Deadline for submission of proposals: 25th January, 2026.

1. Background

The Somaliland Journalists Association (SOLJA), through the Danwadaag Project, is launching this Call for Proposals to support journalists in producing impactful stories on Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Somaliland. The Danwadaag Project aims to strengthen media’s role in promoting accountability, evidence-based dialogue, and citizen engagement on critical issues affecting communities. This Call will provide small grants to empower journalists to generate high-quality investigative and feature stories that inform the public, amplify community voices, and hold duty bearers accountable.

1.1 Objectives of the Programme and Priority Issues

The overall objective of this Call for Proposals is to strengthen independent journalism in Somaliland by providing financial support to journalists focused on DRM and GBV.

Specific objectives include:

• • • Enhancing investigative and feature reporting on DRM and GBV.
    • Promoting community-driven narratives that support social accountability.
    • Encouraging journalists to explore underreported dimensions of disasters and gendered impacts.

1.2 Description of Lots

Lot 1: Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Reporting in Somaliland

• • • Focus: Investigative and feature stories on drought, floods, early warning systems, resilience, and accountability in DRM.
    • Funding: 7 grants.

Lot 2: Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and DRM Reporting in Somaliland

• • • Focus: Stories highlighting how GBV intersects disasters and humanitarian crises, including survivor voices, how women are affected by disasters (droughts, fires or floods) and slow violences.
    • Funding: 3 grants.

 2. Rules for this Call for Proposals

2.1 Who can apply: Journalists operating in all regions of Somaliland, except those based in Hargeisa.

2.1.1 Eligibility Criteria

This Call is open to individual journalists working in broadcast, and digital media operating outside Hargeisa.

Demonstrate experience or strong interest in investigative or feature reporting.

• • • Be affiliated with a recognized media outlet or have a commitment from an outlet to publish/broadcast the story.
    • Submit original proposals that address the thematic focus of the chosen lot.
    • Share the link previous relevant work/ documentaries done by applicant.
    • Commit to completing and publishing the story within two weeks timeframe.

2.2 Eligible Actions

• • • The grants must be used to support the production of journalistic content that:
    •  Investigates root causes, impacts, and solutions related to DRM and GBV.
    • Includes voices of affected communities and promotes social accountability.
    • Can be published through TV, radio or digital platforms.
    • May involve travel to affected areas, interviews with stakeholders, and data collection.

 3. Evaluation and Selection of Applications

• • • Proposals will be evaluated based on:
    • Relevance and originality of the story idea.
    • Potential impact on public awareness and accountability.
    • Feasibility of implementation.
    • Quality of the journalist’s portfolio or experience.

4. Implementation and Reporting

Selected journalists must produce and publish their stories within the agreed timeline. Grantees are required to submit copies of the published work and a short narrative report describing the process, challenges, and impact of the story.

5. Visibility and Acknowledgement

All stories produced under this Call must acknowledge support from SOLJA and the Danwadaag Project. Creative visibility approaches, such as social media campaigns or multimedia content, are encouraged.

6. How to Apply and Procedures

Applicants must submit:

• • • A proposal (maximum 2 pages) outlining the story idea, objectives, methodology, and expected impact.
    • A brief CV including previous work.
    • A budget indicating how the grant will be used.

Applications must be sent via email to: program@solja.org with the subject line: “Danwadaag Journalism Grant – LOT [1 or 2]”. The deadline for submission is January 25th.

Annexes

• • • Annex 1: Application Form
    •  Name of Applicant
    • Media Affiliation

Chosen Lot (1 or 2)

• • • Story Title and Summary (max 200 words)
    • Objectives and Expected Impact
    • Methodology/Approach
    • Proposed Budget
    • Timeline for Completion
    •  Contact Details
    • Annex 2: Budget Template
    • Production Costs
    • Travel & Transport
    • Communication & Media
    • Supplies/Other Costs

Download: Annex 1: Application Form
Download: Annex 2: Budget Template