The International Fact Checking Network, IFCN has announced News Verifier Africa (NV-A) as one of the recipients for the second phase of its BUILD grant, worth of its $975,000.
The IFCN on June 20, 2024 announced 39 grant recipients serving 34 countries, with each recipient receiving an award of $25,000 to improve organisational capacity and operations in the fight against misinformation and disinformation.
The IFCN BUILD Grant is part of the Global Fact Check Fund programme, and is designed to support the operational development of fact-checking organisations, enabling them to address local and regional misinformation challenges.
Commenting on the importance of this grant and the need for accurate information, especially in a critical election year, Angie Drobnic Holan, IFCN Director, notes that, “This vital funding will energise 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.”
Publisher of News Verifier Africa, NV-A, Zainab Sanni, says the organisation is thrilled to have been awarded the grant. “This is a most welcome development for NV-A. We transitioned from an informal initiative to a formal organisation in January 2024 and this grant will help in sustaining operations while we expand and ensure that we are positioned to continue delivering on the mission to innovate new approaches for Fact-checks to become more inclusive, engaging and accessible”, she explains.
The fact-checking platform is set to expand its capacity, ensuring a more engaging approach towards fact-checks dissemination across the African continent. While recipients of this Fund span the globe, from Africa, South America, Asia and Europe and Oceania, NV-A is one of the two Nigerian organisations selected to receive funding in this phase.
See full list of grant recipients here.
Signed:
Olakunle Mohammed
For: NV-A
