Deadline: 16-November-2025
The objective of this call is to support independent media initiatives that contribute to public access to timely, fact-based, and balanced information; strengthening democratic dialogue and civic engagement; inclusive storytelling that reflects the diversity of Ukraine’s population and encourages participation from underrepresented and marginalised communities.
The open call responds to the growing need for independent national, local, and hyper-local media that support public access to credible information and enhance civic understanding, inclusion, and democratic participation. Through this initiative, IMS aims to empower media outlets that play a critical role in promoting transparency, accountability, and active civic dialogue across Ukraine.
Projects selected under this call are recommended to be implemented between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026. To be eligible, applicants must be officially registered with the National Council of Television and Radio Broadcasting of Ukraine and must have been operating for at least one year by the time of application.
Applicants are expected to produce original content and demonstrate a genuine interest in understanding their audience, including efforts to identify and address information gaps relevant to their communities. IMS, in partnership with LMF, will provide applicants with audience segmentation research conducted in 2025 to support this goal.
Applicants must also commit to integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles in project design and implementation. There is no pre-defined preference for content format; however, applicants must justify their chosen format based on audience needs and project goals, demonstrating how it will effectively engage the target audience and contribute to the stated objectives.
Special consideration will be given to projects targeting youth, women, and marginalised communities, particularly those focusing on populations with limited access to independent information or reduced trust in democratic processes.
Budgets must be justified, cost-effective, and clearly aligned with proposed activities, and must include audit costs. The number of selected projects will depend on the quality of applications and available funding.
During the selection process, applicants’ programmatic, financial, and administrative capacity will be assessed through due diligence. IMS reserves the right to exclude any applicant who does not meet the minimum capacity requirements.
For more information, visit IMS.
