vision of how their coverage will increase citizen awareness and engagement on democratic reform and upholding fundamental freedoms?
• Innovative approach – does the applicant envision the use of innovative storytelling techniques or technical innovations that distinguish them from other media coverage in Moldova and could help them to reach wider audiences in the country?

ELIGIBILITY

Only established non-commercial or independent media outlets active in the Republic of Moldova are eligible for participation in this program. Individuals, government, or quasi-government bodies are not eligible for funding.

AWARD INFORMATION

Selection decisions will be made by early May 2020. Proposals may cost up to $12,000. Selected organizations will receive 8 months of financial assistance beginning in late May 2021, and will work closely with and report to Freedom House staff on funded activities for the duration of the grant period.

APPLICATION SUBMISSION CRITERIA

• Applications will be accepted until the closing date noted above.
• Applications must be submitted electronically in Romanian, Russian, or English using the application form provided.
• Budget AND budget notes must be uploaded in the online application using the provided templates by the closing date.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. Each application requires a complete application form, budget, and budget notes.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

This activity is part of the Freedom House’s project “Citizens Speak: Advancing Citizen-Led Democratic Reform in Moldova,” supported by the US State Department and NDI, which aims to mobilize civil society in support of democratic reforms, fundamental freedoms, and government accountability.

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, and in-depth research on the state of freedom, and direct support of democratic reformers throughout the world.