Open Competition for Radio & CSO Advocacy Partners in Ukraine

The National Media Association 2026 competition invites local radio stations and civil society organizations (CSOs) to collaborate on advocacy and information campaigns. The initiative strengthens community engagement, supports recovery in war-affected areas, and enhances civil society capacity through media-driven campaigns.

Program Overview

The “CSOs in Action: Strengthening the Role of Civil Society through Advocacy and Media” competition is implemented under the broader project Phoenix: The Power of Communities. The initiative empowers local CSOs and radio stations to design, produce, and broadcast campaigns that promote public participation, dialogue, and community recovery. Six CSOs across three communities and three radio stations will be selected to participate.

Key Highlights:

• Funding for radio stations: 65,000 UAH per station for content production
• Implementation period: April to December 2026
• Target participants: Local radio stations and CSOs in war-affected communities
• Outputs: Eleven radio broadcasts and four social media publications per station

Objectives and Scope

The initiative focuses on:

• Strengthening the role of civil society through advocacy and media
• Enhancing CSO capacity in war-affected communities
• Supporting community recovery and European integration processes
• Developing practical skills in advocacy, communication, and media production
• Fostering collaboration between CSOs, authorities, media, and citizens

Project Implementation

The project will be executed in two stages:
Stage 1 (April–July 2026):

• CSOs collaborate with experts to design campaigns
• Define objectives, key messages, and action plans

Stage 2 (August–December 2026):

• Execute campaigns through radio broadcasts and social media
• Produce eleven radio programs and four social media posts per station
• Conduct a final joint event to showcase campaign outcomes and community engagement

Campaigns aim to:

• Highlight key community issues
• Present practical solutions in accessible language
• Encourage public participation and dialogue
• Strengthen partnerships between CSOs and media outlets

Who Is Eligible?

Radio Stations:

• Demonstrated relevant experience and capable teams
• Partnership with three to four CSOs, confirmed by letters of support
• Maintain digital platforms for content distribution
• Membership in the National Media Association is optional but advantageous

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs):

• Minimum of three team members
• Engagement or readiness in community renewal or European integration topics
• Clear understanding of the campaign issue

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility for your radio station or CSO
2. Identify and partner with three to four CSOs (for radio stations)
3. Prepare letters of support from partner CSOs
4. Submit a proposal detailing:
   • Campaign objectives, messages, and outreach strategy
   • Team composition and resources
   • Expected outputs (radio and social media content)
5. Submit applications according to National Media Association guidelines

Benefits

For Radio Stations:

• Financial support of 65,000 UAH for campaign production
• Opportunity to produce socially impactful media
• Strengthened partnerships with local CSOs

For CSOs:

• Expert guidance and consultations
• Opportunity to implement advocacy campaigns
• Collaboration with media partners to increase community outreach

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting applications without proper CSO partnerships or letters of support
• Failing to demonstrate relevant experience or operational capacity
• Overlooking digital platforms for content distribution
• Neglecting to clearly define campaign objectives and messages

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How many radio stations will be selected?
   Three, each partnering with three to four CSOs.
2. How many CSOs will participate?
   Six CSOs across three communities.
3. What is the funding amount for radio stations?
   65,000 UAH per station.
4. What are the project outputs?
   Eleven radio broadcasts and four social media posts per station.
5. Are National Media Association members preferred?
   Membership is not mandatory but considered an advantage.
6. What is the duration of the project?
   April to December 2026.
7. Can radio stations apply without CSO partners?
   No, partnerships with three to four CSOs are required.

Conclusion

The National Media Association 2026 competition offers a unique opportunity for local radio stations and CSOs to collaborate on impactful advocacy campaigns. By combining media expertise with civil society knowledge, the initiative strengthens community engagement, supports recovery in war-affected areas, and fosters sustainable public participation in local development and European integration processes.