Call For Application : Small-Scale Action Grants for Libyan CSOs and Media Actors

Small Scale Action Grant

Call for Applications and Applicant Guidelines

Small-Scale Action Grants for Libyan CSOs and Media Actors

An RNTC open call under the Libya Media Development Programme (LMDP), with technical support from Annir Initiative

Please check the Arabic Translation, FAQ, and Application form in this list below

 

Call for Application Guideline in Arabic
Call for Application Gudieline in English
FAQ in Arabic 
FAQ in English
Application Form in Arabic
Application Form in English 

 

Issued by : RNTC

Technical support : Annir Initiative

Programme : Libya Media Development Programme (LMDP)

Call opens : 3 November 2026

Application deadline : 17 November 2026

Number of grants : 3

Maximum grant amount : EUR 10,000 per grant

Project duration : 3 to 6 months

Application language : Arabic or English

How to apply : Send the application form to info@rntc.com

Questions : Send the questions to info@rntc.com

 

1. About the Call

RNTC invites eligible Libyan civil society organizations (CSOs) and media actors to apply for Small-Scale Action Grants. The call is part of the Libya Media Development Programme (LMDP), and Annir Initiative is providing technical support to RNTC throughout the call, selection and implementation.

The grants will support locally driven media and communication initiatives that promote access to credible information, strengthen media and information literacy, encourage inclusive civic participation, and contribute to safer and more resilient information environments in Libya.

The programme seeks practical, audience-focused initiatives that combine meaningful content production with a clear plan for distribution and audience engagement. Three grants will be awarded, each for up to EUR 10,000.

2. Objectives

  • Promote rights-based, constructive and alternative narratives.
  • Strengthen media and information literacy and access to credible information.
  • Address misinformation, disinformation and harmful online narratives.
  • Encourage civic engagement and inclusive public participation.
  • Amplify underrepresented voices and community perspectives.
  • Support local resilience and safer, responsible online engagement.

3. Thematic Areas

  • Media and Information Literacy.
  • Public Interest Journalism.
  • Digital Policies and Safer Online Engagement.
  • Youth and Community-Focused Media.
  • Civic Awareness and Inclusive Participation.
  • Digital Campaigns on Societal Issues.
  • Community Storytelling, Multimedia Production and Dialogue Initiatives.

4. Who Can Apply?

Eligible lead applicants include:

  • Libyan independent media outlets, including digital, radio, television, print, local and community media.
  • Libyan CSOs working on media, communication, media and information literacy, digital rights or community engagement.
  • Libyan media networks, collectives and youth-led media initiatives.

Joint applications are permitted. One eligible, registered lead applicant must sign the grant agreement and assume responsibility for grant management and funds. Unregistered initiatives may participate through an eligible registered lead partner. Individual journalists and content creators may be project team members but cannot apply as lead applicants.

5. Mandatory Eligibility Requirements

A. Legal registration

The lead applicant must be registered with the Civil Society Commission (through any branch) or registered as a media company in the Libyan commercial registry. Applicants whose registration or renewal is pending may submit proof that the application has been filed.

B. Libyan focus and local relevance

The applicant must be Libyan-led or focused on Libya, and the proposed content must primarily serve Libyan audiences. At least some project team members must be based in Libya. Specific city locations may be omitted for security reasons. Media organizations operating partly from outside Libya for safety reasons may explain their arrangements in the application.

C. Previous content production

The applicant or its proposed distribution partner is encouraged to have published at least three media or communication products during the past 12 months. Provide links or files, and publication dates.

D. Access to an audience

Applicants must demonstrate either (1) an active public channel that has published content at least monthly during the past six months, or (2) a letter of intent from an established Libyan media platform or distribution partner. Provide relevant links, basic audience figures or the letter, as applicable.

E. Previous financial or project management experience

The applicant must have managed at least one grant, contract or project budget of EUR 3,000 or equivalent in LYD during the past three years. Evidence may include a reference letter from a previous funder, partner, media outlet or CSO. The applicant must have, or be able to open before signing the grant agreement, a bank account in its own name.

F. Proposal requirements

  • Request no more than EUR 10,000 and propose a duration of 3–6 months.
  • Address at least one thematic area in this call.
  • Include clear content outputs and an audience/distribution plan.
  • Be submitted in Arabic or English using the required materials.

6. Who Cannot Apply?

  • Government bodies, political parties, state-owned or state-controlled media, and organizations affiliated with armed groups.
  • Organizations whose public channels carried hate speech, incitement or disinformation during the past two years.
  • Organizations or key staff/board members subject to applicable EU or UN sanctions.
  • Organizations with a record of fraud, corruption or misuse of funds, or whose grants were terminated for these reasons during the past three years.
  • Applicants seeking funding for activities already funded by another donor.
  • Applicants with an undisclosed conflict of interest involving RNTC, RNW Media, Annir Initiative or the evaluation panel.

Eligibility and integrity checks may include review of public channels, and other standard checks. Applicant information will be handled confidentially.

7. Eligible Activities

Projects should combine content production with a clear plan for distribution and audience engagement. Collaboration with an established Libyan media platform is encouraged where appropriate.

  • Videos, explainers, podcasts, audio content, graphics and articles.
  • Documentaries and long-form stories.
  • Social media series and digital campaigns.
  • Co-production or distribution with Libyan media outlets.
  • Participatory and community-sourced content.
  • Small screenings, listening sessions or community discussions directly connected to the proposed content.

8. Ineligible Activities and Costs

  • Political campaigning or content supporting or opposing a political actor, party, armed group or authority.
  • Commercial or promotional content.
  • Activities already funded by another donor.
  • Stand-alone training sessions or events without a content output.
  • Large equipment purchases, vehicles or construction.
  • Transferring grant funds to other organizations.
  • Costs incurred before the grant agreement is signed.

Administrative and overhead costs must not exceed 15% of the total grant budget.

9. Eligible Budget Categories

  • Personnel linked directly to the project.
  • Content production, including design, editing, printing and distribution.
  • Travel and transport.
  • Training and capacity-building linked to the project.
  • Venue rental for activities directly linked to content, such as workshops, dialogues or screenings.
  • Communications and visibility.
  • Administrative and operational costs, capped at 15% of the total grant budget.

All costs must be reasonable, clearly explained, proportionate to the activities and included in the submitted budget. Final costs and payment arrangements will be governed by the approved budget and signed grant agreement.

10. Required Application Documents

Submit the following through the online application platform:

  • Completed application form.
  • Concept note or project proposal describing the issue, objectives, target audience, content, activities, outputs and distribution plan.
  • Detailed project budget with a clear breakdown of proposed costs.
  • Organizational profile, including relevant experience and team capacity.
  • Work samples: at least three media or communication products published during the past 12 months, with links/files and publication dates.
  • Evidence of audience access: public channel links and basic audience figures, or a letter of intent from an established Libyan platform.
  • Evidence of previous financial or project management experience, could be a reference letter or referee email of previous donor or partner.
  • Proof of registration, or evidence that registration or renewal is pending.

 

Ensure that all information is accurate; required documents are included, and the proposal and budget are consistent.

11. Selection Criteria

Relevance to LMDP objectives 30%

Quality and feasibility 25%

Potential impact and audience reach 20%

Innovation and audience engagement 15%

Organizational and implementation capacity, including reference letter 10%

TOTAL 100%

Assessment will consider relevance, project design and feasibility, likely audience reach and engagement, originality, and the applicant’s capacity to deliver activities and manage the grant responsibly. Only eligible applications will proceed to technical assessment. Final selections are subject to the programme’s review and approval process.

12. Application Key Dates

Call opens 1 November 2026

Last day questions are answered 12 November 2026

Application deadline 17 November 2026

Assessment period Until 23 November 2026

Selected applicants contacted 29 November 2026

Expected grant start date 3 December 2026

Implementation period 3–6 months, subject to the signed grant agreement

Submission method Send the application form to info@rntc.com

Questions and clarifications Send the questions to info@rntc.com

Applicants are encouraged to submit early and check that their applications are complete. Late or incomplete applications may be excluded from consideration.

13. Support and Grant Management

Selected grantees may receive grant management orientation, budget and financial reporting guidance, mentoring and technical coaching, editorial and content-quality feedback, digital safety and Do No Harm guidance, regular check-ins, monitoring and reporting support, visibility support, and opportunities for peer learning and networking.

Grantees must implement the approved proposal, use funds only for approved purposes, maintain appropriate financial records, provide progress updates, and submit required narrative and financial reports.

14. Safeguarding, Ethics and Accountability

Applicants must commit to responsible content production, inclusion, professional conduct and Do No Harm. Projects must avoid incitement and harmful content and must not expose participants, sources, audiences or team members to unnecessary risk. Applicants should consider the security and privacy of people involved in content production, particularly in sensitive contexts. Selected grantees must comply with grant requirements on safeguarding, ethical content production, financial accountability, visibility and reporting.

15. Questions and Clarifications

Questions about the call or application process may be sent to info@rntc.com Applicants are encouraged to raise questions early enough to allow time for clarification before the deadline.

Application submission: Send the application form to info@rntc.com