Fact-Checking Development Grant Program 2020

Published: 03 Jun 2020 1,278 views

The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) at organized by poynter institute for media studies is currently accepting applications from interested and qualified candidates who wish to participate in this year's IFCN. 

The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) is dedicated to furthering innovation and establishing best practices in the field. Thanks to support from YouTube via the Google News Initiative, the IFCN has $1 million in grant funding available for established fact-checking units that are pursuing projects around video production, tools development, audience building, and new formats testing.

IFCN Development Grant Program

Application Deadline	June 17, 2020
Type	Entrepreneurs
Sponsor	Poynter Institute for Media Studies
Gender	Men and Women

Benefits of IFCN Development Grant Program

Fact-checking units can apply for up to $50,000 each.

Terms and Conditions

1. The recipients will have six months to develop and complete their projects.
2. Each grant recipient must provide IFCN with two short narrative reports and two financial reports: one of each at the midpoint of the project (about three months in) and one of each after the end of the 6-month project term.
3. The awarded amount will be delivered to the applicable grant recipient in two different payments: 50% at the beginning of the project term and the remaining 50% after the midterm narrative and financial reports are approved. (If your project requires a different distribution, please inform.)

Grants will be distributed based on proposals including, but not limited to, the activities below: 

1. Using video as a tool to disseminate accurate information
   1. Publishing fact check videos for new and traditional media outlets
   2. Running campaigns using video to increase media literacy among social media users
   3. Launching webinar series to train reporters on fact-checking skills
2. Developing tools to support fact-checking workflows
   1. Supporting automation tools such as chatbots, database building, crowdsourcing
3. Audience building for sustainability
   1. Leveraging existing or building new programs for crowdfunding, membership, and fundraising efforts
4. New formats and mediums to expand the reach of fact-checking
   1. Testing and implementing new formats to reach out to wider audiences and have a larger impact
   2. Building collaborative efforts to tackle misinformation in national and regional scales

Requirements for IFCN Development Grant Program

Fact-checking organizations that are verified signatories of the IFCN’s Code of Principles and/or organizations that have been regularly publishing non-partisan fact checks over the last three months are eligible to apply.

Applicants agree that if they are awarded a grant, the IFCN and YouTube may use data and information they provide in the initial application and subsequent reporting form with other fact-checking organizations.

Each applicant/organization may only submit one application and a budget of up to $50,000.

Selection Criteria: The selection committee will review projects against the following criteria:

1. Does the applicant have the potential to reach out to wider audiences through this support?
2. Does the applicant demonstrate the capacity to deliver the project and carry out proposed activities?
3. Does the project promise a contribution to fight against misinformation by carrying out the proposed activities?
4. Does the project have the potential for sustainability for the applicant?
5. Is the requested budget in accordance with the goals and scope of the project and can it be fully completed and implemented in the allocated time frame?

A member of the selection committee and/or a member of the IFCN staff will be available to offer guidance and feedback during the six-month development process. If a proposed project somehow relates to any of the selection committee members or to their past or current work, those selection committee members will not participate in that specific evaluation.

Selection Process

Key Dates:

1. June 17, 2020: Applications close
2. August 4, 2020: Announce recipients

Recipients will have six months to develop their projects

All applicants will be first evaluated by their eligibility and then judged by an independent selection committee. In addition to grant funding, accepted applicants will get exposure at Global Fact 8 in June 2021.

Application Deadline

June 17, 2020

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Poynter Institute for Media Studies on ifcn.submittable.com to apply