Strengthening Independent Media in Central America to Uncover Crime and Corruption

Background
The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the U.S. Department of State is announcing an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a project to strengthen independent media entities and their members as well as local organizations that will support independent media in Central America. The project aims to assist in conducting better investigations and provide fact-based reporting on crime and corruption through an evolving media landscape to inform populations and hold power-holders accountable, improving transparency and accountability in Central America.

Grant Details
The project seeks to optimize INL’s resources by filling gaps in the assistance landscape to effectively support a diverse range of independent media actors who play an active role in combatting crime and corruption within their countries.
The project will assess the capacity of independent journalists, strengthen their capacity to uncover crime and corruption, train them with a direct role in investigating and reporting on crime and corruption, build their capacity to combat disinformation, develop corruption and crime research skills for the next generation of journalists, develop contingency plans to support the resiliency of independent journalists, strengthen access to professional opportunities for journalists, and create stronger lines of communication between investigative journalists and trusted institutions.
The project will focus on building capacity of journalists to investigate and report on crime and corruption in/from each specific country, tailoring approaches and methodologies that are practical and tailored to the specific circumstances of journalists from each country.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs), U.S.-based educational institutions subject to section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code or section 26 US 115 of the U.S. tax code, foreign-based non-profits/non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and foreign-based educational institutions. Cost share is recommended but not required for this project. All organizations must have a unique entity identifier (UEI) as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Organizations must also register for an NCAGE code if physically located outside the United States.

Period of Performance
The initial project implementation length is 36 months with an estimated start date in October 2024. INL may extend the project implementation period contingent on INL priorities, good performance of the recipient, Department of State management approvals, and funding availability. INL projects shall not exceed five total years of project implementation.

Grant Value
$4,724,000 U.S. Dollars is available for 1-2 awards with individual awards ranging from a minimum of $2,000,000 to a maximum of $4,724,000.

Place of Performance
The project will focus on strengthening independent media entities and local organizations supporting independent media in Central America.