IFCN awards two Nigerian platforms, 37 others $975,000 grant

To combat misinformation and disinformation, the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) has announced that two Nigerian-based fact-checking platforms, FactsMatterNG and News Verifier Africa, along with 37 other fact-checking organisations, will receive a $25,000 grant each.

This development stems from a $975,000, in sum total, grant funded by YouTube to bolster the media verification initiatives of these fact-checking organisations worldwide.

This funding represents the second BUILD phase of the Global Fact Check Fund programme, which was created to improve the efficiency of fact-checking organisations in their local and regional efforts. 

According to the IFCN, each recipient of the $25,000 grant will be awarded the fund for projects fostering the fight against misinformation and disinformation. In addition to FactsMatterNg and News Verifier Africa, other fact-checking organisations from other countries, including Ukraine, Egypt, Guatemala, Liberia, Nepal, and Canada, will benefit from the funding initiative.

Moreover, most grant recipients will use the fund to strengthen their workforce and improve their financial sustainability—a lingering issue amongst 84 per cent of fact-checking organisations. 

The Director of IFCN, Angie Drobnic, emphasised the significance of these grants in enhancing the global network of fact-checkers.

“In this critical election year, the need for accurate information couldn’t be more urgent. This vital funding will energize fact-checking organisations, sharpening their skills, amplifying their capabilities, and expanding their reach. As we navigate the complexities of global voting, fact-checking fosters a culture of critical thinking that leads to a more informed electorate,” said Ms Drobnic.

Since the first award in June 2023, the IFCN has distributed $4,850,000 of the $12 million fund provided by Google and YouTube to several dozen fact-checking groups worldwide. The fund is expected to continue with five more phases.

Meanwhile, a selection committee of media experts rated the proposals of fact-checking organisations and recommended that the winners have nine to 12 months to complete their projects.

The grants were awarded to 20 signatories of IFCN’s Code of Principles and 19 non-signatories who received endorsements from active signatories to become eligible for the fund.

The full list of grant recipients includes: 

1. ABS-CBN Fact Check, Philippines
2. AkhbarMeter Media Observation, Egypt
3. Asociación Ocote, Guatemala
4. Balobaki Check, DR Congo
5. Center for Media Research, Nepal
6. Check Your Fact, United States
7. Cotejo.info, Venezuela
8. Cyberity, Indonesia
9. deCheckers VZW, Belgium
10. Deraya, West-Bank/Palestine
11. Digital Forensics, Research and Analytics Center, India
12. Dogrula.org, Turkey
13. Fact Check Cyprus, Cyprus
14. Factico, Spain
15. Fakt Yoxla, Azerbaijan
16. Fast Check CL, Chile
17. FactsMatterNG, Nigeria
18. Fundación Andina para la Observación y Estudio de Medios, FUNDAMEDIOS, Ecuador
19. Greece Fact Check, Greece
20. Gwara Media, Ukraine
21. INDEX, France
22. JomCheck Malaysia, Malaysia
23. KIVU WEZA, DR Congo
24. Lupa Media, Ecuador
25. Medical Dialogues (C/o Minerva Medical Treatment Pvt Ltd), India
26. Namibia Fact Check, Namibia
27. News Detective, United States
28. News Verifier Africa (Media Inno Tech), Nigeria
29. Observador, Portugal
30. Panos Institute Southern Africa, Zambia
31. Parti Co-op, South Korea
32. PressOnePH, Philippines
33. Provereno Media, Estonia
34. Snopes, United States
35. Telugupost, India
36. The Canadian Press, Canada
37. The Stage Media-Liberia, Liberia
38. Tirto.id, Indonesia
39. VšĮ DigitalHub, Lithuania