International Broadcasting Independent Grantee Organizations (90.500)
International Broadcasting Independent Grantee Organizations (Assistance Listing 90.500) is run by the U.S. Agency for Global Media. It awarded $1.9 billion in 22 grants from fiscal 2021 to 2025, about $84.4 million per award on average. No funding opportunity is open on Grants.gov right now.
The typical award was $70.4 million. Half of the 22 awards fell between $54.5 million and $128 million, and they ranged from $357,923 to $181 million.
- Awarded, FY 2021 to 2025$1.9 billion
- Grant awards22
- Typical award$70.4 million
- Awarded in FY 2025$304 million
- Size rank172 of 1,823
- Type of assistanceProject grants
Key findings
- Annual funding fell from $465 million in fiscal 2021 to $304 million in fiscal 2025.
- It is the 172nd largest of 1,823 federal grant programs by five-year awards.
- The 5 largest recipients received 100% of the money.
- Awards went to recipients in 2 states and territories.
What the program funds
To promote freedom and democracy and enhance understanding through multimedia communication of accurate, objective, and balanced news, information, and other programming about America and the world to audiences overseas.
Open opportunities
No opportunity under this program is open or forecast on Grants.gov right now. Programs often post once a year, so the funding history below shows what to expect.
Rules from the program listing
Who can apply
Grants are currently only available to three existing nonprofit organizations, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, and Middle East Broadcasting Networks as identified in authorizing or appropriations language. Grants are not available to State or local governments or the general public.
What the money can and cannot pay for
Funding supports the operations of the grantee organizations. The annual appropriation process provides funds and restrictions on fund usage would be identified in the appropriation and authorization law, and in yearly grant agreements each grantee signs. In the individual grant agreements for RFE/RL, RFA, and MBN there is language that describes limitations on the grant, on administrative and managerial costs, and on the use of funds. The grantees must also comply with Circulars A-110, A-122, and A-133.;
Matching requirements
This program has no statutory formula. Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.
Deadlines
Deadlines do not apply
Award range and average, in the agency's words
FY 2009 Range: $35,919 to $110,419; Average $79,558 FY 2010 Range: $37,228 to $112,601; Average $81,914 FY 2011 Range: $38,404 to $117,462; Average $83,808 (in thousands)
Funding history and past recipients
From fiscal 2021 to 2025, International Broadcasting Independent Grantee Organizations (90.500) awarded $1.9 billion across 22 grant awards, an average of $84.4 million per award.
| Recipient | State | Awards | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rfe/RL Inc | District of Columbia | 5 | $766 million |
| Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc. | Virginia | 5 | $560 million |
| Radio Free Asia | District of Columbia | 5 | $322 million |
| Open Technology Fund | District of Columbia | 6 | $209 million |
| Frontline Media Fund | District of Columbia | 1 | $357,923 |
Who usually wins
Almost all of the money went to nonprofits.
| Recipient type | Awards | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nonprofits | 22 | $1.9 billion | 100% |
By state
Each state below has its own page for this program, with its recipients and yearly totals.
| State | Awards | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 17 | $1.3 billion |
| Virginia | 5 | $560 million |