Media Professionalization Assistance Program

The U.S. Embassy Podgoricas Public Diplomacy Section announces a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the 2024 Media Professionalization Assistance Program. The Embassy plans to support specific projects and initiatives that facilitate the development of media freedom and journalistic professional standards in Montenegro through grant awards ranging from $30,000 $70,000. Grants will be awarded to media, educational institutions, or civil society/non-governmental organizations that adhere to high professional standards in their reporting and/or activities and have a record of trustworthiness and success. Proposals will be evaluated according to the ability of the applying organization to carry out a project with clearly formulated goals that benefits the intended beneficiaries and has the greatest positive impact. Project proposals should address at least one of the following priority areas: 1. Support for the practice of high-quality, professional journalism through projects designed to support independent and fact-based journalism, as well as through initiatives involving practicing journalists and students aspiring to a career in media. 2. Support for media literacy and critical thinking through projects designed to help citizens of all ages recognize, analyze, and ultimately reject disinformation. 3. Support for investigative journalism through projects that support Montenegros continued Euro-Atlantic integration. Areas of focus include (but are not limited to) the following topics: a. The rule of law (e.g., corruption, organized crime, etc.) b. Environmental protection c. The strengthening of democratic institutions d. Human and minority rights (e.g. ethnic minorities, LGBTQi+, etc.) e. Gender equality f. Trade, commerce, economics, and business development 4. The integration and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence in journalism, including how it can be utilized to combat disinformation and malign influence. Applicants should clearly define project goals that advance one or more of the aforementioned areas, as well as define tangible outcomes that can be measured after the projects completion. All application materials must be submitted by email to PodgoricaGrants@state.gov by 17:00 Montenegro time, on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Please send all supporting documents via email attachments or in a zipped folder (RAR files/zipped folders wont be accepted). Do not send application materials via WeTransfer links or Dropbox. You will receive a confirmation of receipt within two business days (by 17:00 on May 16). If you do not receive a confirmation within that time, please send a follow-up email. Please email any questions about this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to PodgoricaGrants@state.gov. Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received. Please find more information about this funding opportunity on the link below.