North African Network to Counter Mis- and Dis-information | PAS ALG FY24 05

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the North African Network to Counter Mis- and Dis-information grant opportunity?

This is a U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy Algiers Public Affairs Section (PAS) funding opportunity to select one organization to design and run a regional program that builds a durable cross-border network of journalists equipped to identify, verify, and push back against mis- and dis-information.

2) Who is issuing this funding opportunity?

The issuing agency is the U.S. Mission to Algeria, through the U.S. Embassy Algiers Public Affairs Section (PAS), under the U.S. Department of State.

3) What is the main goal of the program?

The main goal is to connect journalists across North African borders so they can collaborate, share tools and methods, and respond more effectively to false or manipulated information in a fast-changing media environment.

4) What countries are the priority geographic focus?

The priority focus is North Africa, specifically Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt.

5) How many awards are expected?

The competition anticipates making a single award to one organization.

6) How much funding is available?

Up to $500,000 is available in total, and the maximum award ceiling is $500,000.

7) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. Cost sharing or matching funds are not required.

8) What is the expected project length (performance period)?

The planned performance period is 18 to 24 months.

9) When is the anticipated start date?

The anticipated start is Fall 2024.

10) What type of funding instrument will be used?

The funding instrument may be a grant or a cooperative agreement.

11) What does it mean if the award is a cooperative agreement?

If the award is issued as a cooperative agreement, the U.S. Embassies in Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya expect substantial involvement, particularly in reviewing participants and/or activities.

12) Is continuation funding possible after the initial budget period?

Yes. The Department of State notes the possibility of non-competitive continuation funding beyond the initial budget period, depending on funding availability, strong performance, and a determination that continued support aligns with Department interests.

13) What are the expected core outcomes of the program?

The program is expected to: (1) establish a functioning regional network of journalists with practical structures for coordination; (2) deliver specialized, job-relevant training; and (3) enable sustained collaboration and information sharing through convenings and reliable communication channels.

14) What does "durable network" mean in this opportunity?

It means the program should create practical structures for ongoing coordination and peer exchange, rather than producing only a one-time training cohort. Sustainability after the initial grant period is a clear priority.

15) What training topics are expected to be included?

Expected training topics include digital literacy, fact-checking workflows, investigative journalism techniques, and the use of technology to trace information sources and monitor how narratives spread.

16) Are convenings like meetings, workshops, or conferences expected?

Yes. The opportunity emphasizes sustained collaboration and encourages implementers to convene meetings, workshops, and conferences, along with reliable communication channels to keep participants connected between formal events.

17) Are there public-facing components expected in the program design?

Yes. Applicants are encouraged to include public awareness and education efforts that help communities understand the risks of mis- and dis-information and learn how to identify credible sources.

18) What types of public awareness activities are suggested?

Suggested approaches include community engagement such as town halls, coordinated social media outreach, and other activities that strengthen public resilience to manipulation.

19) What monitoring and evaluation expectations are included?

The program should measure whether trainings are effective, whether the network is functioning as intended, and how the initiative is influencing the information space, with an emphasis on regular assessment and adaptation as new challenges emerge.

20) What does the opportunity say about sustainability?

Sustainability is emphasized as a priority. Applicants are encouraged to develop local chapters or other structures that keep the network active and relevant after the initial grant period ends.

21) Who are the primary audiences the program should serve?

The primary audiences are journalists and media professionals directly involved in reporting and news dissemination, along with media organizations and news agencies that can support and amplify the work.

22) Who are the secondary audiences?

Secondary audiences include journalism students and educators (to incorporate skills into curricula), fact-checkers and digital literacy advocates, and community leaders or influencers who can extend public awareness and strengthen community-level media literacy.

23) What kinds of organizations are eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes: registered non-profit organizations (including think tanks and civil society/NGOs with relevant programming experience), non-profit or governmental educational institutions, social enterprises (public or private), and press and media organizations (public or private traditional media outlets).

24) Are applicants required to be based in a specific country?

No. Eligible organizations can be from the United States, Algeria, or other countries, as long as the project has significant ties to the priority countries and the region.

25) What funding source supports this award?

The award is supported by Smith-Mundt FY2024 Public Diplomacy funding.

26) What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is PAS ALG FY24 05.

27) What is the CFDA number listed for this opportunity?

The CFDA number is 19.040.

28) What is the original closing date listed for the competition?

The original closing date is 2024-08-31.

29) How is this opportunity categorized?

The opportunity is listed as discretionary.

30) What is the core idea behind the regional approach?

The core idea is cross-border connection among journalists so they can collaborate, share tools and methods, and coordinate responses to mis- and dis-information more effectively than isolated, country-by-country efforts.