Applications call for Earth Journalism Network Biodiversity Media Grants 2020. As a part of the Earth Journalism Network’s Biodiversity Media Initiative project, the program is a new round of grant opportunities 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.

Objectives

The Earth Journalism Network 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 as well as organize local networks around these issues.

Funding 

This grant fund up to US$48,000 will be available, it will be divided among three to five projects. Although applications for funding of any amount within this total will be considered, it 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.

Selection Criteria

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 also effectiveness of the project design.
• The financial viability and cost-effectiveness of the proposed activity.
• The ability of the applicant to carry it out.

Eligibility 

• The Biodiversity Media Grant Opportunity is designed to support the awareness- or capacity-building around biodiversity and conservation, network building, content production around these issues, or creating digital or other media outlets.
• Also, applicants should note their affiliations with existing media organizations or provide detailed plans about how this project would facilitate the creation of a new network or organization.
• As Internews is strictly a media development organization, the program do not consider applications rooted in advocacy or political campaigning.
• This opportunity is open to journalist networks, media organizations, civil society organizations or academic institutions. Although we will consider applications by NGOs or environmental groups looking to build the capacity of journalists to cover conservation issues.
• Furthermore, 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.