Georgian Media Partnership Program | Apply Online

Georgian Media Partnership Program (U.S. Embassy Tbilisi / PAS) - FAQs

1) What is the Georgian Media Partnership Program?

The Georgian Media Partnership Program is a U.S. Department of State grant opportunity administered by the Public Affairs Section (PAS) at the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi. It is designed to strengthen Georgian media through structured partnerships with U.S. media organizations over an 18-month period.

2) What is the main goal of the program?

The goal is to build durable, working relationships between U.S. media outlets and Georgian media outlets that are comparable in size and serve similar demographic communities. A central emphasis is on lasting professional connections that continue beyond the grant period.

3) How long is the project period?

The program is planned as an 18-month project.

4) Are extensions beyond 18 months possible?

Yes. The opportunity notes the possibility of extensions beyond the initial 18-month term.

5) What kind of partnerships does the program expect applicants to create?

The core concept is a partnership model that pairs selected American media organizations with one or two Georgian national television broadcasters. The intent is that these partnerships are hands-on, practical, and sustained.

6) Who are the intended Georgian partners?

The program is focused on partnering with Georgian national television broadcasters. Specific participating Georgian outlets are expected to be identified and confirmed through close coordination with the U.S. Embassy during the grant period.

7) Who selects or confirms which Georgian outlets participate?

The PAS expects the grantee to coordinate closely with the Embassy throughout the grant to identify and confirm which Georgian outlets will participate and how they will be matched with the U.S. partners proposed by the applicant.

8) What is meant by “durable” partnerships?

The program places emphasis on relationships that last beyond the grant period, including the development of ongoing habits of collaboration and knowledge sharing between professionals in U.S. and Georgian organizations.

9) Is the program focused on institutional partnerships only?

No. While institutional ties are important, a key emphasis is on professional-to-professional connections so editors, producers, reporters, and managers can develop ongoing collaboration.

10) What types of activities are expected under the grant?

The work is expected to be hands-on and practical. Examples listed include internships, on-the-job training inside partner newsrooms, two-way exchanges (including leadership or management exchanges), sustained electronic collaboration, and intensive consultations.

11) What kinds of training or support topics could be included?

The announcement indicates activities could include mentoring on newsroom workflows, editorial planning, investigative and analytical reporting techniques, ethical standards, audience engagement, production practices, and digital transition planning.

12) Is the program meant to address challenges in the Georgian media environment?

Yes. The opportunity is grounded in concerns about persistent constraints linked to political shifts and uneven professional standards among reporters and editors, including shortages of editorials and analytical stories.

13) Why is television specifically emphasized?

The opportunity highlights politicization of television in Georgia, noting that many channels are influenced or controlled by individuals tied to political forces. The core partnership model also targets Georgian national television broadcasters.

14) Does the opportunity mention technical modernization needs?

Yes. It references a transition to digital broadcasting (expected by the end of 2015) and implies a need for capacity building and modernization alongside improvements in journalistic practice.

15) How much funding is available?

Total funding is approximately $300,000 for the 18-month project.

16) What are the minimum and maximum award amounts?

The stated award floor is $290,000 and the ceiling is $300,000.

17) How many awards does the Embassy expect to make?

The U.S. Embassy anticipates making one award.

18) Is cost-sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity states there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement.

19) Are in-kind contributions allowed or encouraged?

Yes. In-kind contributions are viewed favorably. Examples of non-cash support referenced include donated expertise, partner newsroom time, training resources, or technology support.

20) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to U.S. nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. Institutions of higher education are explicitly excluded.

21) Are universities or colleges eligible applicants?

No. The opportunity excludes institutions of higher education from eligibility.

22) What type of applicant does the Embassy say it is seeking?

The Embassy is specifically seeking a creative U.S. nonprofit/NGO with demonstrated experience running similar media development or exchange programs.

23) What kind of experience would likely matter for competitiveness (based on the notice)?

The description suggests competitive applicants should demonstrate a track record managing international partnerships, training programs, exchanges, and measurable capacity-building outcomes.

24) What government program classification applies to this grant?

This is described as a discretionary grant under CFDA 19.700 (General Department of State Assistance).

25) What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is S-LMAQM-RFA-CA-14-06.

26) When was the opportunity posted and when was the application due?

It was posted on April 28, 2014. The application deadline was June 15, 2014. The listing was archived on July 15, 2014.

27) Where are applicants directed to find the full announcement materials?

The public listing points applicants to grants.gov for the full announcement materials.

28) Who is the grants officer contact for access issues?

The notice provides a grants officer contact for access issues: Marie Moser (MoserMC@state.gov).

29) What is the role of sustained electronic collaboration in the program?

Sustained electronic collaboration is listed as one of the expected practical methods, supporting ongoing work and knowledge sharing between partner organizations during the project.

30) Does the program explicitly include leadership or management exchanges?

Yes. Two-way exchanges are specifically mentioned, including leadership or management exchanges.