Scholarships for Independent Media and Journalists (Ukraine)

Deadline: 13-Jun-2026

The Public Interest Journalism Laboratory (PUL), in collaboration with the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), has launched a fellowship program for independent media outlets and journalists in Ukraine. The initiative provides financial support to regional media organizations, frontline reporters, relocated newsrooms, and journalists working in high-risk environments to help sustain public-interest journalism during crisis situations.

PUL–ECPMF Fellowship Program for Independent Media and Journalists in Ukraine

The Public Interest Journalism Laboratory (PUL), in partnership with the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), has announced applications for its fellowship competition aimed at supporting independent media organizations and journalists across Ukraine.

The program focuses on strengthening independent journalism and helping media professionals continue their work despite the challenges caused by military actions, displacement, financial difficulties, and security risks. The fellowship is designed to support journalistic activities, help overcome crisis situations, and encourage the creation of unique public-interest content.

About the Fellowship Program

The fellowship supports independent regional media outlets and journalists who continue to serve the public despite operating in difficult and often dangerous conditions.

The program specifically targets:

• Independent regional media organizations.
• Journalists from regions most affected by military actions.
• Editorial offices facing critical situations.
• Journalists working across Ukraine under challenging circumstances.
• Media outlets operating in frontline and adjacent regions.
• Relocated editorial offices from temporarily occupied territories.
• Newsrooms displaced from combat zones.
• Reporters who regularly work in high-risk areas.

The overall objective is to ensure that communities continue to have access to reliable, independent, and public-interest journalism.

Fellowship Funding and Financial Support

The fellowship provides monthly financial assistance to both editorial offices and individual journalists.

Funding for Editorial Offices

Eligible editorial offices can receive:

• €900 per month.
• Maximum funding of up to €4,500.
• Payments made in hryvnia equivalent.

Funding for Individual Journalists

Eligible journalists can receive:

• €600 per month.
• Maximum funding of up to €2,400.
• Payments made in hryvnia equivalent.

Applications From Multiple Staff Members

When several employees from the same editorial office submit applications:

• Program organizers generally communicate with the editor-in-chief.
• Scholarship funds are usually distributed through newsroom leadership.
• Distribution decisions are typically based on operational requirements and common newsroom expenses.

Who Is Eligible?

Independent regional media outlets and journalists working in Ukraine for at least two years are eligible to apply.

Applicants must:

• Have worked in Ukraine for a minimum of two years.
• Continue their professional journalistic activities within Ukraine.
• Produce original journalistic content.
• Create content that serves the public interest.
• Demonstrate a genuine need for support to continue their work.

Both media organizations and individual journalists may apply if they meet the eligibility requirements.

Priority Categories

The fellowship gives priority to applicants facing the greatest operational and financial challenges.

Priority consideration is given to:

• Media outlets operating in frontline regions.
• Media organizations located in regions adjacent to active conflict zones.
• Relocated editorial teams from temporarily occupied territories.
• Newsrooms displaced from combat zones.
• Journalists regularly reporting from high-risk environments.
• Journalists whose professional activities would be nearly impossible to continue without financial assistance.

These categories are considered particularly important because of the increased risks and challenges associated with their work.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Independent journalism plays a critical role during periods of conflict and national crisis.

This fellowship helps:

• Sustain independent media operations.
• Protect access to trustworthy information.
• Support journalists working under dangerous conditions.
• Strengthen regional news coverage.
• Encourage the production of original public-interest reporting.
• Help media organizations overcome financial and operational difficulties.
• Maintain accountability and transparency through journalism.

By providing financial assistance, the program enables journalists and media organizations to continue serving the public despite extraordinary circumstances.

What Type of Journalism Does the Fellowship Support?

The fellowship is intended to support original public-interest journalism.

Supported activities may include:

• Regional reporting.
• Community-focused journalism.
• Frontline reporting.
• Investigative journalism.
• Public accountability reporting.
• Coverage of issues affecting local communities.
• Reporting from conflict-affected areas.

The key requirement is that the content must be original and serve the public interest.

Important Conditions

Applicants should carefully note the following conditions:

• Applicants must continue working within the territory of Ukraine.
• Funding is intended to support journalistic activities and crisis-related needs.
• The fellowship is designed to help journalists and media organizations overcome difficult circumstances.
• Original content creation is a core requirement.
• Public-interest journalism remains the primary focus of the program.

Who Should Not Apply?

The scholarship is not intended for applicants who are seeking only a salary increase.

Applicants whose primary goal is simply to increase personal income, rather than sustain or continue journalistic activities, may not be considered a priority under the program.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these general steps when preparing their fellowship submission:

1. Review all eligibility requirements.
2. Confirm that professional journalistic activities have been carried out in Ukraine for at least two years.
3. Prepare information about journalistic work and editorial activities.
4. Demonstrate how reporting serves the public interest.
5. Explain any challenges caused by military actions, displacement, financial hardship, or security risks.
6. Show how fellowship funding would support continued journalistic work.
7. Submit the application according to the program’s official guidelines and deadlines.

Applicants should ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete.

Tips for a Strong Application

To strengthen an application, consider the following:

• Clearly explain the impact of your journalism.
• Highlight service to local communities and audiences.
• Demonstrate the public-interest value of your reporting.
• Provide examples of original journalistic work.
• Explain current operational or financial challenges.
• Describe how the fellowship would help sustain reporting activities.
• Show why the support is necessary for continued journalism.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying solely for a salary increase.
• Providing incomplete application information.
• Failing to explain financial or operational challenges.
• Not demonstrating public-interest impact.
• Omitting examples of original journalistic work.
• Submitting unclear information about newsroom or reporting activities.

A strong application clearly connects financial need with meaningful journalistic work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the PUL–ECPMF Fellowship Program?

It is a fellowship initiative created by the Public Interest Journalism Laboratory (PUL) and the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) to support independent media organizations and journalists in Ukraine.

Who can apply for the fellowship?

Independent regional media outlets and journalists who have been working in Ukraine for at least two years and continue to produce original public-interest journalism are eligible to apply.

How much funding can editorial offices receive?

Editorial offices can receive €900 per month, with a maximum total of up to €4,500 in hryvnia equivalent.

How much funding can individual journalists receive?

Individual journalists can receive €600 per month, with a maximum total of up to €2,400 in hryvnia equivalent.

Which applicants receive priority consideration?

Priority is given to frontline media outlets, journalists working in high-risk areas, relocated editorial offices, and applicants whose work would be difficult to continue without financial support.

Can relocated newsrooms apply?

Yes. Editorial offices relocated from temporarily occupied territories and combat zones are among the priority groups for the fellowship.

Is the fellowship intended to increase salaries?

No. The scholarship is not intended for applicants seeking only a salary increase. Its purpose is to support journalistic activities and help media professionals overcome crisis situations.

Conclusion

The PUL–ECPMF Fellowship Program provides critical financial support to independent media organizations and journalists working under challenging conditions in Ukraine. Through monthly funding, the initiative helps sustain public-interest journalism, strengthen regional reporting, support displaced and frontline newsrooms, and ensure that independent media can continue serving communities affected by conflict and crisis.

For more information, visit Public Space.