The Fact-Checking Innovation Initiative wants to support your next big idea – Poynter

Nov. 19: First round of applications opens

IFCN staff will analyze each of the applications to ensure that all applications are relevant to the program, are complete and contain sufficient detail. A member of IFCN’s staff will follow up with applicants whose applications do not contain sufficient detail (but any such applicants will only be asked to re-apply once before the first round closes).

Dec. 8: First round of applications closes 

Dec. 13: Applicants will be informed of selection for the second round

Dec. 14: Second round of applications opens for qualified entries

Submissions with completed application forms that are found technically viable within the provided time frame will receive a second form to be filled out with more detailed information about their projects. All eligible applications will then be sent to the selection committee.

Jan. 17:  Second round of applications closes

The selection committee will analyze all remaining applications and might request interviews with applicants (any interview is expected to take about 45 minutes). The selection committee will evaluate all projects based upon the criteria set forth below. 

Feb. 28: Recipients announced 

June 26: Global Fact 7

Winners will convene in Oslo to walk through concepts and progress made. Transportation, accommodations and conference registration will be provided for one (1) representative of each grant recipient. 

The following individuals/organizations are eligible to apply:

Applicants that are not a fact-checking organization or an individual employed by one should apply with a memorandum of understanding signed by a fact-checking organization that shows the collaboration involved for the particular project.

Applicants agree that if they are awarded a grant, IFCN and Facebook may use data and information they provide in the initial application and subsequent reporting form with other fact-checking organizations.

To qualify for this initiative, the project should be more than just an idea. Applicants must be organizations or teams of at least two people who have tested their concept or developed a prototype (if applicable). Applications from individuals will be accepted if they are paired with a fact-checking organization where the project will be implemented in the 12-month time frame of the program.

Applicants agree that if they develop any code in connection with this project, they will make the code publicly available in a GitHub repository and freely available for use under an open-source license approved by the Open Source Initiative.

Each applicant/organization may only submit one application (for one project in one grant amount tier).