Deadline: 24-May-2026

The British Embassy Kyiv has launched a competitive funding opportunity to support strategic communications initiatives in Ukraine. The program is designed to strengthen the Government of Ukraine’s ability to communicate effectively during the ongoing full-scale invasion and evolving information warfare environment.

The initiative focuses on:

• Strengthening strategic communications systems
• Enhancing audience-centred research and analysis
• Improving communication coordination across ministries
• Delivering policy-led communication campaigns
• Countering disinformation and hybrid information threats
• Building evidence-based government communication systems

The program supports long-term institutional communication reform and aims to improve public communication strategies through data-driven decision-making and centralized coordination.

Funding Details

• Maximum funding available: £1,500,000
• Number of projects expected to be selected: One
• Co-funding and self-funding contributions are encouraged
• Additional financial contributions may strengthen an application during evaluation

Main Objectives of the Program

Strengthening Strategic Communications Capacity

The program aims to improve Ukraine’s central government communication systems by supporting:

• Strategic messaging development
• Crisis communication planning
• Government media engagement
• Public information management
• Communication coordination across institutions
• Policy-led communications planning

The initiative encourages modern communication systems that rely on audience insights and evidence-based strategies.

Building Audience-Centred Research Systems

A major component of the program is improving the Government of Ukraine’s ability to collect, analyse, and use audience research.

Supported activities may include:

• Polling and surveys
• Public sentiment analysis
• Behavioural insights research
• Audience segmentation
• Narrative monitoring
• Media tracking and analysis

Why Audience Research Matters

Audience-centred communication allows governments to:

• Understand public concerns
• Identify communication gaps
• Track misinformation trends
• Improve public trust
• Deliver targeted messaging
• Increase communication effectiveness

Developing a “One Voice” Communications System

The initiative supports a unified government communications approach known as the “One Voice” model.

The “One Voice” approach focuses on:

• Coordinated messaging across ministries
• Consistent public communication
• Faster response to misinformation
• Alignment with government policy priorities
• Improved crisis communication systems
• Reduced communication fragmentation

This model helps governments communicate clearly and consistently during periods of crisis and national uncertainty.

Supporting Data-Driven Communication Campaigns

The funding opportunity promotes evidence-based communication campaigns supported by:

• Paid media strategies
• Earned media engagement
• Digital communications
• Public outreach campaigns
• Policy communication frameworks
• Monitoring and evaluation systems

Campaigns are expected to support public awareness, resilience, and effective policy communication.

Key Themes and Priority Areas

The program prioritizes projects connected to the following strategic themes.

Strategic Communications

• Government communications planning
• Public messaging strategies
• Crisis communication systems
• Strategic narrative development

Audience Research and Monitoring

• Polling and data analysis
• Public opinion monitoring
• Behavioural insights research
• Information environment analysis

Communications Coordination

• Inter-ministerial coordination
• Centralized communications management
• Unified government messaging
• Stakeholder communication systems

Media Engagement

• Journalist engagement
• Media outreach strategies
• Public information dissemination
• Digital media coordination

Government Communications Reform

• Institutional communication modernization
• Communication governance systems
• Operational communications frameworks
• Strategic communication standards

Countering Hybrid Information Threats

• Disinformation response systems
• Propaganda monitoring
• Information resilience initiatives
• Narrative disruption strategies

Expected Outcomes of the Program

The selected project is expected to deliver measurable institutional improvements across Ukraine’s communications ecosystem.

Establishment of a Research and Monitoring Team

The initiative aims to support a team capable of:

• Producing contextual analysis
• Conducting polling and audience research
• Monitoring information trends
• Generating communication insights
• Supporting strategic communications planning

Creation of a One Voice Communications Team

The program seeks to establish a centralized communications coordination structure responsible for:

• Coordinating proactive communications
• Managing reactive communications
• Supporting crisis response messaging
• Improving communication consistency
• Aligning ministry communications

Development of Policy-Led Communication Strategies

Projects should support:

• Data-informed communication strategies
• Evidence-based policy messaging
• Audience-focused communication planning
• Public communication campaigns aligned with national priorities

Adoption of Government Communication Standards

The initiative encourages adaptation of UK Government Communication Service standards to Ukraine’s context.

Possible areas include:

• Campaign planning frameworks
• Audience segmentation tools
• Communication evaluation systems
• Crisis communication protocols
• Strategic communication governance models

Who is Eligible?

The funding opportunity is open to a range of organizations with relevant expertise.

Eligible Applicants Include:

• International Organisations (IOs)
• International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs)
• Ukrainian Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)
• Consortium partnerships involving multiple organizations

Preferred Expertise Areas

Applicants may demonstrate experience in:

• Strategic communications
• Governance reform
• Media development
• Audience research
• Public policy
• Crisis communications
• Monitoring and evaluation
• Institutional capacity building

Consortium Applications

Consortium applications are permitted and may combine expertise in:

• Research and analytics
• Communications strategy
• Technology and digital engagement
• Policy implementation
• Capacity development

Why This Funding Opportunity Matters

Strengthening Ukraine’s Information Resilience

Ukraine continues to face significant information warfare and disinformation challenges. Strong government communication systems help:

• Counter false narratives
• Improve public trust
• Deliver accurate information
• Strengthen crisis response
• Support national resilience

Supporting Democratic Governance

Effective communication systems improve:

• Transparency
• Public accountability
• Citizen engagement
• Policy understanding
• Government responsiveness

Building Long-Term Institutional Capacity

The program focuses on sustainable institutional reforms rather than short-term communication campaigns. This helps create stronger and more resilient public communication systems over time.

How to Apply

Step 1: Develop a Detailed Project Proposal

Applicants should prepare a proposal that includes:

• Project objectives
• Strategic communications approach
• Audience research methodology
• Communications coordination framework
• Media engagement plans
• Monitoring and evaluation strategy
• Sustainability measures

Step 2: Demonstrate Alignment with Existing Initiatives

Applications should explain how proposed activities complement:

• Existing donor-funded projects
• Government reform priorities
• Regional communication initiatives
• National strategic objectives

Applicants should avoid duplication of existing programs.

Step 3: Demonstrate Sustainability

Strong proposals should include:

• Long-term institutional impact
• Staff training components
• Knowledge transfer strategies
• Sustainable operational systems
• Continued implementation plans beyond funding

Step 4: Define Consortium Roles Clearly

Consortium applications should specify:

• Lead organization responsibilities
• Partner roles
• Governance arrangements
• Budget allocations
• Technical expertise contributions

Step 5: Submit a Comprehensive Budget

Applicants should provide:

• Detailed cost breakdowns
• Financial justifications
• Co-funding information
• Resource allocation plans

Tips for Preparing a Strong Proposal

Focus on Evidence-Based Communications

• Use audience research to guide messaging
• Include data analysis methods
• Demonstrate understanding of the information environment

Include Measurable Results

Examples include:

• Audience reach metrics
• Polling improvements
• Media engagement outcomes
• Coordination performance indicators
• Campaign effectiveness measurements

Emphasize Coordination Capacity

Highlight experience in:

• Government stakeholder management
• Crisis communication systems
• Multi-agency coordination
• Strategic communication planning

Prioritize Sustainability

Explain how outcomes and systems will continue after the project ends.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Focusing Only on Short-Term Campaigns

The initiative prioritizes long-term institutional communication reform.

Weak Monitoring Frameworks

Applications without measurable indicators may score lower during evaluation.

Poor Coordination Planning

Fragmented communication systems reduce project effectiveness.

Ignoring Existing Donor Activities

Failure to align with current initiatives may weaken the proposal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of this funding opportunity?

The program aims to strengthen the Government of Ukraine’s strategic communications systems through research, coordinated messaging, and data-driven communication strategies.

How much funding is available?

The maximum available funding is £1.5 million for one selected project.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• International Organisations (IOs)
• International NGOs (INGOs)
• Ukrainian Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)
• Consortium partnerships

Are consortium applications allowed?

Yes. Multiple organizations may apply together through consortium structures.

What activities are prioritized?

Priority activities include:

• Audience research
• Government communications coordination
• Strategic communications planning
• Media engagement
• Policy communication campaigns
• Counter-disinformation initiatives

Is co-funding mandatory?

No. However, co-funding and self-funding contributions are considered an advantage during evaluation.

What outcomes are expected?

Expected outcomes include:

• Improved government communication coordination
• Stronger audience research systems
• Better policy communication strategies
• Enhanced resilience against information threats
• Adoption of modern communication standards

Conclusion

The British Embassy Kyiv Strategic Communications Funding Opportunity represents a major investment in Ukraine’s public communication infrastructure and institutional resilience. The initiative supports audience research, coordinated government messaging, policy-led communications, and counter-disinformation capabilities designed to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to operate effectively in a complex information environment.

Organizations with expertise in strategic communications, governance reform, media engagement, research, and institutional capacity building have an opportunity to contribute to Ukraine’s long-term communication resilience and democratic governance systems.

For more information, visit GOV.UK.