Opportunity Information: Apply for SCAISB 21 AW 003 01252021
The grant opportunity, titled Strengthening Digital Media through Journalist Capacity Building (Funding Opportunity Number: SCAISB 21 AW 003 01252021), is a U.S. Department of State program offered through the U.S. Mission to Pakistan, specifically the U.S. Embassy Islamabad Public Affairs Section under its Public Diplomacy Grants program. It is a discretionary funding opportunity using a Cooperative Agreement structure, meaning the Embassy expects to play an active role in guiding or coordinating key aspects of the project as it is implemented, rather than simply providing funds with minimal involvement.
The core purpose of the award is to strengthen journalism and media capacity in Pakistan as the media environment becomes more digital. The selected implementer is expected to design and deliver a structured, virtual capacity-building program that combines a series of online workshops and webinars with individualized, one-on-one support. The emphasis is on practical digital media skill development that helps journalists build a stronger professional presence online and successfully operate in modern digital information ecosystems.
Program activities must be conducted virtually and should engage a cohort of 30 journalists drawn from across Pakistan. The Embassy and Consulates retain approval authority over who participates, so applicant organizations need to be prepared for participant vetting and coordination with U.S. government stakeholders. The opportunity also sets clear inclusion expectations: at least 50 percent of participants must be women, and the cohort should include both Urdu-language and English-language journalists to ensure the training reaches diverse media communities and audiences.
The program is aimed at young, established, professional journalists who want to expand their presence on digital platforms. The opportunity explicitly highlights platforms such as personal websites, blogs, microblogs, online video channels, podcasts, and internet radio. Proposals are expected to describe how planned training and mentorship will help participants develop sustainable digital media careers, including building and retaining online audiences and exploring monetization strategies for digital platforms. In practical terms, strong proposals would likely address topics such as content strategy, audience analytics, platform-specific storytelling, digital verification and responsible reporting online, community engagement, distribution tactics, and revenue models suited to digital publishing and creator-style journalism.
Funding is available within a defined range, with a minimum (floor) of $80,000 and a maximum (ceiling) of $100,000, and the Embassy anticipates making one award. The period of performance should cover one year, so applicants need to propose a realistic timeline that includes recruitment and selection coordination, delivery of trainings, mentoring support, and wrap-up activities such as final assessments or participant deliverables. The opportunity originally opened on January 25, 2021, with an original closing date of March 26, 2021, and it is associated with CFDA number 19.501.
Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others" with additional requirements referenced in the official Notice of Funding Opportunity, so interested organizations would need to consult that notice for detailed eligibility rules, application components, monitoring and evaluation expectations, allowable costs, and any required compliance or reporting elements. Overall, the grant is designed to build a cohort of digitally capable journalists in Pakistan who can help shape the future of the country’s media landscape by producing stronger digital-first journalism, growing online audiences, and improving the sustainability of their digital work.Apply for SCAISB 21 AW 003 01252021
- The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Pakistan in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Strengthening Digital Media through Journalist Capacity Building" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.501.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jan 25, 2021.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 26, 2021. (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 $100,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the title of this grant opportunity?
The opportunity is titled Strengthening Digital Media through Journalist Capacity Building.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number?
The Funding Opportunity Number is SCAISB 21 AW 003 01252021.
Which U.S. government entity is offering this grant?
This is a U.S. Department of State program offered through the U.S. Mission to Pakistan, specifically the U.S. Embassy Islamabad Public Affairs Section under its Public Diplomacy Grants program.
What type of award is this?
This is a discretionary funding opportunity using a Cooperative Agreement structure.
What does a Cooperative Agreement mean for the project?
A Cooperative Agreement means the U.S. Embassy expects to play an active role in guiding or coordinating key aspects of the project during implementation, rather than simply providing funds with minimal involvement.
What is the main purpose of this grant?
The core purpose is to strengthen journalism and media capacity in Pakistan as the media environment becomes more digital, by building practical digital media skills among professional journalists.
What kind of program is the selected implementer expected to deliver?
The selected implementer is expected to design and deliver a structured, virtual capacity-building program that combines online workshops and webinars with individualized one-on-one support.
Are activities required to be virtual, or can they be in-person?
Program activities must be conducted virtually.
How many journalists should the program engage?
The program should engage a cohort of 30 journalists from across Pakistan.
Who approves the participants in the cohort?
The Embassy and Consulates retain approval authority over who participates, so applicant organizations should be prepared to coordinate participant selection and vetting with U.S. government stakeholders.
Are there gender inclusion requirements for the participant cohort?
Yes. At least 50 percent of participants must be women.
Are there language inclusion expectations for the cohort?
Yes. The cohort should include both Urdu-language and English-language journalists to reach diverse media communities and audiences.
Who is the program intended for?
The program is aimed at young, established, professional journalists who want to expand their presence on digital platforms.
What types of digital platforms are emphasized in this opportunity?
The opportunity explicitly highlights platforms such as personal websites, blogs, microblogs, online video channels, podcasts, and internet radio.
What skills or outcomes should the training focus on?
The emphasis is on practical digital media skill development that helps journalists build a stronger professional presence online and operate effectively in modern digital information ecosystems. Proposals are expected to explain how training and mentorship will support sustainable digital media careers, including building and retaining online audiences and exploring monetization strategies.
What topics are likely to be relevant for the training content?
Based on the opportunity description, strong proposals would likely address areas such as content strategy, audience analytics, platform-specific storytelling, digital verification and responsible reporting online, community engagement, distribution tactics, and revenue models suited to digital publishing and creator-style journalism.
How much funding is available?
Funding is available within a defined range: a minimum (floor) of $80,000 and a maximum (ceiling) of $100,000.
How many awards does the Embassy expect to make?
The Embassy anticipates making one award.
What is the period of performance for the project?
The period of performance should cover one year.
What should a realistic project timeline include?
Applicants should propose a timeline that accounts for recruitment and selection coordination, delivery of virtual trainings, one-on-one mentoring support, and wrap-up activities such as final assessments or participant deliverables.
When did this opportunity open and close?
The opportunity originally opened on January 25, 2021, with an original closing date of March 26, 2021.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is associated with CFDA 19.501.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others", with additional requirements referenced in the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Interested organizations should consult the NOFO for detailed eligibility rules.
Where can applicants find the detailed eligibility rules and application requirements?
The detailed eligibility rules, application components, monitoring and evaluation expectations, allowable costs, and any required compliance or reporting elements are referenced in the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
What is the overall intended impact of the program?
The grant is designed to build a cohort of digitally capable journalists in Pakistan who can help shape the future of the country’s media landscape by producing stronger digital-first journalism, growing online audiences, and improving the sustainability of their digital work.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: DoD Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Therapeutic Development Award
Previous opportunity: DRL FY20 Burma - Investigating and Documenting Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Burma
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for SCAISB 21 AW 003 01252021
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (SCAISB 21 AW 003 01252021) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Opportunity Grants Program Apply for PAUPDFY21002 Funding Number: PAUPDFY21002 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Jerusalem Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $24,999 |
| Empowering Girls through STEM Apply for SCAISB 21 AW 004 01252021 Funding Number: SCAISB 21 AW 004 01252021 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Pakistan Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Annual Program Statement Apply for SVM700 21 PAS 001 Funding Number: SVM700 21 PAS 001 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Vietnam Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| EXBS Online Learning Apply for SFOP0007545 Funding Number: SFOP0007545 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Niamey PAS Annual Program Statement Apply for AFNIA 21 02 Funding Number: AFNIA 21 02 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Niger Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| 2021 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Apply for AFNIA 21 01 Funding Number: AFNIA 21 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Niger Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Alumni Grants Program Apply for DOS GEO 21 004 012521 Funding Number: DOS GEO 21 004 012521 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Georgia Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $15,000 |
| Book Translation Program Apply for DOS GEO 21 002 012521 Funding Number: DOS GEO 21 002 012521 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Georgia Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DRL Promoting and Protecting: Women’s Rights in Marriage; Free and Fair Elections; Rule of Law; and Marginalized Communities Apply for SFOP0007563 Funding Number: SFOP0007563 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Preventing DPRK WMD and Missile Program Proliferation Apply for SFOP0007548 Funding Number: SFOP0007548 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Cultural and Educational Small Grants Program Apply for DOS GEO 21 001 012521 Funding Number: DOS GEO 21 001 012521 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Georgia Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $24,000 |
| FY 2021 Notice of Funding Opportunity for NGO programs benefiting refugees in South Sudan Apply for SFOP0007575 Funding Number: SFOP0007575 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Population Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Developing Female Leadership in Higher Education Apply for SCAISB 21 AW 005 01262021 Funding Number: SCAISB 21 AW 005 01262021 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Pakistan Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| INTERETHNIC RECONCILIATION AND YOUTH SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM Apply for 005 FY2021 Funding Number: 005 FY2021 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Public Engagement to counter Trafficking in Persons Apply for SCAISB 21 AW 006 01262021 Funding Number: SCAISB 21 AW 006 01262021 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Pakistan Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Promoting a Culture of Inclusion and Research Apply for SCAISB 21 AW 007 01262021 Funding Number: SCAISB 21 AW 007 01262021 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Pakistan Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| English Access Microscholarship Program Apply for SCAISB 21 AW 008 01262021 Funding Number: SCAISB 21 AW 008 01262021 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Pakistan Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Monrovia PAS Annual Program Statement Apply for PAS MON FY21 01 Funding Number: PAS MON FY21 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Liberia Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $20,000 |
| Connecting Across Borders Apply for SCAISB 21 AW 009 01272021 Funding Number: SCAISB 21 AW 009 01272021 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Pakistan Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $30,000 |
| Community Engagement Office - Annual Program Statement Apply for SCAISB 21 AW 011 01272021 Funding Number: SCAISB 21 AW 011 01272021 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Pakistan Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $300,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "SCAISB 21 AW 003 01252021", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.