Media and Information in Russia | DOSRUS21GR005

Opportunity Information: Apply for DOSRUS21GR005

The "Media and Information in Russia" grant opportunity (DOSRUS21GR005) is a discretionary program run by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Mission to Russia, specifically the U.S. Embassy Moscow Public Affairs Section (PAS). Its overall goal is to strengthen U.S.-Russia engagement around traditional and citizen journalism, press freedom, access to trustworthy information, and media literacy. The program invites proposals for practical projects that help Russian audiences better understand the role of a free press, improve journalistic standards and ethics, and build the public's ability to recognize reliable reporting versus misinformation and disinformation. A strong proposal is expected to include a meaningful connection to American experts, organizations, or institutions, with an emphasis on cooperation that can continue after the grant-supported activities end.

Funding is available in amounts up to $200,000 per award, but applicants are clearly encouraged to request only what matches their actual capacity and what is needed to achieve their project goals. The announcement notes that smaller awards may move faster through approval. The total funding available is dependent on funds availability, and the program anticipated making up to about 50 awards. Applications were accepted on a rolling basis until June 1, 2021, with submissions reviewed monthly and funds distributed as needed on a first-come, first-served basis. While some awards could be made quickly, the notice also warns that in some cases funding might not be available until as late as September 2021, so applicants needed to plan timelines realistically and follow the application instructions and budget template provided by PAS.

The grant priorities are organized around two main theme areas: journalism and information. Under the journalism theme, PAS is looking for projects that promote stronger investigative journalism and help audiences understand how investigative reporting can surface issues of public concern and expose illegal, irregular, or abusive actions. Projects can also focus on the rights and responsibilities of a free press in a democratic society, meaning proposals might address professional standards, ethics, legal frameworks, newsroom practices, or public understanding of why independent media matters. Under the information theme, PAS prioritizes projects that expand access to reliable information for Russians, with special attention to young people and communities that are traditionally underrepresented or considered at risk. Another highlighted direction is the creation of practical toolkits or training resources that help people detect misinformation and disinformation, which could include curricula, workshops, digital resources, verification methods, or scalable public-education materials.

Because the opportunity was released during the COVID-19 pandemic, PAS Moscow included a strict operational requirement: the program could not fund projects involving travel or in-person interaction at that time. Any proposal that still included an in-person component had to also present a credible virtual backup plan explaining how activities would proceed online if in-person implementation remained impossible. Proposals without a clear virtual contingency risked being set aside by the grants committee, so applicants needed to design for remote delivery from the start or provide a well-developed alternative format.

The opportunity also sets clear limits on what it will not support. Projects cannot be designed to solely benefit a single Russian or American entity, such as one business or one university, which signals a preference for broader public benefit and wider participation rather than institution-building for a single organization. The program is not intended to generate income; if any revenue is incidentally produced through project activities, it must be reinvested into extending or expanding the project, such as lengthening programming or supporting additional participants. Finally, proposals should not primarily focus on academic or scientific research, meaning the emphasis should be on applied programming, training, engagement, or public-facing resources rather than research studies as the main deliverable.

Eligibility is broad and includes U.S. and Russian nonprofits, NGOs and civil society organizations, institutions of higher education, and a range of community-oriented entities such as museums, parks, reserves, and community organizations. The source listing also references eligibility categories such as public and state-controlled higher education institutions, private higher education institutions, independent school districts, small businesses, and individuals, but the narrative guidance stresses that corporate applicants and individuals would only be funded in limited circumstances and should contact PAS with questions before applying. Overall, the opportunity is geared toward organizations that can deliver concrete journalism and media-literacy programming with credible U.S. partner involvement, clear public benefit, and a plan that works in a virtual or hybrid environment under pandemic constraints.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Russia in the information and statistics, other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification), science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Media and Information in Russia" 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 Dec 01, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 01, 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 $200,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 50 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Individuals, Small businesses.

Apply for DOSRUS21GR005

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