DRL FY16 Strengthening Investigative Journalism in Sri Lanka | DRLA DRLAQM 16 056

Opportunity Information: Apply for DRLA DRLAQM 16 056

The grant opportunity titled "DRL FY16 Strengthening Investigative Journalism in Sri Lanka" (Funding Opportunity Number: DRLA DRLAQM 16 056) was issued by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL). It is a discretionary grant program, listed under CFDA 19.345, and it was announced on February 10, 2016, with an application deadline of March 23, 2016. The program anticipated making a single award, with a maximum funding level (award ceiling) of up to $500,000.

At a high level, the opportunity was designed to support work that strengthens investigative journalism in Sri Lanka. While the detailed program narrative is referenced as being in an attachment ("Please see attached") and is not included in the provided text, the title and issuing office strongly indicate a focus on expanding the capacity, resilience, and effectiveness of investigative reporting as part of broader democracy and human rights objectives. In DRL grantmaking, efforts labeled "strengthening" in this area typically relate to improving skills, safety, professional standards, and institutional support systems that allow journalists and media organizations to pursue public-interest investigations, increase accountability, and serve as watchdogs without undue interference.

The eligible applicant pool was broad and included U.S. and non-U.S. organizations across multiple sectors. Eligible applicants included public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status, and for-profit organizations (other than small businesses). This mix suggests the program could be implemented by universities with journalism programs, media development organizations, civil society groups, training institutes, or specialized consulting and media organizations capable of delivering technical assistance, training, mentorship, and related support.

From the structural details provided, the opportunity was relatively targeted: one expected award with a ceiling of $500,000 implies DRL intended to fund a single, consolidated project rather than multiple smaller grants. In practice, that often means the selected grantee would be expected to design a comprehensive initiative with clear outcomes, potentially combining multiple components such as training and coaching for reporters, editorial and newsroom process improvements, development of investigative methods and tools, and partnerships that help investigations reach publication and have impact. The DRL context also commonly emphasizes sustainability and measurable results, meaning the funded project would likely be expected to build lasting capacity rather than only deliver one-off events.

In short, this DRL grant opportunity sought one project proposal, funded up to $500,000, aimed at strengthening investigative journalism in Sri Lanka, open to a wide range of nonprofit, academic, and for-profit applicants, and administered under the State Department's democracy and human rights programming framework. The specific program requirements, allowable activities, and evaluation criteria would be contained in the referenced attachment, which is not included in the text you provided.

• The Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "DRL FY16 Strengthening Investigative Journalism in Sri Lanka" 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 2016-02-10.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2016-03-23. (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: 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, For-profit organizations other than small businesses.

Apply for DRLA DRLAQM 16 056

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