Spread the Facts Grant Program

 

 

To support fact-checking on WhatsApp, the International Fact-Checking Network is offering a new round of its Spread the Facts grant program in partnership with Meta to combat AI-generated misinformation.

The grants are for fact-checking organizations that want to scale and experiment with ways to leverage WhatsApp Business app or WhatsApp Business Platform (WhatsApp API) to accomplish one of the following goals over the course of six months:

Through this initiative, grantees will have an opportunity to experiment and innovate with WhatsApp functionality to increase the reach of their existing projects and enhance the experience of their audience. 

We encourage projects that develop solutions benefitting the broader fact-checking community, partner with organizations in other sectors – such as nonprofits, newsrooms, and non-government organizations (NGOs) – and leverage WhatsApp Channels to highlight their efforts. 

In addition to monetary support, grantees may also participate at GlobalFact 12 in 2025, the IFCN’s annual global fact-checking summit that unites creators, consumers and champions of fact-based reporting.

Previous awardees of Spread the Facts were announced in September 2022; that round of projects concluded in 2023.

Who can apply and what are we looking for? 

The grants are for fact-checking organizations that want to scale and experiment with ways to leverage WhatsApp Business app or WhatsApp Business Platform (WhatsApp API) to accomplish one of the following goals over the course of six months:

Eligibility for Spread the Facts 2024 $20,000 WhatsApp Business App category:

Eligibility for Spread the Facts 2024 $40,000 WhatsApp Business Platform category:

The entire grant fund is $300,000, with the number of grant recipients depending on the mix of applicants. 

Interested organizations will be able to apply for only one of the two categories.

We encourage projects that develop solutions benefitting the broader fact-checking community (e.g., open source their solutions), partner with organizations in other sectors – such as nonprofits, newsrooms, and non-government organizations (NGOs) – and leverage WhatsApp Channels to highlight their efforts.

Inside the application process

Applications will be accepted from May 31, 2024, to July 8, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Organizations will apply within the five-week time frame. Recipients will be announced in August 2024.

The recipients will be chosen by a selection committee composed of IFCN staff, IFCN signatories and Meta stakeholders, ensuring regional and global diversity. Recipients will have six months (September 15, 2024 – March 14, 2025) to complete all activities under this award. During this time frame, each grant recipient will submit reports and be available to engage, discuss, present and answer questions during the grant process and upon completion.

Resources

A Q&A webinar regarding the Spread the Facts grant was held June 5, 2024. Watch the replay here. Questions? An FAQ is available here.

Terms and conditions

All grant opportunities require application registration at

https://ifcn.grantplatform.com/

 

Application page

Please click the link below to fill out your application for the Spread the Facts Grant Program

Application deadline July 8, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. EDT

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