Transparency of Funding
Local Voices Liberia is committed to transparency about its support and the funds it receives from donors and partners. However, our partners and donors do not influence the production of our work.
LVL is not affiliated with any individual, government organization or agency although we work to provide media literacy (fact-checking training) for media workers of government institutions.
We are a not-for-profit organization registered with the Liberian government with Business Registration Number 51609646.
Local Voices Liberia runs an active fact-checking desk which was launched in 2021 as part of the Liberia Media Initiative project co-financed by the European Union.
Since establishing the fact-checking desk, we have partnered with Internews, Africa Check and UNDP to implement projects and have received funding from the European Union and USAID. So far, our primary international partner is Internews.
Currently, our fcat checking desk is funded by the Liberia Media Empowerment Project (LMEP) implemented by Internews in Liberia with financing from the European Union.
We are also receiving funding from the International Fact Checking Network BUILD 2025 Grant. BUILD grants provide operational support to fact-checkers working to provide accurate, trustworthy information in their communities
Below is a breakdown of our income based on the funding support from donors:
Where We Get Our Funding/Support
Local Voices Liberia Fact Checking Desk is an independent fact-checking organization that is committed to countering and debunking mis/disinformation and hate speech. Currently, we get our funding from USAID Media Activity co-implemented by Internews in Liberia and Liberia Media Empowerment Project (LMEP) which is being co-financed the European Union. LVL Fact Checking Desk has also received technical support from iVerify Liberia project implemented by UNDP. Following the end of the support, UNDP presented to LVL a online tool (Check Media) to help facilitates the tracking and fact checking of claims made online or shared by the public.
1. About Liberia Media Empowerment Project (LMEP) Support to LVL Fact Checking Desk
LVL Fact Checking Desk is partnering with Internews in Liberia to implement LMEP which is co-financed by the European Union. LVL Fact Checking Desk is implementing the fact-checking component of this project. This activity will be implemented for 24 months – from July 2024 to June 2026. LMEP will provide funding (US$159,903) to LVL Fact Checking Desk for the implementation of various activities relative to fact-checking and verification including media literacy and training of journalists.
This component of the project seeks to promote fact-checking and verification of information in the public to help limit the spread of distorted information (disinformation, misinformation, fake news, etc.) and to help the public make informed decisions.
This project will increase fact-checked publications in mainstream and social media and help increase media literacy activities for the public to help counter disinformation and hate speech. Media literacy will be enhanced through activities that will include the training of journalists and students in fact-checking, production of radio programs, social media campaigns, and in-person activities including forums and panel discussions across the country.
This project will also work to include fact-checking as a major journalism course at selected journalism schools and universities in Liberia as a means of elevating the practice as a major course.
The funders will have absolutely no decision in the fact-check contents that will be produced during the lifespan of the project.
2. About IFCN Support to LVL Fact Checking Desk
LVL Fact Checking gets 30% from the International Fact‑Checking Network (IFCN) through its 2025 BUILD Grant as part of the Global Fact Check Fund. This US$25,000 BUILD grant is awarded to verified fact-checking organizations to support day-to-day operational needs such as staffing, capacity development, training, access to verification tools, and technological improvements.
In receiving this grant, the Desk aligns with IFCN’s Code of Principles, underscoring our commitment to transparency, independence, and rigorous methodology.
This flexible funding plays a critical role in strengthening our organizational capacity and enhancing the quality and reach of our fact-checking efforts. With this dedicated support, we can secure essential tools and infrastructure, expand our trained staff, and foster better collaboration with fact-checking peers globally.
Being part of the 2025 BUILD cohort not only enhances our ability to combat misinformation effectively but also demonstrates our adherence to international best practices in fact-checking. This clear line of financial transparency helps build public trust in our work and underscores our role as a credible and independent fact-checking service.