Capacity Building of Afghan Journalists and Establishing Sustainable Platforms for Afghan Journalists to Report from Pakistan

Background
The project aims to connect and support Afghan journalists residing in Pakistan. The United States believes that an independent and vibrant Afghan media is vital to regional stability and the upholding of international law and human rights. The project goal is to promote regional security and stability and support civil society by expanding communications and reporting platforms for Afghan journalists in Pakistan, enhancing reporting on Afghanistan-related issues, and strengthening the professional networks of exiled Afghan journalists in Pakistan.

Grant Details
The award will provide capacity building opportunities to approximately 20 Afghan journalists residing in Pakistan. It will also support 2-3 existing and/or new platforms created by exiled Afghan journalists in Pakistan, find sustainable and safe ways to provide vital information about events in Afghanistan to the rest of the world, and encourage partnerships between Afghan journalists in Pakistan and international media. The recipient will be responsible for designing and implementing activities such as hosting training sessions, improving or creating 2-3 platforms (such as online digital news sites), promoting partnership, mentorship, and/or collaboration between program participants and international media professionals.

Eligibility Requirements
Not-for-profit organizations in the U.S. and Pakistan, civil society/non-governmental organizations, think tanks (Not-for-profit), public and private educational institutions (Not-for-profit departments) are eligible to apply. Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. Cost-sharing or matching is welcomed but not required for this funding opportunity.

Period of Performance
The proposed program should be completed in 18 months or less. The Public Diplomacy Section will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

Grant Value
$100,000 is available for one award with a funding floor of $80,000 and a funding ceiling of $100,000.

Place of Performance
Proposals should cover a 12-to-18-month period of performance and take place in major cities of Pakistan.