Applications are open for the Earth Journalism Network Biodiversity Media Grants 2020. This new round of grant is for journalist networks, media organizations, civil society organizations or academic institutions that are working to improve media coverage of biodiversity and conservation issues in countries where information is most under threat and most urgently needed.
The Biodiversity Media Grant will support projects that generally focus on training and capacity building, with flexible spending guidelines that enable local networks to invest in strategic opportunities, build the capacities of their members, and respond to communities’ needs.
Projects funded by this grant should build awareness of the threats to biodiversity and conservation-based solutions by spreading quality news and information, with a focus on audiences in lower- and middle-income countries. Projects should also build the capacity of journalists and communicators to report on threats to biodiversity and on conservation-based solutions, by building their skills, knowledge and contacts.
The Biodiversity Media Grants will support projects that:
- Build the capacity of journalism networks and media organizations to report on biodiversity and conservation issues.
- Carry out biodiversity and/or conservation training activities for journalists.
- Build internal capacity.
- Organise local networks around these issues.
Funding
- This grant fund has US$48,000 available for awards this year, which they would ideally share among three to five projects. Although applications for funding of any amount within this total will be considered, they would expect the average grant size to be between $10,000 and $15,000, with potentially a greater share of the total going to projects that demonstrate a critical need.
Eligibility
- Open to journalist networks, media organizations, civil society organizations or academic institutions.
- Although they will consider applications by NGOs or environmental groups looking to build the capacity of journalists to cover conservation issues, preference will be given to applications from or affiliated with professional journalists, media organizations, journalism schools and the like.
- All activities must take place in the countries listed here. They will also consider applications for activities to be held in Russia.
Selection Process
The jury evaluates all eligible applications in a comparative context and makes funding decisions based on the availability of funds, the program objectives, and the following assessment criteria:
- the overall quality of the proposal;
- the relevance of the proposed project in contributing to the objectives and priorities of this grant program;
- the potential impact of the proposed project, including the quality and effectiveness of the project design;
- the financial viability and cost-effectiveness of the proposed activity;
- the ability of the applicant to carry it out.
Application
The deadline for applications is October 15, 2020. Please take note of the time zone for the application deadline, as applications submitted after this will not be considered.
For more information, go to Earth Journalism Network.