Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I’ve been working on a Web site / print publication / TV show / radio show for a year now. Will NWME fund it?
A. NWME was created to help start new projects, rather than support existing ones. If you wish to create an entirely new venture that is related to your existing project, you could be eligible to apply for NMWE funding.
Q. My site is already up and running, can I still apply for funding?
A. YES! With the pace of new media, we understand that some Web sites will have already launched or may be up in beta. It is our hope that NMWE applicants will propose new news features or concrete enhancements that would take their projects to the next level.
Q. I’m a fountain of ideas. Can I submit more than one application?
A. Sure, so long as you and your ideas are original and meet eligibility requirements.
Q. Does my entire team need to be FEMALE?
A. NO. The main applicant, the leader of the project, must be a woman. But you can certainly partner with, employ or sub-contract to male content producers, Web developers, graphic designers, programmers and others.
Q. Can I simply pay myself $12,000 for my time?
A. YES. How you spend the money is up to you, so long as you explain it in your proposal. The judges, however, will also consider how you plan to get the word out about your project. Also, be mindful that NWME might be taxable income for you and there is no withholding of taxes.
Q. I don’t understand why some funding comes as a grant and some as a subcontract. What’s the difference?
A. Grants are only made to organizations with a 501(c)3 or other nonprofit status through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you aren’t a 501(c)3 or don’t have a nonprofit fiscal agent who will sponsor you and receive the grant money, the $12,000 NMWE funding will come in the form of a subcontract. J-Lab will subcontract either directly with you, your incorporated business entity or the news organization that is sponsoring/supporting your project. Your NMWE proposal will serve as your scope of work for the subcontract. Check with your accountant about whether these funds would count as taxable income that you may have to declare.
Q. Do you pay indirect or overhead costs to universities or other fiscal agents?
A. NO. Fiscal sponsors may not take a percentage of New Media Women funding.
Q. Are international projects eligible? What if I get a U.S.-based nonprofit fiscal agent to sponsor me?
A. The NMWE initiative is a pilot project. At this time, only U.S.-based projects are eligible for funding.
Q. Why will NMWE not fund personal blogs or underwrite documentaries?
A. NMWE funding is intended to be start-up funding for projects that can improve or help re-define journalism. The funding is intended to help start projects that will launch within one year and that have promise of continuing once the NMWE funding has ended.
Q. I am currently employed by a newspaper/ radio or TV station Can I apply independent from my employer?
A. YES. You may apply as an individual entrepreneur. You may wish to give your employer a heads up that you wish to apply.
Q. I’m part of a team applying for funding. Do we submit separate applications or answer the questions together?
A. We expect to receive many proposals that are efforts between two or more journalists or organizations. If this describes you, please submit a single application, answering biographical questions for each key participant in the project. If your collaboration is selected, only one person, organization or entity will be the point of contact and funds recipient.
Q. When will you announce the winners?
A. Judging will take place in mid-June. Winners will be contacted in early summer.
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