Counter misinformation and disinformation about COVID-19 | WAW NOFO FY21 01

Opportunity Information: Apply for WAW NOFO FY21 01

The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Poland released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) called "Counter misinformation and disinformation about COVID-19" (Opportunity Number WAW-NOFO-FY21-01) to support small, innovative public-facing projects in Poland that address false or misleading information related to the pandemic. The program offers grants of up to USD 20,000 per award for projects that can start no earlier than April 2021 and must be completed within 12 months. Applications were due by February 28, 2021 (17:00), and funding is contingent on the availability of U.S. Department of State funds. Projects that include local cost-sharing are viewed more favorably.

Eligibility is aimed primarily at Poland-based, non-profit entities and individuals. The Embassy stated that grants may be awarded to local representatives of Polish NGOs, cultural or educational institutions, media organizations, and individuals, as long as the applicant has non-profit status. Only one application may be submitted per organization or individual, and organizations that already have an open Embassy grant were told not to apply. U.S.-based NGOs or individuals may apply as well, but they must demonstrate a relationship with a local partner operating in Poland. For organizational applicants (not individuals), the grant requires administrative readiness: a DUNS number and an active SAM.gov registration (renewed annually) are mandatory, and applicants are advised to start early because DUNS, NCAGE, and SAM registrations can take days to weeks.

The Embassy made the program themes very specific and disqualified any application that did not clearly align with at least one of four required topics. The first two themes focus on countering COVID-19 misinformation and disinformation broadly, and countering misinformation and disinformation specifically about COVID-19 vaccines. Suggested activities include information campaigns, social media campaigns, science workshops for journalists, and educational activities for students. The third theme shifts to media literacy for young people by teaching high school and university students how to think critically about COVID-19 and vaccine content on social media, including how to check sources, weigh multiple viewpoints, and recognize potential agendas behind information. The fourth theme targets educators, aiming to equip teachers and other education professionals with the skills and tools to teach that same kind of critical evaluation of social media content related to the pandemic and vaccines.

Funding rules and restrictions are a major part of the NOFO. While the grant can support practical implementation costs, the Embassy emphasized that expenses incurred before an award is issued will not be reimbursed. The notice also lists multiple categories that are generally not fundable, including projects that are political or appear partisan; exchange programs; social welfare initiatives; projects supporting specific religious activities; trade or commercial activities; fundraising campaigns; scientific research; construction; projects primarily designed to build the applicant organization itself rather than deliver public programming; travel to the United States for conferences or reporting tours; ongoing salary costs for regular staff; office equipment; finishing activities started with other funds; and food and drink beyond basic coffee breaks and working lunches (with alcohol explicitly prohibited). Project coordination fees can be included, but they should not exceed 20 percent of the total grant amount.

The application process is email-based and document-heavy, with strict formatting rules. Applications had to be submitted in English, limited to six pages total including the budget, using Times New Roman 12-point font, and budgets had to be shown in U.S. dollars using the template embedded in the application rather than as a separate attachment. Applicants were required to submit a completed application form (within word limits) and CVs for the project coordinator and the head of the organization. Organizations also had to include U.S. government forms SF-424 and SF-424A plus proof of SAM.gov registration, while individuals had to submit SF-424I and SF-424B. The subject line needed to include the applicant name and the NOFO number. The point of contact for submission and questions was grantspoland@state.gov.

Selection is handled by an Embassy committee, with decisions described as final and not subject to appeal, and the Embassy noted it would not provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants. Beyond simply matching one of the four required themes, the NOFO says preference will be given to innovative proposals that build people-to-people connections between Americans and Poles, create ties between U.S. and Polish institutions or networks, and include diverse audiences such as people with disabilities, immigrants, ethnic minorities, and the LGBTQI community. The Embassy also prioritizes geographic and demographic reach, encouraging projects that benefit participants outside major cities, including rural communities and historically underserved groups.

Finally, awardees must comply with reporting requirements set in the grant agreement, including programmatic and financial reports on a schedule defined by the Embassy, and funding disbursements may be linked to timely reporting. The NOFO also clarifies a separate policy point: the Embassy cannot provide "honorary patronage" or letters of support (including use of the Embassy seal) to projects or institutions that do not receive U.S. government funding, due to U.S. government ethics rules.

• The U.S. Mission to Poland in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Counter misinformation and disinformation about COVID-19" 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 2021-01-12.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-02-28. (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 $20,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for WAW NOFO FY21 01

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