Media Literacy Program | TIRMEDIALITERACYFY24

Opportunity Information: Apply for TIRMEDIALITERACYFY24

The U.S. Embassy in Tirana is soliciting proposals for a Media Literacy Program in Albania, aimed at strengthening how Albanians, especially university-age youth, consume, evaluate, and create media content in an environment where disinformation from foreign actors is a growing concern. The opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement, which typically means the Embassy expects to be more actively involved in coordinating or shaping certain aspects of implementation compared with a standard grant. The Embassy frames this call as a continuation of work it has supported over the last three years to move media consumption away from passive viewing and toward active, critical analysis, with a focus on recognizing misinformation, misrepresentation, and manipulation.

A central feature of this program is its connection to Albanian universities and, specifically, to teacher education. Proposals are expected to treat media literacy not just as a standalone training topic, but as a concept that can be taught and embedded at both the university level and across society. A key emphasis is building pathways that link pre-university and university education by integrating media literacy into pre-service teacher preparation. In other words, future teachers are seen as the bridge between university-based instruction and what students will later experience in primary and secondary schools, creating a longer-term multiplier effect beyond one-off workshops.

The Embassy lists several priority objectives that applicants should address in their designs. These include developing and delivering instruction that clarifies media literacy as a practical idea and skill set; creating opportunities and materials to integrate media literacy across education levels via teacher preparation programs; and increasing the capacity of university pedagogical staff to teach and promote media literacy, including through approaches such as Training of Trainers. Proposals are also expected to directly engage students by improving their analytical skills (how they assess sources, narratives, and claims) and creative skills (how they produce responsible content), using methods like trainings, competitions, and public-facing media literacy events. A recurring desired outcome is stronger youth resilience to disinformation, fake news, conspiracy theories, and propaganda, again supported through training, competitive activities, and other structured engagement.

Eligibility is limited to not-for-profit entities such as civil society organizations, NGOs, and think tanks that can respond to the notice of funding opportunity and that have relevant experience in media literacy programming. Individuals are not the target applicants for this call. Cost sharing or matching funds are not required and will not be scored as part of the evaluation, though applicants are encouraged to add cost share if it is feasible. Administrative eligibility requirements include having a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov, which are standard prerequisites for U.S. government awards to organizations. Each organization may submit only one proposal; submitting more than one will render all submissions from that organization ineligible.

In terms of funding and timing, the opportunity is issued by the U.S. Mission to Albania under CFDA 19.900 and is categorized under humanities funding. The program anticipates making a single award, with an award ceiling of $300,000. The funding opportunity number is TIRMEDIALITERACYFY24, and the original application deadline listed is March 26, 2024.

• The U.S. Mission to Albania in the humanities sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Media Literacy 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 2024-02-26.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-03-26. (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 $300,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for TIRMEDIALITERACYFY24

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