The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv / EUR Bureau of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for Ukrainian media organizations and media outlets to carry out the program: Media Resilience and Recovery.
The program will help to increase the resilience of Ukrainian media environment and support its recovery from Russian invasion. It also aims to provide local and international audiences with accurate reporting on events in Ukraine, counter disinformation, support reconstruction initiatives and journalism investigations, as well as benefit affected by war media professionals.
The U.S. Embassy is welcoming proposals from all regions of Ukraine. However, the priority will be given to media outlets relocated from regions previously besieged by Russian troops, near the front line, or on de-occupied territories.
Funded projects will сover, but will not be limited to the following areas:
• Provide recovery funds to relocated regional media or those returned to their hometowns after the liberation. The funds are aimed at resuming normal media
operation, purchasing vital equipment, producing content and utilizing other platforms and formats that would help to target their audiences in the most effective ways.
• Counter disinformation through publishing verified information, especially about events in the combat zone, news from occupied territories and political developments in Ukraine. Debunk myths of Russian propaganda disseminated through messengers, anonymous Telegram, Viber channels and closed groups.
• Inform domestic and international audiences about events in the military zone. International reporting will be funded for media outlets with relevant experience, good outreach and transparent ownership.
• Conduct journalism investigations on the local government accountability, public budgets transparency and use of recovery funds, especially in the areas that already receive or might require a lot of foreign and national investments after the liberation.
• Support reconstruction initiatives through organizing press tours, investigating other countries or regions’ experiences and promoting solution journalism that might unite local community leaders, government authorities and media representatives around resolving the most critical for the region issues.
• Prevent professional burnout and trauma issues among media professionals, including war reporters and journalists, who continue to work near frontline, through providing psychological help during hotlines, trainings, workshops, etc.
• Support local and national projects aimed at making available information about Ukrainian culture and history to media outlets, enabling local audiences to understand better Ukraine’s national identity and the role of their region in it
Benefits
- The award amounts for the grants may vary, with a minimum of $20,000 and a maximum of $50,000.
- There is a total of $1,000,000 in funding available for the grants.
- The funding for these grants is derived from FY23 AEECA funds under the Foreign Assistance Act.
Eligibilities
- The U.S. Embassy is welcoming proposals from all regions of Ukraine.
- However, the priority will be given to media outlets relocated from regions previously besieged by Russian troops, near the front line, or on de-occupied territories.
Application Process
- The following documents are required:
- Mandatory application forms:
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations)
- SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)
- SF424B (Assurances – Non-Construction Programs)
- Proposal: MDF has a suggested application form available here – https://ua.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/151/mdf-en2021-1.pdf. You may also use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below. The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with the topic would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do.
- Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact.
- Introduction to the Organization: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies. This should include information about the organization’s total potential audience reach via online, print, television and social media activities. In the case of media organizations, please note many members of online followers.
- Problem Statement: Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed
- Program Goals and Objectives: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.
- Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.
- Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate.
- Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.
- Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program?
- Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations.
- Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the timeframe of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant?
- Future Funding or Sustainability Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable.
- Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful
- Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate sheet of paper to describe each of the budget expenses in detail.
- Attachments:
- 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program
- Organization registration documents
- Registration in System for Award Management (SAM.gov)
All application materials must be submitted by email to [email protected].
Application Deadline: July 7, 2023
Application ClosedOfficial link
