Description
The U.S. Embassy Berlin, Public Affairs Section (PAS) is pleased to announce an open competition for grants through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The projects to be funded will deploy cutting-edge approaches to foster increased media literacy with participating German audiences. This NOFO outlines PAS’s funding priorities, strategic focus, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Pending the availability of funds, it is U.S. Embassy Berlin’s intent to award grants for the successful proposals for an estimated amount capped at $30,000 over the course of one year or less, depending upon the successful completion of goals. A. Program Description With this funding, the Embassy hopes to support innovative approaches to cultivate critical information consumers, who are equipped with the background and strategies necessary to navigate today’s highly differentiated media environment. Funding will only be provided for projects conducted in Germany. Eligible projects should address some or all of the following: (1) media production and issues of credibility, (2) messages and their intended effects, and (3) issues of representation. Through their participation in the trainings, project participants should be empowered to consciously assess media claims and media producer credibility, evaluate how media may influence attitudes and feelings, and engage in considerate media creation and dissemination. The successful applicant (from hereon implementer) will be tasked to select appropriate venues and target audiences, conduct outreach and recruit participants, and develop and implement session curricula. The implementer should also include designated measurement and evaluation procedures in their project design so the Embassy can assess project effectiveness. There are no specific requirements for format, audience, session structure, specific materials to be distributed, or issues to be addressed. Innovative approaches are encouraged. Methodologically, implementers should utilize technology and state-of-the-art educational methods in conducting immersive and effective sessions. The implementer should engage in these activities strategically and with a clear and concise theory of change in mind. The Embassy will give special consideration to applicants demonstrating a clear effort to identify particularly worthwhile audiences and sites for trainings. Likewise, sustainable project designs seeking to maximize project impact beyond the period of performance are highly appreciated. 2. Program Objectives Media Literacy Training The program primarily seeks to equip project participants with the background and strategies necessary to navigate an increasingly complex information environment. After participating in the project, participants will be able to critically reflect and assess: credibility and intentions of a medium’s originator themes, codes, and rhetorical strategies in messages and media as well as their effects contentious issues of representation inherent in mass- and social media the responsibility of their behavior in the media environment as producers or disseminators of messages Generate Insights and Measure Success The Embassy expects the project to produce actionable insights on the demographics and attitudinal profiles of participants as well as data about the project’s effectiveness. 3. Participants and Audiences The applicant may define audiences for the proposed project based on a sound theory of change. 4. Implementer Responsibilities The implementer will: design engaging media literacy curricula for the target audience recruit participants and organize appropriate venues measure and evaluate project effectiveness Please refer to the full Notice of Funding Opportunity in the attachments. 5. FAQ What award amounts may applicants apply for? Applicants should apply for the award amount that they need to successfully implement their project provided it is no higher than the $30,000 in available funding. How are indirect costs budgeted when the applicant does not have a NICRA? We will budget the de minimis rate of 10% of the modified total direct cost. Modified total direct cost is the total award cost excluding equipment expenses, capital expenditures, rental costs, scholarships and fellowships, and subawards in excess of $25,000. The sum of modified total direct costs and indirect costs must not exceed the maximum award amount. Is it possible to reallocate funds from one position to another? It is possible to be flexible with award funds if the conditions necessitate. Reallocations must be reasonable and justifiable and must be communicated to the grants officer in advance. Can you clarify which cost items are permissible? We prefer to identify and strike out non-permissible cost items after assessing all applications' merits. Including such cost items will not disadvantage the applicant in the evaluation of their proposal provided they don't make up a majority of the funds requested. What is the currency conversion rate for conversions from local currencies to USD to be used in the budget? You may select a conversion rate that is reasonably close to the current market exchange rate. What impact does the fiscal year end in September 2021 have on fund calls, disbursements, or even spending deadlines for approved funds? Can project activities also take place and be accounted for later, i.e. after September? The fiscal year cycle imposes no financial or programmatic restrictions onto the implementer. Can application documents be submitted late? No. Please submit the full application by the indicated deadline. Can the SAM.gov registration be obtained after the application deadline Yes, this is possible. However, issuance of this federal award is conditional on the applicant having an active SAM.gov registration. The registration must be obtained before obligation of the award funds.