Emergency Alert and Communication Grants
Grant: Emergency Alert and Communication Grants
Deadline: July 17, 2012 (phase one)
Description: The Emergency Alert and Communication Grants (EAC) program is designed to fund projects that help a significant number of public media stations use digital broadcast and other wireless platforms during natural or man-made emergencies in a manner that assists public safety authorities reach local populations and/or communicate with each other.
EAC grants are designed to promote a range of station activities and capacities including:
- Mobile DTV or web applications to alert citizens.
- Dynamic bandwidth allocation to serve the needs of first responders.
- Engagement efforts to develop digital broadcast communication plans and protocols.
Given public media’s long history with closed captioning, video description and radio reading services, particular interest will be placed on proposals that include services for visually and hearing impaired audiences.
Fit for Public Broadcasting: This program is designed specifically for public broadcasters who seek to provide essential alert and communications services during emergencies. Local broadcasters have long played an essential role in alerting their communities during emergencies. Because public television and radio stations are among the last locally owned and operated broadcast entities in many communities across the country, they are critical resources for communities in emergency situations.
Eligibility: Any single public media station, group of stations or non-profit entity that serves public media stations is encouraged to apply.
Anticipated Funding: Funding will be granted through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). At least two awards and no more than ten ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 each are expected to be made for a total of $1,000,000.
How to Apply: The application process for this program will have two phases. In the first phase, applicants are required to submit a preliminary application consisting of a basic project description and budget estimate. These documents will be posted online for public review and comment as a means to promote openness and information sharing among stations. CPB will select those applicants that best address the grant program’s objectives to submit a more detailed application for funding in phase two. Phase one documents must be submitted through the National Center for Media Engagement via their web portal by July 17, 2012.
Question may be submitted via email to CPB staff officer Dan McCoy. Check back to the program website for information on Frequently Asked Questions.
Resources
Program notice
CPB program webpage
NCME program webpage
