Are you an African content creator, podcaster, blogger, TikToker, or vlogger? are you passionate about telling stories of climate change in Africa that goes beyond the news that focuses on disasters and climate crisis? Africa No Filter, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is looking for storytellers in Africa and the Diaspora to apply for the Africa No Filter Grant to create exciting content that reshapes the climate change narrative in Africa and shows a continent that’s taking action against climate change.
About
Africa No Filter supports storytellers and organizations that are working to change the typical stories told about Africa. We do this by investing in research, giving grants, building a community, and advocating for better representation. We understand that narratives, which are collections of stories that represent a central belief, are really important.
The current narrative about Africa focuses on poverty, disease, conflict, poor leadership, and corruption. This stereotype has made people see Africa as a broken and dependent continent, where people have no power. But we know that Africa is much more than that! It’s a dynamic, innovative, and evolving continent with 54 countries.
The Africa No Filter’s mission is to change the outdated perceptions of Africa by supporting the development of stories that go beyond stereotypes. Africa No Filter Grant believes that harmful narratives can be changed by telling different stories. The Africa No Filter Grant wants African storytellers to improve their storytelling skills and tell stories that are more nuanced, ethical, and balanced. The Africa No Filter Grant also encourages the emergence of new kinds of stories that create different perspectives and contribute to multiple narratives about Africa.
Benefit
The Africa No Filter Grant initiative is giving the following benefits:
Grants: You will receive grants of up to $5000, which will provide financial support to produce new content. This funding can help cover various expenses related to content creation, such as equipment, production costs, research, and more.
Networking Opportunities: You will have the chance to network and connect with other content creators, professionals, and industry experts. This can open doors for collaborations, mentorship, and valuable connections within the field.
Support for Content Amplification: You will receive support to amplify your content, which can include guidance on marketing strategies, distribution channels, and reaching a wider audience. This assistance will help increase the visibility and impact of your work.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Africa No Filter Grant, content creators must meet the following criteria:
Location: Content creators should be based in Africa or the Diaspora.
Age: Content creators must be over 18 years old.
Track Record: Content creators should have a proven record of producing climate-related content.
Experience: Content creators must have at least two years of experience in producing podcasts, blogs, vlogs, or social media content focused on climate action in Africa.
Audience Size: Content creators should have a combined audience of at least 5,000 followers across platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Representation: Content creators should not be represented by an agent or apply on behalf of an organization. Individual or a maximum of three-host applications are accepted.
Passion for African Climate Stories: Content creators must demonstrate a genuine passion for telling African climate stories that go beyond the usual stereotypes of poverty, disease, conflict, poor leadership, and corruption.
The Africa No Filter Grant is open to all African content creators, regardless of their location on the continent or in the Diaspora. The key factors are having a track record of producing climate action content and a commitment to portraying African climate stories in a way that challenges stereotypes.
How to apply
To apply for the Africa No Filter Grant, please follow these steps:
- Click on the online form and fill out the information
- Fill out the online application form with the required information. This will include personal details, contact information, and relevant background information about your experience as a content creator.
- Write a short write-up explaining how your content idea tells a climate story beyond the usual stereotypes. Highlight the unique perspective and approach you will take in portraying African climate action.
- Provide links to your social media pages (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube) and any relevant blog or vlog/TikTok page where you have published your climate-related content.
- Double-check that all the information provided is accurate and complete.
- Then Submit your application.
- After submitting your application, you should receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your application.
- Please note that due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will receive further communication from Africa No Filter Grant. If you have not heard back by July 1, 2023, consider your application unsuccessful.
- Remember to prepare your application materials in English, Arabic, or French, these are the specified languages for submission.
Requirements
For the Africa No Filter Grant, content creators are encouraged to create original content in various formats, including Vlogs, TikTok videos, Blogs, and Podcasts. The content should specifically address climate change in Africa and present alternative perspectives that challenge common stereotypes.
The following are some suggested formats for your content topic:
Conversations with climate activists: Engage in interviews or discussions with individuals actively involved in climate action, highlighting their initiatives, challenges, and successes.
Communities turning the tide against climate change: Showcase communities that are taking proactive steps to address climate challenges. Highlight their sustainable practices, resilience, and positive impact on the environment.
Profiles of entrepreneurs and innovators in the climate space: Feature stories of African entrepreneurs and innovators who are addressing climate change through innovative solutions. Highlight their initiatives, technologies, and the positive changes they are making in the climate sector.
Content Originality: It is essential that the content is original and does not perpetuate the depiction of Africa as a broken and dependent continent or portray Africans as lacking agency. The goal is to present a more nuanced and empowering narrative about Africa’s climate action efforts.
Selection Process
The selection process for this Africa No Filter Grant involves the following steps:
- Screening: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Review: Eligible applications will be thoroughly evaluated based on content quality and alignment with the opportunity’s objectives.
- Shortlisting: Successful candidates will be contacted by Africa No Filter Grant by 1st July 2023.
Timeline
- 8th June 2023 Application open
- 22nd June 2023 Application screening
- 29th June 2023 Application deadline
- 4th to 5th July 2023 Application interviews
- 12th July 2023 Applicants contacted on the outcome
- 20th July 2023 Grantees announcement
Climate change stories
Read about the other climate stories
you can also Uchendu Kelo’s content
Overview
Types of opportunity: Grant
Deadline: 29 June 2023
Worth: $5000 USD
Open to: 18 years and above
Organizer: Africa No Filter in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
Country: Africa.
Inquiry
For more questions fill out the contact form
For more information visit Africa No Filter
