Grants for media projects available [Worldwide]

Independent media organizations, civic groups and associations can apply.

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is seeking proposals for projects that advance democratic goals and strengthen democratic institutions.

NED encourages applications from organizations working in diverse environments including newly established democracies, semi-authoritarian countries, highly repressive societies and countries undergoing democratic transition.

Grant amounts vary depending on the size and scope of the projects, but the average grant lasts 12 months and is around US$50,000.

NED is interested in proposals from organizations for nonpartisan programs that seek to: promote and defend human rights and the rule of law, support freedom of information and independent media, and promote accountability and transparency.

The deadline is Jan. 11 (via email) and Jan. 29, 2021 (via portal).

For more information, click Stellanwofia.blogspot.com  

Goethe-Institut seeks entries for memory project [Africa]

Anyone can participate in this project on the materiality of movement in Africa during the pandemic.

The Goethe-Institut in South Africa is inviting contributions to its Archive of Forgetfulness.

Works should focus on things that enable people to move – literally or figuratively – to question what it means to imagine living across borders. 

Possible formats include short texts, films, photographic essays, sound pieces, video performances or multimedia.

Selected projects will be exhibited online and receive ZAR5,000 (US$302).

The deadline is Jan. 15, 2021.

For more information, click Stellanwofia.blogspot.com 

Media project focuses on coverage of Mexico-US border [Mexico-US]

Digital native news organizations that have been publishing for at least six months can apply.

With the support of the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) and the Border Center for Journalists and Bloggers, SembraMedia has launched SembraMex, a sustainability accelerator for news organizations covering the Mexico-US border.

The initiative seeks to prepare the outlets to be sustainable, incorporating administrative and branding practices, adequate workflows and to recognize new and diverse revenue opportunities.

The selected organizations will receive support and six months of strategic and tactical consulting, as well as access to SembraMedia's extensive network of contacts and experts.

The deadline is June 8.

For more information, click Stellanwofia.blogspot.com 

Google News Initiative seeks projects on digital innovation [North America]

News organizations of any size whose projects focus on encouraging a more sustainable news ecosystem can apply for funding.

The Google News Initiative organizes the GNI Innovation Challenge in North America, which will support projects that drive digital innovation and develop new business models, generating revenue and/or increasing audience engagement for local journalism.

Google will fund selected projects up to US$300,000 and will finance up to 70% of the total project cost.

All innovative ideas are welcome, and projects can be experimental but must have well-defined goals and measurable impact. Special consideration will be given to collaborative projects involving multiple news organizations.

Successful projects will also need to be delivered within one year.

The deadline is Aug. 12.

For more information, click Stellanwofia.blogspot.com