Deadline: 15-Feb-2026
The Ukrainian Cultural Foundation (UCF) 2026 Audiovisual Grant Program provides financial support for the creation, development, and international promotion of Ukrainian film and media content. The program offers up to UAH 3 million per project across three specialized “LOTs” to strengthen national identity, counter disinformation, and enhance Ukraine’s global cultural presence.
The Ukrainian Cultural Foundation (UCF) is a state-owned institution that facilitates the development of national culture and arts. This grant program is specifically designed to support the audiovisual sector, recognizing its role in information security, economic growth, and the preservation of national resilience during contemporary challenges.
Why It Matters: Cultural Sovereignty and Information Security
In the context of ongoing global and regional shifts, the production of high-quality Ukrainian media content serves several critical functions:
-
Countering Disinformation: Fact-based audiovisual products help refute cultural stereotypes and hostile propaganda.
-
National Identity: Projects explore historical and contemporary themes that reinforce the sense of Ukrainian heritage.
-
Economic Development: Investing in the creative economy builds sustainable cultural infrastructure and supports local film professionals.
-
International Diplomacy: Promoting content abroad transforms global perceptions of Ukrainian society and demonstrates national resilience.
Key Concepts and Definitions
-
Audiovisual Content: Includes feature films, documentaries, animated series, television programs, and digital media products.
-
Cultural Infrastructure: The foundational systems (legal, technical, and economic) that allow for the consistent production and distribution of art.
-
Information Security: The protection of the national narrative through the production of authentic, competitive media that resists external manipulation.
-
Experimental Formats: Non-traditional storytelling methods or the use of cutting-edge technologies like AI-enhanced post-production or immersive VR/AR in cinema.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility depends on the specific LOT applied for, but all applicants must be registered in Ukraine and have a professional background in the creative sectors.
General Requirements:
-
Legal Status: Must be a legal entity (of all forms of ownership) or an Individual Entrepreneur (FOP) registered in Ukraine.
-
Relevant Experience: Applicants must prove they operate within the “Culture” or “Film Production” sectors.
Specific Criteria by LOT:
-
LOT 1: Minimum one year of registration and relevant cultural experience.
-
LOT 2: Minimum one year of registration specifically in film production.
-
LOT 3: Minimum two years of registration. Applicants must be officially recorded in the State Register of Film Producers, Distributors, and Demonstrators.
How to Apply: Process and Requirements
-
Identify the LOT: Choose the category that best fits your project’s goals (e.g., choose LOT 3 for a film festival circuit strategy).
-
Verify Registration: Ensure your entity’s KVED (activity codes) align with UCF requirements and that you are registered in the State Register if applying for LOT 3.
-
Submit Documentation: Applications must include a detailed project description, a comprehensive budget, and proof of previous successful audiovisual projects.
-
Focus on Thematics: Projects must explicitly address UCF priorities, such as countering disinformation or highlighting Ukrainian resilience.
-
Evaluation: Projects are assessed by UCF experts based on artistic value, technical feasibility, and strategic impact.
Common Mistakes and Tips
-
Mistake: Registration Gap. Applying for LOT 3 without being in the State Register of Film Producers will lead to immediate disqualification.
-
Mistake: Budget Overruns. Requesting more than UAH 3 million for LOT 1 or UAH 1 million for LOT 2/3 will result in the application being rejected during the technical selection phase.
-
Tip: Emphasize Technology. For LOT 2, highlight the use of advanced or experimental technologies (e.g., innovative CGI or new distribution formats) to increase your score.
-
Tip: Global Appeal. For LOT 3, provide a clear plan for international distribution, subtitling, or participation in world-class film festivals.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can an Individual Entrepreneur (FOP) apply?
Yes, individual entrepreneurs registered in Ukraine are eligible across all LOTs, provided they meet the specific experience and duration-of-registration requirements.
2. What is the maximum grant amount available?
The highest possible grant is UAH 3 million, which is only available under LOT 1.
3. Is “misinformation” defined in the grant?
The UCF views misinformation as content that distorts Ukrainian history or contemporary reality. Grants support projects that provide factual, high-quality alternatives to these narratives.
4. Can I apply for LOT 3 if my company is only one year old?
No. LOT 3 requires a minimum of two years of registration in Ukraine.
5. Are experimental genres like VR cinema supported?
Yes. LOT 2 specifically encourages experimental formats and the use of advanced technologies in film production.
6. Does the grant cover international travel?
Under LOT 3, expenses related to the international promotion and popularization of content are generally eligible, provided they are justified in the project budget.
7. When must the projects be completed?
Specific deadlines are outlined in the full UCF guidelines, but projects typically follow a standard fiscal year cycle.
Conclusion
The UCF Audiovisual Grant Program is a cornerstone of Ukraine’s cultural defense and economic resilience. By funding everything from local infrastructure (LOT 1) to international promotion (LOT 3), the foundation ensures that Ukrainian voices are heard both at home and abroad. Successful applicants will be those who combine technical film-making expertise with a strong commitment to national identity and innovative storytelling.
For more information, visit Public Space.