Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0006497
The DRL FY19 Supporting Investigative Journalism in Africa opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number SFOP0006497) is a U.S. Department of State grant competition run by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL). It was issued as a discretionary funding opportunity using a cooperative agreement mechanism, which typically means the Department of State expects to have substantial involvement during the life of the project (for example, coordinating on planning, monitoring, or major programmatic decisions). The program is categorized under an "Other" funding activity area as specified in the notice, and it is associated with CFDA 19.345.
The core purpose of the opportunity is to fund a project that strengthens investigative journalism in Africa, with a clear emphasis on investigations related to corruption and on efforts that reduce or counter the harms caused by mis- and disinformation. In practice, this kind of scope generally points to activities that improve the ability of journalists, newsrooms, or supporting institutions to uncover wrongdoing, verify information, protect sources, and responsibly publish high-impact investigations, while also building resilience against information manipulation that can undermine public trust and democratic accountability.
Funding is structured around a single anticipated award, with an award ceiling of $800,000 and an expected number of awards listed as one. The competition was created on February 25, 2020, with an original application deadline of April 10, 2020. Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others," with the detailed eligibility requirements referenced as being in the full notice under an additional information field. The sponsoring agency is the Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, reflecting DRL's broader mission to support democracy, human rights, and the rule of law through targeted programs, including media freedom and accountability initiatives.
Overall, this opportunity is designed to support a relatively large, focused project (rather than many small grants) that can demonstrate measurable improvements in investigative journalism capacity and impact in the African context, particularly where corruption and information disorder pose risks to transparency, governance, and public understanding.Apply for SFOP0006497
- The Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "DRL FY19 Supporting Investigative Journalism in Africa" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.345.
- This funding opportunity was created on Feb 25, 2020.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 10, 2020. (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 $800,000.00 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).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) What is the name of this grant opportunity?
The opportunity is titled DRL FY19 Supporting Investigative Journalism in Africa.
2) What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?
The Funding Opportunity Number is SFOP0006497.
3) Which U.S. government office is running this competition?
This is a U.S. Department of State grant competition run by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL).
4) What is the main purpose of the program?
The core purpose is to fund a project that strengthens investigative journalism in Africa, with a clear emphasis on:
- Investigations related to corruption
- Efforts that reduce or counter harms caused by mis- and disinformation
5) What types of results is this opportunity trying to achieve?
Based on the description provided, the opportunity is aimed at supporting a focused project that can show measurable improvements in investigative journalism capacity and impact in African contexts, particularly where corruption and information disorder threaten transparency, governance, and public understanding.
6) Is this a grant or a cooperative agreement?
The opportunity uses a cooperative agreement mechanism.
7) What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?
A cooperative agreement typically means the Department of State expects to have substantial involvement during the life of the project. The notice indicates this can include involvement such as coordinating on:
- Planning
- Monitoring
- Major programmatic decisions
8) How much funding is available?
The award ceiling is $800,000.
9) How many awards are expected?
The opportunity anticipates a single award. The expected number of awards is listed as one.
10) Is this program intended to make many small grants or one larger project?
Based on the information provided, it is designed to support a relatively large, focused project rather than many small grants.
11) What is the funding activity area for this opportunity?
The funding activity area is categorized as "Other", as specified in the notice.
12) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
This opportunity is associated with CFDA 19.345.
13) When was the competition created?
The competition was created on February 25, 2020.
14) What was the original application deadline?
The original application deadline was April 10, 2020.
15) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others". The detailed eligibility requirements are referenced as being in the full notice under an additional information field.
16) Where can applicants find the detailed eligibility requirements?
The detailed eligibility requirements are indicated as being available in the full notice (referenced under an additional information field).
17) What kinds of investigative journalism topics are emphasized?
The program places a clear emphasis on investigative work related to corruption, along with work that addresses the harmful effects of mis- and disinformation.
18) What general kinds of activities does the scope suggest (at a high level)?
The scope, as described, points to efforts that improve the ability of journalists, newsrooms, or supporting institutions to:
- Uncover wrongdoing
- Verify information
- Protect sources
- Responsibly publish high-impact investigations
- Build resilience against information manipulation that undermines public trust and democratic accountability
19) What broader mission area does DRL’s involvement reflect?
The sponsoring bureau (DRL) reflects the Department of State’s broader focus on supporting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, including programs that relate to media freedom and accountability.
20) What region is the program focused on?
The program is focused on Africa.
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