STRENGTHENING INDEPENDENT MEDIA IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA PROJECT

CALL FOR PROPOSALS 
Online Media Innovation Fund Grants 

October 2011

Internews Network’s Strengthening Independent Media (SIM) in Bosnia and Herzegovina project will consider proposals from online media outlets and traditional media which have an online presence, that will work to improve the media sector in BiH through the objectives and criteria described below. Through the Online Media Innovation Fund, Internews will support the Quality and Growth of Online Media Outlets and Sources to serve the overall following objectives of this 5-year project:

•  Promote national cohesion and inter-ethnic trust  
•  Create a more supportive environment for the work of journalists throughout BiH  
•  Provide reliable information to BiH citizens through both traditional and alternative
sources of information  
•  Strengthen the ability of people to hold the government accountable.

GRANT SIZE

This first round grant pool of $50,000 will be divided among successful applicants.

Average grant size expected - $10,000-$15,000.

No grant is to exceed $25,000.

Grant Criteria

1.  Multi-platform media concept  
Projects that increase audience reach using different tools and web-based concepts, having a
multimedia approach suitable for distribution through all types of communication channels, making existing content available to a greater number of citizens. Projects can promote content sharing, foster the use of web-based TV, promote the more active use of Twitter and take advantage of the growing popularity of Facebook or other social network platforms.  

2.  Social cohesion and interactivity  
Strengthen connections between  internet users located in different parts of the country, providing them with an oportunity to improve the quality of media information for the public. Relevant, interesting and engaging projects that educate citizens on issues that influence their lives are welcome - interactive websites that encourage public discussion, citizen journalism opportunities, user feedback, user-generated content, and activities that engage youth and students are just a few ideas.   

3.  Creativity and innovation  
All proposals  should demonstrate creativity and innovation.

4.  Professional standards and ethics  
All projects must demonstrate the highest standards of journalism – objectivity, truthfulness, accuracy, balance, impartiality, fairness , ethics – to improve the quality of the media environment in BiH and the quality of information for the public.

5.  Collaboration  
Internews encourages proposals that collaborate with other partners and organizations.

6.  Project impact  
Please show WHY your project important and HOW it satisfies the program goals. What do you expect to achieve? How will you measure your progress and achievements?

7.  Clear and transparent budget  
Project budgets should be transparent and describe major expense categories that show clear cost effectiveness and suggested cost share of at least 15 percent. [Cost share:  the resources you contribute to the project: from another non-USG source (such as EU money), or in-kind, such as equipment, production, and/or labor costs that you donate to implement the project.]    

8.  Capacity and Project Sustainability   
Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate capacity to provide sustainability ideas and plans. 

Proposal Instructions

All proposals can be submitted in English, or B/H/S with executive summary in English.

I.  Cover Page – 1 page in 11 pt. type:
A.  Project Title  
B.  Brief Project Description: In one paragraph, clearly and concisely summarize your project.
C.  Organization: Name and contact information.
D.  Project Coordinator and key staff: Name(s) and contact information.
E.  Duration of the Project (up to 12 months)
F.  Amount Requested in USD

II. Program Description – 5 pages maximum in 11 pt. type:  
A.  Description of major project goal(s) and objectives connected to the SIM objectives.
B.  Activities that are based on achieving the objectives
C.  Expected results and impact that are connected to activities
D.  Monitoring and evaluation tools and indicators – how will you measure your progress?
E.  Timeline  
F.  Partners -- both public and private – with attached letter or memo of support

III. Budget– 1 page in Excel format – must use attached template – and 1 page budget narrative in a Word document that explains the proposed costs.
The one-page budget description in the attached format should describe major expense categories that show clear cost effectiveness and suggested cost share of 15 percent.  An accompanying Word document should describe the justification for each cost.

IV. Capacity and Previous Experience, if applicable – no more than one page in 11 pt. type:
A.  Business or project management experience
B.  Previous grants received

Submission and Review Procedure

Deadline: Oct. 31, 2011* 

•  Proposals should be sent electronically to internewsbh@internews.org.  
•  Proposals will be reviewed by a Grant Selection Committee and scored.  
•  Review of proposals will start after each deadline. First round winners will be announced up to one month after the deadline.
•  Internews may contact your organization if questions arise during the scoring/selection process.
•  Internews will contact your organization with the results of your application.

Please note: Depending on the number of proposals received, Internews may launch a
second competition in November if there is funding available. Once available funding is used up, Internews will post an announcement on the project website and/or contact your organization directly. Proposals will be considered when the next tranche is obligated to Internews.

PROPOSALS THAT DO NOT FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.