Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0009937
Infrastructure for Life: Strengthening Reporting Capacity in the Philippines (Funding Opportunity Number SFOP0009937) is a U.S. Department of State grant competition run by the Global Engagement Center (GEC) within the Bureau of Global Public Affairs. It was offered as a discretionary funding opportunity using a cooperative agreement, meaning the selected recipient would not only receive funding but would likely coordinate closely with the U.S. government during implementation. The overall purpose of the program is to strengthen the ability of key groups in the Philippines, especially journalists, journalism students, and civil society actors, to more effectively identify, investigate, expose, and report on harms connected to major infrastructure projects. In practical terms, the opportunity focuses on improving reporting and public-interest scrutiny around predatory lending practices, environmental degradation, and irresponsible development tied to infrastructure that is already completed, currently underway, or planned.
The core idea behind the opportunity is capacity building for information and accountability work. The program envisioned would help participants develop the skills and tools needed to recognize warning signs of problematic financing and development arrangements, gather and verify evidence, and translate complex infrastructure, finance, and environmental issues into accurate, compelling, public-facing reporting. This can include strengthening investigative techniques, source development, data and document analysis, and storytelling approaches that make technical subjects understandable to broader audiences. It also highlights the role of civil society alongside the media, suggesting an emphasis on building networks or collaborative approaches where journalists, students, and civic organizations can share knowledge, monitor developments, and amplify credible findings.
Funding for the opportunity had an award ceiling of $500,000, with the Department of State expecting to make one award. The opportunity was posted on July 3, 2023, and the original application deadline was August 18, 2023. The CFDA number associated with the program was 19.040. Eligibility was listed broadly as "Others," with additional eligibility details referenced in the full notice (not provided here), which typically indicates that a range of non-traditional applicants may be considered depending on the specific conditions in the solicitation.
Overall, this opportunity was designed to support a focused, Philippines-centered program that increases the quality, reach, and resilience of reporting and civic oversight related to infrastructure-driven risks, especially where financing terms, environmental impacts, and development choices may produce long-term public harm.Apply for SFOP0009937
- The Department of State, Bureau of Global Public Affairs in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Infrastructure for Life: Strengthening Reporting Capacity in the Philippines" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jul 03, 2023.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 18, 2023. (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).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the name of this grant opportunity?
The opportunity is titled Infrastructure for Life: Strengthening Reporting Capacity in the Philippines.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number?
The Funding Opportunity Number is SFOP0009937.
Which U.S. government entity is running this competition?
This is a U.S. Department of State grant competition run by the Global Engagement Center (GEC) within the Bureau of Global Public Affairs.
What type of funding mechanism is being used?
The opportunity was offered as a discretionary funding opportunity using a cooperative agreement.
What does "cooperative agreement" mean in practice for the award recipient?
Based on the description provided, a cooperative agreement means the selected recipient would receive funding and would also likely coordinate closely with the U.S. government during implementation.
What is the overall purpose of the program?
The purpose is to strengthen the ability of key groups in the Philippines to more effectively identify, investigate, expose, and report on harms connected to major infrastructure projects.
Who is the program primarily trying to support?
The opportunity emphasizes capacity building for journalists, journalism students, and civil society actors in the Philippines.
What kinds of infrastructure-related harms does the opportunity focus on?
The program focuses on improving reporting and public-interest scrutiny related to:
- Predatory lending practices
- Environmental degradation
- Irresponsible development
Does the program apply only to future infrastructure projects?
No. The scope includes infrastructure that is already completed, currently underway, or planned.
What kind of activities or support does the opportunity envision?
The opportunity envisions capacity building for information and accountability work, helping participants develop skills and tools to recognize warning signs of problematic financing and development arrangements, gather and verify evidence, and produce public-facing reporting that is accurate and compelling.
What reporting capabilities are meant to be strengthened?
Examples specifically referenced include strengthening:
- Investigative techniques
- Source development
- Data and document analysis
- Storytelling approaches that make technical subjects understandable to broader audiences
Is the program limited to journalists, or does it include civil society organizations too?
It includes both. The description highlights the role of civil society alongside the media and suggests an emphasis on building networks or collaborative approaches where journalists, students, and civic organizations can share knowledge, monitor developments, and amplify credible findings.
What is the geographic focus of the program?
The opportunity is designed to support a Philippines-centered program.
How much funding is available under this opportunity?
The award ceiling was $500,000.
How many awards was the Department of State expecting to make?
The Department of State expected to make one award.
What is the CFDA number associated with this program?
The CFDA number listed for the program is 19.040.
When was the opportunity posted?
The opportunity was posted on July 3, 2023.
What was the original application deadline?
The original application deadline was August 18, 2023.
Who was eligible to apply?
Eligibility was listed broadly as "Others", with additional eligibility details referenced in the full notice (which is not provided here). This typically indicates that a range of non-traditional applicants may be considered depending on the specific conditions in the solicitation.
What is the main theme or strategy behind the program design?
The central strategy is capacity building to increase the quality, reach, and resilience of reporting and civic oversight connected to infrastructure-driven risks, particularly where financing terms, environmental impacts, and development choices could create long-term public harm.
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