Applications are now open for media initiatives supporting coverage of occupied and deoccupied territories in Ukraine. The program targets relocated non-profit media organizations that continue operations after displacement from temporarily occupied areas. The initiative aims to strengthen journalism focused on human rights, freedom of speech, violations of international humanitarian law, and social, economic, and environmental developments in affected territories.
This funding encourages projects that produce editorial content in Ukrainian, Russian, or English, verify and disseminate information, and explore innovative approaches to reach new audiences or improve information delivery to populations in occupied or deoccupied territories.
Funding Details
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Maximum grant amount: $15,000 USD or equivalent
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Disbursement: Two tranches – initial funding at project start and the second after 50% of activities are completed, contingent on interim narrative and financial reporting
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Project duration: Up to 12 months
Funding can cover expenses directly related to project implementation, including editorial work, content production, and dissemination, as long as costs are necessary, reasonable, and well-documented.
Eligibility
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Non-profit media organizations that have relocated from temporarily occupied territories to areas controlled by Ukraine
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Organizations must continue operations and demonstrate the need for additional support to maintain or expand coverage
Application Focus
Proposals may include:
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Coverage of occupied and deoccupied territories and related challenges
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Reporting on human rights, freedom of speech, humanitarian law violations, and social, economic, and environmental issues
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Editorial work, content production, and dissemination in multiple languages (Ukrainian, Russian, English)
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Innovative methods to expand audiences, attract new readers, or improve information access in occupied territories
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
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Problem relevance: The proposal’s alignment with audience needs and coverage priorities
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Target audience understanding: Clear definition and understanding of intended audience
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Objectives and indicators: Clearly defined qualitative and quantitative success measures
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Risk analysis: Identification of potential challenges and realistic mitigation strategies
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Budget justification: Economic and narrative alignment with planned activities, average market rates, and cost-effectiveness
Eligible Expenses
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Costs directly necessary for implementing project activities within the project period
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Expenses must follow principles of expediency, cost-effectiveness, and transparency
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Proper financial documentation and accounting records are required for all expenses
FAQs
1. Who is eligible to apply?
Non-profit media organizations that have relocated from temporarily occupied territories in Ukraine to areas under Ukrainian control and continue operations.
2. What types of projects are supported?
Projects that cover events and challenges in occupied and deoccupied territories, focusing on human rights, freedom of speech, violations of international humanitarian law, and social, economic, or environmental developments. Innovative approaches to audience engagement are encouraged.
3. What languages can content be produced in?
Ukrainian, Russian, or English.
4. What is the maximum funding available?
Up to $15,000 USD or equivalent per project.
5. How is funding disbursed?
In two tranches: the first at project start, the second after completion of 50% of planned activities, subject to interim reporting.
6. What is the project duration?
Up to 12 months.
7. What costs are eligible?
Direct costs necessary to implement project activities, including editorial work, content production, dissemination, and innovative audience engagement. All costs must be justified, documented, and cost-effective.
8. How are applications evaluated?
Based on problem relevance, target audience understanding, objectives and indicators, risk analysis, and budget justification.
9. Are individual journalists eligible?
No, only non-profit media organizations are eligible to apply.
10. What documentation is required for expenses?
Proper financial and accounting records that justify the expense and demonstrate cost-effectiveness.
Conclusion
This grant provides crucial support to relocated non-profit media organizations in Ukraine, ensuring that independent journalism continues to cover occupied and deoccupied territories. By funding editorial work, innovative dissemination, and audience engagement, the program strengthens access to reliable information, promotes human rights reporting, and enhances media resilience during ongoing conflict and post-occupation recovery.
For more information, visit ZMINA Human Rights Center.
