Opportunity Information: Apply for 2021 FY20MEDIA PASPODGORICA
The 2021 Media Professionalization Assistance Program is a U.S. Department of State grant opportunity run by the Public Affairs Section at the United States Embassy in Montenegro. It is designed to strengthen Montenegro's media environment by funding projects that improve journalistic professionalism, expand media literacy, and support investigative reporting tied to democratic reform and the country’s Euro-Atlantic integration. The Embassy frames the competition around practical, clearly structured projects with well-defined goals, measurable outcomes, and the potential for broad positive impact on beneficiaries and society, particularly in areas connected to media freedom and needed reforms.
The program’s priorities fall into three main tracks. First, it supports high-quality, professional journalism, especially efforts that promote independent, fact-based reporting and that involve both working journalists and students preparing for media careers. Second, it promotes media literacy and critical thinking, with an emphasis on helping people of all ages recognize, analyze, and ultimately reject disinformation. Third, it supports investigative journalism that contributes to Montenegro’s continued Euro-Atlantic integration, with suggested focus areas including the rule of law (such as corruption and organized crime), strengthening democratic institutions, human and minority rights (including ethnic minorities and LGBTQI communities), gender equality, and sustainable development. Applicants are expected to connect their activities to one or more of these priorities and to define tangible, measurable outcomes that can be assessed after the project ends.
Awards are issued as grants with a 12-month performance period, with an anticipated start in October 2021, although the Embassy notes that the exact timing of disbursements cannot be guaranteed. Applicants are therefore encouraged to design projects that remain feasible even if funds arrive after October 2021. The public listing indicates an award ceiling of $70,000 and anticipates up to 8 awards.
Eligibility is limited to Montenegrin media organizations and Montenegrin civil society/non-governmental organizations that are registered in Montenegro and that can demonstrate professional standards, trustworthiness, and a record of successful work. American organizations, third-country organizations, and individuals are not eligible. Each organization may submit only one proposal; submitting more than one makes all proposals from that organization ineligible. Previous recipients may apply again, but preference is given to organizations that do not have ongoing Embassy grants when the merit review panel meets. Incomplete applications are not considered, and applicants must have a unique entity identifier (noted as DUNS/UEI in the notice) and a registration in SAM.gov, or at minimum proof that the SAM registration process has started at the time of application, with full registration expected before final results.
Applications had to be submitted by email to PodgoricaGrants@state.gov by 17:00 local time on May 20, 2021. The Embassy required materials to be emailed as attachments or in a zipped folder, while explicitly rejecting RAR files and disallowing submission via WeTransfer or Dropbox links. The required package includes a project proposal using the Embassy application form and guidelines, a detailed line-item budget in USD plus a budget narrative, completed and signed SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B forms, a one-page English CV/resume for key personnel, local-language organizational registration documents, and documentation showing SAM.gov registration status (such as a screenshot). No cost sharing is required, but if an applicant proposes cost sharing it becomes accountable for delivering and documenting those contributions; organizations charging indirect costs under a NICRA must include the latest NICRA as a PDF.
A major emphasis in the notice is on impact measurement and evaluation design. Special consideration is given to proposals that present a clear, methodical evaluation plan and that measure results using outcomes rather than simple outputs. In other words, the Embassy is looking for evidence of what changed because of the project (for example, actions participants took afterward, or demonstrated shifts in behavior or decision-making) rather than only counting activities completed (like the number of trainings delivered or articles produced). Strong proposals are expected to specify intended outcomes, explain how each outcome will be measured, identify when measurement will occur (during the project, immediately after, and/or six months to a year later), and describe data collection methods such as surveys, interviews, or focus groups.
Proposals are scored using a point-based review system. The largest shares go to the quality and feasibility of the program idea (20 points) and program planning and likelihood of achieving objectives (20 points). Budget quality and realism count for 15 points, and the credibility and capability of the applicant also count for 15 points. The evaluation plan is worth 10 points, sustainability is worth 10 points (with attention to whether benefits continue after funding ends), and overall societal impact is worth 10 points, including impact on media freedom and reform needs. A merit review panel assesses eligible applications and may contact applicants with follow-up questions. Applicants are notified by email whether they are declined or advanced for final review.
Administrative and compliance requirements are typical for U.S. government assistance awards. Entities listed on the Excluded Parties List System in SAM are not eligible, and no excluded entity can participate in funded activities. Registration steps highlighted in the notice include obtaining a DUNS/UEI and an NCAGE code, then completing SAM.gov registration (which must be renewed annually). The grant award is issued and administered by a Grants Officer, and recipients may only begin incurring expenses on or after the official start date on the signed award document. Payment arrangements are handled with each recipient and documented in the award. Grantees are required to submit financial and program reports on a schedule specified in the award, and the Department of State notes that selecting a proposal does not imply any obligation for future funding beyond the awarded period. The Embassy also underscores that the NOFO itself is not a commitment to award funds and that it reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.Apply for 2021 FY20MEDIA PASPODGORICA
- The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Montenegro in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "2021 Media Professionalization Assistance Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.900.
- This funding opportunity was created on Apr 13, 2021.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 20, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $70,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 8 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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