Opportunity Information: Apply for SCAKAB 22 GR 001 SCA 03022022
The Supporting Afghan Media grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number SCAKAB 22 GR 001 SCA 03022022) is a discretionary U.S. Department of State grant offered through the Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul (operating from Doha). The program is designed to strengthen media freedom and freedom of expression across Afghanistan, with an emphasis on reaching a majority of the country’s provinces rather than concentrating support only in major urban centers. The opportunity was posted on March 2, 2022, with an original application deadline of April 29, 2022, and it is associated with CFDA 19.501.
The core purpose of the program is to fund a project that delivers practical, protective, and coordinating support to Afghan journalists and the broader media environment in a way that measurably improves the space for independent reporting and expression. Applicants are expected to address at least two of four priority problem areas identified by PDS. These include (1) journalist safety, reflecting threats, harassment, intimidation, and other risks faced by reporters; (2) lack of access to information and restrictions on information, including barriers to obtaining, verifying, and publishing credible information; (3) underlying conditions that exacerbate economic challenges, recognizing that financial pressures and structural obstacles can undermine the ability to do fact-based or investigative journalism; and (4) insufficient coordination among media-advocacy, media-support, and free-speech organizations, both inside and outside Afghanistan, which can lead to fragmented assistance and weaker collective impact.
The opportunity outlines several example approaches to illustrate what PDS is looking for, while leaving room for applicants to propose solutions tailored to local realities. Suggested activities include improving journalists’ ability to conduct interviews and share information safely, particularly for reporters working outside large cities who may have fewer resources, weaker networks, and greater exposure to risk. Another focus is expanding access to information and strengthening verification, which can involve tools, training, systems, or partnerships that help reporters confirm facts and reduce vulnerability to misinformation or manipulated narratives. The grant also encourages efforts to promote accountability for individuals or entities involved in crimes against journalists, which may include documentation, advocacy, legal support pathways, or coordinated response mechanisms, depending on what is feasible and appropriate. In addition, PDS is interested in reducing obstacles that worsen economic hardship for journalists attempting investigative and evidence-based reporting, such as practical impediments to doing the work (though the funding is explicitly not intended to pay journalist salaries or otherwise directly compensate journalists for their reporting). Finally, proposals that build stronger collaboration among relevant organizations and networks, linking international or diaspora support structures with journalists still working in Afghanistan, are aligned with the program’s coordination priority.
From a funding and award structure standpoint, the program anticipates a single award, with an award ceiling of up to $500,000. The initial performance period is 12 months, and PDS notes the possibility of an additional 12-month option period, meaning successful implementation in year one could position the project for continuation into a second year. The funding instrument is a grant, and eligibility is listed broadly as “Others,” indicating that applicants should consult the opportunity’s eligibility clarification language for specifics, but that the competition is not limited solely to a narrow class of applicants.
In practical terms, this opportunity is aimed at organizations capable of operating in complex environments and delivering tangible improvements to journalist safety, access to reliable information, and sector-wide coordination, while building resilience in the media ecosystem without substituting grant funds for routine newsroom payroll or direct payment for journalistic output.Apply for SCAKAB 22 GR 001 SCA 03022022
- The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Afghanistan in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Supporting Afghan Media" 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 Mar 02, 2022.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 29, 2022. (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 $500,000.00 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:
Supporting Afghan Media Grant (SCAKAB 22 GR 001 SCA 03022022) - FAQs
What is the Supporting Afghan Media grant opportunity?
The Supporting Afghan Media grant opportunity is a discretionary U.S. Department of State grant offered through the Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, which is operating from Doha. It is intended to support a project that strengthens media freedom and freedom of expression across Afghanistan.
Who is offering this grant?
The grant is offered by the U.S. Department of State through the Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul (operating from Doha).
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this program?
The Funding Opportunity Number is SCAKAB 22 GR 001 SCA 03022022.
When was this opportunity posted?
The opportunity was posted on March 2, 2022.
What was the original application deadline?
The original application deadline was April 29, 2022.
What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?
This opportunity is associated with CFDA 19.501.
What is the main purpose of the program?
The program is designed to fund a project that provides practical, protective, and coordinating support to Afghan journalists and the broader media environment, with the goal of measurably improving space for independent reporting and freedom of expression.
Is the program focused only on major cities in Afghanistan?
No. The opportunity emphasizes reaching a majority of Afghanistan's provinces rather than concentrating support only in major urban centers.
How many awards are expected to be made?
The program anticipates a single award.
What is the maximum award amount?
The award ceiling is up to $500,000.
How long is the performance period?
The initial performance period is 12 months.
Is there an option to continue beyond the first year?
Yes. PDS notes the possibility of an additional 12-month option period, meaning the project could potentially continue into a second year based on successful implementation in year one.
What type of funding instrument is used?
The funding instrument is a grant.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others." The opportunity indicates applicants should consult the eligibility clarification language for specifics, and it is not described as being limited to a narrow class of applicants.
What kinds of organizations is this opportunity aimed at?
This opportunity is aimed at organizations that can operate in complex environments and deliver tangible improvements in journalist safety, access to reliable information, and coordination across the media support ecosystem.
What priority problem areas does PDS want applicants to address?
Applicants are expected to address at least two of four PDS priority problem areas: (1) journalist safety; (2) lack of access to information and restrictions on information; (3) underlying conditions that exacerbate economic challenges for journalists and independent reporting; and (4) insufficient coordination among media-advocacy, media-support, and free-speech organizations inside and outside Afghanistan.
How many priority areas must a proposal address?
Applicants are expected to address at least two of the four priority problem areas identified by PDS.
What does "journalist safety" mean in the context of this grant?
Journalist safety refers to threats, harassment, intimidation, and other risks faced by reporters. The grant is interested in practical support that reduces these risks and improves the ability of journalists to work safely.
What does the opportunity mean by "lack of access to information"?
It refers to restrictions and barriers that prevent journalists from obtaining, verifying, and publishing credible information, including difficulties accessing reliable sources or confirming facts.
How does the grant describe economic challenges in the media sector?
The opportunity recognizes that financial pressures and structural obstacles can undermine fact-based and investigative journalism. It encourages efforts that reduce obstacles worsening economic hardship for journalists trying to do investigative and evidence-based reporting.
What does the coordination priority area focus on?
The coordination priority focuses on addressing insufficient collaboration among media-advocacy, media-support, and free-speech organizations inside and outside Afghanistan, since fragmented assistance can weaken collective impact.
What kinds of activities are suggested to improve journalist safety?
Example approaches include improving journalists' ability to conduct interviews and share information safely, especially for reporters working outside large cities who may have fewer resources, weaker networks, and greater exposure to risk.
What kinds of activities are suggested to expand access to information and verification?
Suggested activities include tools, training, systems, or partnerships that help reporters confirm facts, strengthen verification processes, and reduce vulnerability to misinformation or manipulated narratives.
Does the opportunity support accountability efforts for crimes against journalists?
Yes. The opportunity encourages efforts that promote accountability for individuals or entities involved in crimes against journalists. Examples may include documentation, advocacy, legal support pathways, or coordinated response mechanisms, depending on what is feasible and appropriate.
Can grant funds be used to pay journalist salaries or directly compensate journalists for reporting?
No. The opportunity explicitly states the funding is not intended to pay journalist salaries or otherwise directly compensate journalists for their reporting.
If salaries are not allowed, what kinds of economic-related support are aligned with the program?
The grant is interested in reducing obstacles that worsen economic hardship for journalists attempting investigative and evidence-based reporting, focusing on practical impediments to doing the work without substituting for routine newsroom payroll or paying for journalistic output.
Is support for journalists outside major urban centers specifically encouraged?
Yes. The opportunity highlights the need to reach a majority of provinces and notes that reporters outside large cities may face fewer resources, weaker networks, and higher risk, making them a key focus for protective and practical support.
Does the opportunity encourage collaboration with international or diaspora networks?
Yes. Proposals that build stronger collaboration and link international or diaspora support structures with journalists still working in Afghanistan are described as aligned with the coordination priority.
What outcome does PDS want to see from funded projects?
PDS is looking for support that measurably improves the space for independent reporting and freedom of expression, through practical protection, improved access to credible information, and stronger coordination across the media support ecosystem.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: Countering Violent Extremism in West Africa
Previous opportunity: 2022 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2022)
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 SCAKAB 22 GR 001 SCA 03022022
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (SCAKAB 22 GR 001 SCA 03022022) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| U.S. Embassy Cairo PAS Annual Program Statement Apply for PAS EGY FY22 01 Funding Number: PAS EGY FY22 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Egypt Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Preserving Afghan Culture, Empowering Women, and Reinforcing Shared Values Apply for SCAKAB 22 GR 002 SCA 03032022 Funding Number: SCAKAB 22 GR 002 SCA 03032022 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Afghanistan Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| 2022 Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Nepal, India Apply for SFOP0008680 Funding Number: SFOP0008680 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: $14,500,000 |
| DRL: Laying the Groundwork for Peace in Ethiopia Apply for SFOP0008682 Funding Number: SFOP0008682 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: $2,200,000 |
| Community Supervision Fee Study Apply for 22CS16 Funding Number: 22CS16 Agency: Department of Justice, National Institute of Corrections Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| USAID Media Program Apply for 72011422RFA00003 Funding Number: 72011422RFA00003 Agency: Agency for International Development, Georgia USAID-Tbilisi Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Supporting Gender Equity at Incubation Centers in Pakistan Apply for SCAISB 22 AW 024 03102022 Funding Number: SCAISB 22 AW 024 03102022 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 |
| Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Apply for OPPE 017 Funding Number: OPPE 017 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Office of Partnerships and Public Engagements Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| University Partnerships Initiative Apply for PAS DKR NOFO FY22 02 Funding Number: PAS DKR NOFO FY22 02 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Senegal Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Niamey PDS Annual Program Statement Apply for AFNY 22 APS 01 Funding Number: AFNY 22 APS 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: $20,000 |
| WE-Champs: Strengthening the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem by Networking Regional Women’s Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations Apply for SFOP0008718 Funding Number: SFOP0008718 Agency: Department of State, Office of Global Womens Issues Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,175,308 |
| U.S. Embassy Dakar Public Affairs Section Request for Statements of Interest Apply for PAS DKR RSOI FY22 01 Funding Number: PAS DKR RSOI FY22 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Senegal Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| 2022 West Africa Mali, Mauritania and Niger NOFO Apply for SFOP0008700 Funding Number: SFOP0008700 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: $1,400,000 |
| BJA FY 2022 Second Chance Act Pay for Success Initiative Apply for O BJA 2022 171034 Funding Number: O BJA 2022 171034 Agency: Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FY2022 Jovenes en Accion Program Apply for SFOP0008730 Funding Number: SFOP0008730 Agency: Department of State, Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| BJA FY 22 Second Chance Act Community-based Reentry Program Apply for O BJA 2022 171031 Funding Number: O BJA 2022 171031 Agency: Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| 22.PMWRA.16May2022.Unsolicited.RFI Apply for SFOP0008738 Funding Number: SFOP0008738 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs - WRA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Annual Program Statement for Cultural Affairs Apply for DOS KAZ NS PAS 22 002 Funding Number: DOS KAZ NS PAS 22 002 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $40,000 |
| DRL Strengthening Worker Rights in Indonesia’s Mining Industries Apply for SFOP0008708 Funding Number: SFOP0008708 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: $1,000,000 |
| Countering Violent Extremism in West Africa Apply for DOS AF PDPA FY22 NOFO 1 Funding Number: DOS AF PDPA FY22 NOFO 1 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of African Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $500,000 |
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 "SCAKAB 22 GR 001 SCA 03022022", 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.