PUBLIC INSIGHT NETWORK COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FUNDS

Grant: Public Insight Network Community Engagement Funds
Agency: Public Insight Network (American Public Media)
Deadline: February 8, 2013

Description: American Public Media’s (APM) Public Insight Network (PIN), with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, is offering up to $2,500 to support public broadcasting stations' community engagement efforts. Specifically PIN is seeking applications from stations that engage their community in conversation around topics relevant to their community. Grantees are expected to generate content and community meetings that meet the information needs of communities.

The Public Insight Network brings together a network of thousands of individuals who have experience or knowledge behind a particular story being covered to assist editors, reporters and producers as they develop important content and programming. PIN gives newsrooms the capacity to do smart, targeted crowd-sourcing on deadline. To date, more than 180,000 PIN sources around the country are shaping news coverage at more than 70 partner news organizations. PIN sources sign up by responding to online surveys, participating in virtual and in-person forums and meeting PIN journalists in person. You can learn more about the Public Insight Network from their website.

Through this particular funding opportunity, stations are encouraged to involve their communities more directly in content and discussion around important local and national issues, and to encourage more newsrooms to adopt the PIN model of engaging communities in journalistically-relevant ways in the editorial process. At least one community meeting should take place resulting in at least two pieces of content as part of this grant. More information on what is expected of grantees is found, here.

Funds will be used to reimburse stations for equipment needs, staff costs, transportation, supplies and reasonable expenses that a station may incur.

Fit for Public Broadcasting: This funding opportunity was created for any public broadcasting station seeking financial support for their community engagement efforts. Both PIN and non-PIN partners are encouraged to apply. As a grantee through this program, any non-PIN partner will become a station partner with the Public Insight Network. Those with experience in community engagement are especially encouraged to apply.

Eligibility: Applicants must be a public television or radio station that is active in PIN as a Basic or Standard PIN partner.

Anticipated Funding: Up to $2,500 will be available per award. APM anticipates making up to 10 awards for new PIN partners and up to five for existing PIN partners.

How to Apply: You can apply online, by completing the form found here. Be sure to scroll below the program description to begin.

Resources:
Program description and application 
Public Insight Network website