Area 1 – Secondment of a fact-checker:

• The grant will facilitate the integration of pre-publication fact-checking procedures into the editorial processes.
• An Arab fact-checker will be selected from the MENA region (based on the location of the organisation) through a pre-selection process conducted by the AFCN team and experts, to work with the organization on-site at their office and online. 
• ARIJ/AFCN will provide coaching and mentorship to ensure a smooth and productive collaboration between the media organization and the seconded fact-checker.
• The process will be executed through the ARIJ – AFCN Marketplace, promoting cross-functional opportunities between media organizations and fact-checkers.

Area 2 – Capacity Building:

• Media organizations will present proposals for capacity-building initiatives focused on combating misinformation and enhancing fact-checking skills.
• ARIJ/AFCN will offer three spots for interested organisations to participate in its fact-checking workshop, held in conjunction with the 16th Annual Forum. In addition, ARIJ/AFCN will cover registration fees for media organizations interested in sending representatives to attend ARIJ 16th annual forum in Amman, Jordan between Dec 1 and 3. The specific details and costs related to travel and accommodation will be the responsibility of the interested organisations and can be allocated from the overall budget calculation.

Area 3 – Operational Support:

• This area focuses on supporting the operational costs, fostering a mindset that recognizes the importance of fact-checking before publication. Operational costs may include travel and logistics to approved events, tools and subscriptions, and editorial support for members/departments working with the seconded fact-checker.

Therefore, the following expenses are considered permissible:

• Compensation at a fair percentage for pertinent staff, considering their partial engagement with the fact-checker and the project.
• Costs associated with training to promote fact-checking within media organizations and address misinformation and disinformation within the mentioned organizations.
• Travel and logistical costs linked to training sessions, workshops, and conferences (e.g., ARIJ 16th annual Forum).
• Tools and subscriptions pertinent to enabling fact-checking within media organizations.
• Editorial assistance for departments collaborating with the seconded fact-checker and fostering a fact-checking mindset.

Expenditures not eligible for reimbursement include:

• Staff and/or contractuals whose tasks do not directly align with the call’s objectives.
• Inflation adjustments and losses due to currency exchange rates.
• Taxes unrelated to the project’s scope.
• Legal costs for matters not pertaining to the project.
• Costs related to vehicles, equipment or construction.
• Reserves for contingencies, emergencies, or general purposes.
• Payments towards existing debts or interests.
• Expenditure on political, religious or entertainment activities.
• Expenses incurred before or after the project contract’s specified duration.

Media organizations interested in this grant opportunity are invited to submit proposals that clearly outline their plans and strategies in the three areas of support.

Proposals will be evaluated by a selection committee, composed of members from FPU and AFCN/ARIJ, based on specific criteria. You can check the Selection Criteria. 

Application deadline: Wednesday October 18  – at 16:00 Amman Time (+3 GMT). 

Grant Award Announcement Date: End of October – Early November

This initiative seeks to strengthen fact-checking practices, combat misinformation, and promote responsible journalism in the MENA region. We encourage media organizations especially in the targeted countries to seize this opportunity to enhance their capabilities and contribute to accountable and trusted media.

Note:  Any initiatives or applicants which have previously benefited from funding under the ‘Core Support for Independent Media in the Southern Neighbourhood’ are ineligible for this grant cycle.

Commitment to adopt pre-publication fact-checking:

The organisations selected have to be committed to adopt a pre-publication fact-checking methodology and integrate the process within their workflow during the project and after its ending. This means they need to adopt ARIJ pre-publication fact-checking methodology and sign AFCN code of principles, start implementing pre-publication fact-checking using AFCN marketplace and make it an important step within their workflow. 

Alignment with the project objectives:

The proposal must align with the project’s primary objectives mainly in supporting pre-publication fact-checking efforts, in addition to capacity building and operational support.

Clarity of proposal:

The clarity and coherence of the proposal, including the organisation’s understanding of the project’s three primary areas of support, especially the pre-publication fact-checking area. 

Fact-checkers secondment plan:

The quality and feasibility of the plan for seconding a fact-checker, including the responsibilities, and expected outcomes during the six-month secondment period. The organization should be willing to fact-check at least 6 investigations/in-depth reports before publication during a period of 6 months. 3000$ will be allocated for the fact-checker and paid by ARIJ from the 20,000 euro grant over the period stated earlier. 

Capacity building plan:

The effectiveness of the proposed plan for capacity building, including the relevance of training sessions and workshops, as well as the expected impact on fact-checking skills and misinformation combat capabilities of the organization team. 

Operational support plan:

The feasibility and justification of the plan for utilizing a part of the grant to support operational costs, with a clear breakdown of how the funds will be allocated and the impact on day-to-day functioning during the 6 months period.

Budget transparency:

The transparency and accuracy of the budget proposal, demonstrating a clear understanding of how the grant funds will be used across the three primary areas of support. 

Accountability and transparency:

Commitment to accountability and transparency in the use of grant funds, including financial reporting and audits if required.

Impact assessment:

The methodology and indicators used to assess the expected impact of the grant on the organization’s secondment of a fact-checker, capacity building outcomes, and operational sustainability.

Sustainability plan:

The organization’s commitment and plan for sustaining the benefits and outcomes of the grant beyond the funding period.

Collaboration with AFCN/ARIJ:

The extent to which the proposal demonstrates an understanding of AFCN/ARIJ’s role in the project and how the organization plans to collaborate effectively with AFCN/ARIJ to achieve project goals. This collaboration will include AFCN/ARIJ’s selection of the fact-checker in addition to providing coaching throughout the 6 months. 

Regional relevance:

The relevance of the proposal to the specific MENA countries mentioned (Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt) and how it addresses the unique challenges and needs of these regions.

Ethical considerations:

Adherence to ethical standards in journalism, fact-checking, including a commitment to accuracy, impartiality, and transparency. The three selected organizations will need to sign the AFCN code of principles and FPU integrity policy, code of conduct and gender equality policy. 

Monitoring and reporting:

The proposal’s plan for regular reporting and monitoring progress throughout the grant period, including data collection and reporting mechanisms.

Risk mitigation:

Identification of potential risks and a mitigation strategy to address any challenges that may arise during the implementation of the proposed activities.

Inclusivity and diversity:

Commitment to inclusivity and diversity in the organization’s fact-checking efforts and capacity-building activities, ensuring a broad representation of voices and perspectives, especially gender equality. 

Compliance with legal requirements:

Compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements in the country of operation, including registration and licensing, as applicable.

Timeline and milestones:

A realistic timeline with clear milestones and deliverables for the project’s various components during the 6 months of implementation.