Deadline: 24-Mar-2026
The Hirondelle Foundation has launched a grant competition for regional and local media in Ukraine to support public interest journalism and strengthen constructive public dialogue in communities. A total of 12 media outlets will be selected, with each receiving 3,500 Swiss francs for a nine-month project running from April 6, 2026 to December 31, 2026.
About the Opportunity
The Hirondelle Foundation is inviting regional and local media outlets in Ukraine to apply for funding to produce journalism that serves the public interest and supports informed community dialogue.
The programme aims to strengthen local accountability, transparency, social cohesion, and community participation through high-quality local reporting.
Funding Information
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Number of selected media outlets: 12
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Grant amount per outlet: 3,500 Swiss francs
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Payment method: Paid in 3 installments
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Project duration: 9 months
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Implementation period: April 6, 2026 – December 31, 2026
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants are:
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Regional and local media editorial offices in Ukraine
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Online media
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Print publications
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Television editorial teams
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Radio editorial teams
Applicants must:
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Regularly produce original journalistic content
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Submit the application as the media organization
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Be able to assign a journalist or a team of journalists to the project
Preference will be given to:
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Media working in frontline communities
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Media covering local development
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Media reporting on social cohesion
Key Reporting Themes
The programme supports reporting on public interest issues such as:
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Transparency in the use of public funds
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Reconstruction and recovery spending
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Local and regional budgets
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Procurement for reconstruction contracts
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Use of international donor funds at community level
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Housing and infrastructure reconstruction
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Transparency and efficiency of local governments
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Access to public information
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Conditions of internally displaced persons (IDPs)
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Return and resettlement challenges
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Access to health, education, and social services
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Role of civil society in governance and social cohesion
What Selected Media Must Do
During the grant period, selected editorial teams are expected to:
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Produce and publish 10 journalistic materials
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Focus on public interest issues
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Provide reliable and verified information
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Encourage civic participation and constructive dialogue
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Attend monthly online mentoring sessions
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Participate in editorial training
Training and Mentoring
Selected teams will receive additional professional support during implementation.
This includes:
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Monthly online mentoring
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Editorial training in Kyiv
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Training on:
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Journalistic standards
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Better use of sources and data
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Improving reporting quality and impact
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Training timing:
The in-person training is expected in late April or early May 2026 in Kyiv, with the exact date to be announced later.
Why This Grant Matters
This grant is important because it supports local journalism in Ukraine at a time when communities need trusted reporting on reconstruction, public spending, displacement, and local governance.
It also helps strengthen:
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Media accountability reporting
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Public oversight
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Fact-based local dialogue
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Community trust
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Social cohesion in conflict-affected areas
How to Apply
The application must be submitted by the media organization, which will be responsible for implementing the project.
Prepare the following:
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Media outlet profile
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Proof of regular original content production
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Proposed editorial focus or reporting plan
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Team/journalist assignment for the project
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Experience covering local governance, reconstruction, or social issues
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Capacity to participate in mentoring and training
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying as an individual instead of a media organization
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Not showing experience in original journalism
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Submitting a weak plan for the required 10 stories
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Ignoring the mentoring and training commitment
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Not aligning your proposal with public interest and community dialogue themes
FAQs
Who can apply for the Hirondelle Foundation grant in Ukraine?
Regional and local media outlets in Ukraine, including online, print, TV, and radio editorial teams that regularly produce original journalistic content.
How many media outlets will be selected?
A total of 12 regional media outlets will be selected.
How much funding is available?
Each selected editorial team will receive 3,500 Swiss francs.
How long is the project period?
The project runs for 9 months, from April 6, 2026 to December 31, 2026.
What are selected media required to produce?
Each team must prepare and publish 10 journalistic materials on public interest issues.
Conclusion
The Hirondelle Foundation Grant Competition 2026 is a strong opportunity for regional and local media in Ukraine to strengthen public interest journalism, transparency reporting, and constructive community dialogue.
If your newsroom covers reconstruction, public spending, local governance, displacement, or social cohesion, this grant offers both funding and mentoring support to improve your impact.
For more information, visit Hirondelle Foundation.
