Professional Journalism Skills | PAS CHISINAU FY20 15 MEDIA

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Professional Journalism Skills Grant (PAS CHISINAU FY20 15 MEDIA)

1) What is this grant opportunity called?

The discretionary grant competition is titled "Professional Journalism Skills." The Funding Opportunity Number is PAS CHISINAU FY20 15 MEDIA.

2) Who is offering this grant?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Mission to Moldova through the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau.

3) What is the main purpose of the funding?

The purpose is to strengthen the professionalism of Moldovan journalists and media outlets by supporting structured, capacity-building programs. The focus is on improving journalistic standards, skills, and organizational performance in ways that can realistically influence the broader media environment in Moldova.

4) What kinds of projects is the Embassy looking to fund?

The Embassy is looking for proposals that deliver long-term, structured programming that builds capacity rather than one-off activities. Strong proposals are expected to improve professional standards and strengthen institutions and systems (for example, newsroom processes, verification practices, editorial independence, or other operational approaches that raise quality and credibility over time).

5) What is explicitly not allowed under this funding opportunity?

The funding is not intended to underwrite specific reporting or content production projects. Proposals that focus on supporting individual reporting projects or producing specific content (such as particular stories, series, or editorial outputs) will be rejected.

6) Is this grant intended for training and skills development?

Yes. The opportunity emphasizes professional development and capacity building, including structured programs that strengthen skills and journalistic standards across media outlets and the sector.

7) Does the opportunity prioritize long-term development over short-term outputs?

Yes. A central theme is long-term development and market relevance. Applicants are expected to present a comprehensive strategy grounded in local conditions and include a realistic sustainability plan showing how results will continue after the grant ends.

8) What does "market relevance" mean in the context of this NOFO?

Based on the NOFO emphasis, proposals should address practical and feasible solutions to current problems in the Moldovan media market and be grounded in local conditions and constraints. Examples referenced include business sustainability challenges, audience trust, ethical standards, newsroom workflows, editorial independence, verification practices, and digital transformation.

9) Are partnerships or joint proposals encouraged?

Yes. The Embassy strongly encourages partnerships, joint efforts, and co-funded initiatives. Collaborative proposals involving multiple stakeholders, shared resources, or matching contributions appear to be viewed favorably.

10) What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling is listed at $100,000.

11) What type of award is this?

This opportunity is offered as a grant.

12) What is the legal authority for this funding?

The opportunity is authorized under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

13) What is the CFDA number and category listed for this opportunity?

The CFDA is 19.900, and the funding activity category is listed as "Other."

14) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is tightly defined. Applicants must be organizations officially registered and licensed in the Republic of Moldova. The eligible applicant type is described as nonprofits that do not have 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education), and the program objective and restrictions indicate the opportunity is targeted to Moldovan entities.

15) Are organizations outside Moldova eligible to apply directly?

Organizations based outside Moldova are not barred outright, but they may only apply through a locally registered partner organization. This effectively requires a formal in-country partnership and compliance with local eligibility requirements.

16) Are there restrictions related to politics or government affiliations?

Yes. Applicants must not be affiliated with elected or appointed government officials or political party officials, including family members.

17) Are there restrictions related to corruption designations?

Yes. Applicants must not be affiliated with individuals or groups designated by U.S. officials as being involved with significant corruption, including family members.

18) What does the NOFO suggest about the kind of results expected?

The NOFO signals an expectation of realistic, measurable improvements in standards, skills, and organizational performance that can influence the broader media environment. The focus is on outcomes and sector-strengthening rather than producing isolated media products.

19) Is a needs assessment required?

The NOFO emphasizes that programming should fit into a comprehensive strategy and include a clear assessment of needs. Proposals should therefore be grounded in an articulated understanding of the media sector challenges in Moldova.

20) Is a sustainability plan required?

Yes. Applicants are expected to include a realistic sustainability plan describing how results will continue after the grant ends.

21) What are the required application components?

A complete submission must include: (1) an application formatted in MS Word using the provided template; (2) a detailed budget in MS Excel using the provided template; and (3) a monitoring and evaluation plan provided in free form.

22) Are specific file formats mandated?

Yes. The application must be in MS Word (using the provided template) and the budget must be in MS Excel (using the provided template). The monitoring and evaluation plan is submitted in a free-form format.

23) What is expected in the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plan?

The M&E requirement implies that applicants should define measurable objectives, track progress with appropriate indicators, and demonstrate outcomes beyond listing activities.

24) Where can applicants find additional instructions or required supporting materials?

Additional instructions and supporting materials are referenced in the "Related Documents" attached to the NOFO.

25) What was the closing date listed in the source information?

The closing date provided is March 31, 2020.

26) If a proposal includes content production plus training, is that acceptable?

The NOFO states that proposals focused on supporting individual reporting projects or producing specific content will be rejected, and that funding is intended for structured capacity-building rather than underwriting editorial outputs. Based on that, proposals should keep the core purpose centered on skills, standards, systems, and institutional strengthening rather than content production.

27) What overall approach appears most aligned with the Embassy's intent?

An approach that is structured, feasible, and grounded in Moldova's media realities; focused on capacity building and institutional performance; designed for long-term impact and sustainability; and strengthened by partnerships or co-funding where possible.