U.S. Embassy Jakarta Media Small Grants Competition

The U.S. Embassy Jakarta Media Small Grants Competition is administered by the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Department of State and is funded through Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds. The program is designed to support alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs in Indonesia by enabling them to apply the skills and knowledge gained during their exchanges to benefit local communities. This funding opportunity reflects broader U.S. foreign policy priorities, including strengthening democratic governance, protecting freedom of expression, and enhancing information integrity across the Indo-Pacific region. The primary purpose of this grant program is to support capacity-building initiatives in journalism and media sectors across Indonesia. Projects must focus on themes such as press freedom, digital freedom, data-driven journalism, investigative journalism, countering propaganda through fact-based reporting, and the application of artificial intelligence in journalism. The program emphasizes strengthening the professional capabilities of journalists and media stakeholders to address misinformation through evidence-based and technically sound approaches, while clearly distinguishing between misinformation and legitimate political discourse. Funding is available for projects that can be completed within a performance period of up to twelve months, with awards typically ranging from 5000 to 20000 dollars. Total program funding is approximately 20000 dollars, subject to availability. Funds may be used for project activities that align with program goals, such as training workshops, content production, and network-building initiatives. However, funding cannot be used for activities such as political campaigning, religious programming, social welfare services, international travel, or projects lacking a clear U.S. connection. Cost sharing is not required for this opportunity. Eligibility is limited to Indonesian nationals who are current or past participants of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs and who are actively working in journalism or related media fields. Applicants may apply as individuals or teams. Organizations applying must have a Unique Entity Identifier and active registration in SAM.gov, though individuals are exempt from this requirement. Priority is given to projects implemented in regions including Sumatra, West Java, Kalimantan, and Papua, though the program serves Indonesia broadly. Applicants must submit a complete application package that includes standard federal forms such as SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B, along with a detailed proposal of up to three pages. The proposal must include a summary, organizational background, problem statement, project goals and objectives, activities, implementation plan, timeline, personnel, partnerships, and a monitoring and evaluation strategy. Additional required materials include a budget justification narrative, resumes of key personnel, letters of support, and any necessary permissions. Applications must be submitted in English and budgets must be presented in U.S. dollars. Applications are due by August 31, 2026 at 1159 p.m. local time in Jakarta. Submissions are made via email to the designated Public Affairs Section grants inbox. Applications are reviewed based on criteria including program quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, alignment with objectives, budget reasonableness, and monitoring and evaluation plans. Awards are expected to begin in October 2026, with notification of results anticipated by the end of September 2026. The review and selection process is conducted by a committee within the U.S. Embassy Jakarta. Successful applicants will be required to comply with federal regulations, reporting requirements, and branding guidelines. Funded recipients must submit periodic programmatic and financial reports and maintain communication with the Embassy throughout the project lifecycle. This program represents a targeted effort to strengthen Indonesia’s media ecosystem while fostering long-term collaboration between U.S. exchange alumni and local communities.

Ensure strong alignment with program objectives; provide measurable outcomes and clear evaluation plan; demonstrate organizational capacity and realistic budgeting