Accessing Election Integrity Funding in Florida

Target Outcomes for Investigative Journalism in Florida: Strengthening Democratic Institutions through Storytelling and Accountability Journalism Projects Tackling Systemic Issues and Holding Local Figures Accountable, Supporting Community/Economic Development and Income Security & Social Services in the State and Surrounding Regions including Kentucky and Wisconsin, and Enhancing Opportunity Zone Benefits for Distressed Communities in Florida and Beyond. Florida is home to a diverse range of communities, including a significant proportion of older adults and a large coastal economy that is vulnerable to climate change impacts, making it an ideal location for journalist to investigate and report on threats to democratic institutions, with a focus on data-driven, investigative, and accountability journalism projects. The Florida Department of State's Division of Elections plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the state's electoral processes, and the grant aims to support journalism projects that help to ensure the transparency and accountability of this and other state agencies. The state's unique demographic features, including its large retiree population and significant immigrant communities, present opportunities for journalists to explore the impact of systemic issues on these groups and to hold local figures accountable for their actions. By supporting investigative journalism projects that focus on threats to democratic institutions, this grant aims to promote a more informed citizenry and to support the state's efforts to maintain the integrity of its democratic processes. As the funder, the Banking Institution is committed to providing $1 million in funding to support journalism projects that meet these goals, with grants ranging from $1 to $1. In Florida, the priority outcomes for this grant include supporting data-driven storytelling that highlights the impact of systemic issues on vulnerable populations, such as the state's significant low-income and minority communities. For example, a journalist might investigate the ways in which the state's Opportunity Zone program is being implemented in distressed communities, and whether it is having the desired impact of promoting economic development and improving outcomes for local residents. Investigative journalism projects that examine the role of money in politics, the impact of voter suppression efforts, and the ways in which local officials are responding to the challenges posed by climate change are also likely to be considered for funding. In addition, the grant will support accountability journalism projects that hold local figures accountable for their actions, such as investigations into allegations of corruption or abuse of power. By supporting these types of projects, the grant aims to promote a more informed and engaged citizenry, and to help to ensure that Florida's democratic institutions remain transparent and accountable to the public. The state's unique geography, including its extensive coastline and numerous waterways, also presents opportunities for journalists to explore environmental issues and their impact on local communities. For instance, a journalist might investigate the impact of pollution from agricultural runoff on the state's waterways, and the ways in which local officials are responding to this issue. Overall, the grant aims to support a wide range of investigative journalism projects that help to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in Florida. By doing so, it will help to ensure that the state's democratic institutions remain strong and resilient, and that its citizens remain informed and engaged. As part of the grant application process, applicants will be required to demonstrate how their proposed projects align with these priority outcomes, and how they plan to achieve meaningful impact through their work. The Banking Institution will be working closely with the Florida Department of State and other state agencies to ensure that the grant is having the desired impact, and to identify opportunities for future collaboration and support. The grant will also be open to applicants from surrounding regions, including Kentucky and Wisconsin, and will support projects that have a broader impact on community/economic development and income security & social services in these areas. In terms of Opportunity Zone Benefits, the grant will support projects that explore the impact of this program on distressed communities in Florida and beyond, and that help to identify best practices for its implementation. By supporting investigative journalism projects that focus on threats to democratic institutions, this grant aims to promote a more informed citizenry and to support the state's efforts to maintain the integrity of its democratic processes. ## Evaluating Success: Metrics and Outcomes for Investigative Journalism Projects in Florida. To evaluate the success of the grant, the Banking Institution will be tracking a range of metrics, including the number of investigative journalism projects that are supported, the impact of these projects on public policy and discourse, and the level of engagement and participation from local communities. The funder will also be working closely with grantees to identify and document best practices for investigative journalism, and to develop new models for supporting this type of work in the future. By doing so, the grant aims to have a lasting impact on the field of investigative journalism, and to help to ensure that Florida's democratic institutions remain transparent and accountable to the public. In addition to these metrics, the grant will also be evaluated based on its ability to support innovative and impactful storytelling projects that highlight the challenges and opportunities facing Florida's communities. For example, a journalist might use data journalism techniques to explore the impact of climate change on the state's coastal economy, or to investigate the ways in which local officials are responding to the challenges posed by sea level rise. By supporting these types of projects, the grant aims to promote a more nuanced and informed understanding of the issues facing Florida, and to help to identify new solutions to the state's most pressing challenges. Overall, the grant is committed to supporting a wide range of investigative journalism projects that help to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in Florida. ## Building a Stronger Democracy through Investigative Journalism in Florida and Beyond. By supporting investigative journalism projects that focus on threats to democratic institutions, this grant aims to promote a more informed citizenry and to support the state's efforts to maintain the integrity of its democratic processes. In Florida, where the demographic features and geographic characteristics present unique challenges and opportunities for investigative journalism, this grant is particularly timely and relevant. As the state continues to grapple with issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and social injustice, the need for high-quality, fact-based journalism has never been more pressing. By supporting journalists who are committed to investigating and reporting on these issues, the grant aims to help build a stronger, more resilient democracy in Florida and beyond. As part of this effort, the Banking Institution will be working closely with state agencies, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders to identify areas of need and opportunity, and to develop new strategies for supporting investigative journalism in the state. Q: What types of investigative journalism projects are likely to be considered for funding under this grant? A: Projects that focus on threats to democratic institutions, such as voter suppression efforts, corruption, and abuse of power, are likely to be considered for funding. Q: How will the grant evaluate the success of investigative journalism projects? A: The grant will track a range of metrics, including the number of projects supported, the impact on public policy and discourse, and the level of engagement and participation from local communities. Q: Are there any specific resources or support available to applicants who are new to investigative journalism or who are looking to build their skills in this area? A: Yes, the Banking Institution will be providing a range of resources and support to applicants, including training and technical assistance, to help them build their skills and capacity in investigative journalism, particularly in areas such as data journalism and accountability reporting, and will be open to applicants from surrounding regions, including Kentucky and Wisconsin.