Deadline: 7-Jul-23
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv / EUR Bureau of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for Ukrainian media and media organizations: “Ensuring media sustainability and recovery.
Program Goals
- The program is designed to increase the resilience of the Ukrainian media environment and support its recovery after the Russian invasion. This competition also aims to provide Ukrainian and international audiences with high-quality content about events in Ukraine, help in the fight against disinformation, support initiatives to restore affected regions and communities, facilitate journalistic investigations, as well as provide assistance to journalists and media workers affected by the war .
- The US Embassy will consider proposals from all regions of Ukraine. However, priority will be given to mass media that remain or have moved from areas that were previously captured by Russian troops, work near the front line, or in de-occupied territories. Funded projects will include, but not be limited to applications: in the following directions:
- Allocation of funds for the restoration of regional mass media, which were forced to leave their region, or to those who returned to their hometowns after liberation. The funds will be directed to the normalization of the work of the media, the purchase of the necessary equipment, creating content and using other platforms and formats that will help reach the audience as effectively as possible.
- Countering disinformation by publishing verified information, especially about events in the war zone, news from the occupied territories, and political events in Ukraine. Debunking the myths of Russian propaganda, which are spread in messengers, anonymous Telegram, Viber channels and closed groups.
- Informing the domestic and international community about events in the war zone. up to 12 months from 20,000 to 50,000 USD September 30, 2023 International reporting will be funded for mass media with relevant experience, significant audience reach and transparent ownership.
- Investigating journalism on local government accountability, public budget transparency and the use of reconstruction funds, especially in areas that already receive or will need a lot of foreign and national investment after liberation.
- Supporting recovery initiatives by organizing press tours, studying the experiences of other countries or regions and promoting solution journalism, which will unite local community leaders, government bodies and media representatives around the solution of the most critical issues for the region
- Preventing the problem of professional burnout and injury among the media professionals, including military reporters and journalists, who continue to work on the front lines, by providing psychological help during hotlines, trainings, seminars, etc.
- Support of local and national projects aimed at disseminating information about Ukrainian culture and history in the mass media, which will allow the local audience to better understand the national identity of Ukraine and the role of their region in it.
Funding Information
- Total Amount Available: $1,000,000
- Grant Amounts: $20,000 – $50,000
- Duration of Projects: up to 12 months.
Priority Region: Ukraine
Potential contestants and audience: Ukrainian independent mass media and registered media organizations are invited to participate. The program is designed for a national audience both in the territories controlled by Ukraine and in the temporarily occupied territories. It is also aimed at informing an international audience that is interested in receiving balanced and objective content about events in Ukraine.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants who are allowed to participate in the competition:
- Ukrainian independent media organizations
- Ukrainian independent mass media.
For more information, visit Media Development Fund.