Ukraine: Keeping Independent Media Operational during the Wartime | PAS UKRAINE 2022 08

FAQs: Ukraine - Keeping Independent Media Operational during the Wartime (U.S. Embassy Kyiv)

1) What is this grant opportunity about?

This U.S. Department of State (U.S. Mission to Ukraine / U.S. Embassy Kyiv) funding call supports Ukrainian independent media so they can survive and keep serving the public during Russia's invasion. The program is designed to address revenue loss, displaced audiences, and major logistical and security barriers that make daily journalism difficult or dangerous.

2) What problem is the program trying to solve?

The program targets a set of wartime disruptions affecting independent media, including reduced or lost advertising income, audience displacement and disruption, and practical challenges such as safety risks, insecure working conditions, and operational constraints that can prevent outlets from functioning.

3) Who is the funder?

The funder is the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Mission to Ukraine / U.S. Embassy Kyiv.

4) What types of applicants are eligible?

Eligibility is limited to Ukrainian independent media organizations and outlets that meet strict political neutrality requirements and can satisfy U.S. federal assistance registration requirements (including SAM.gov and related identifiers).

5) Are political parties or politically affiliated NGOs eligible?

No. Applicants and their members cannot represent a political party or serve as appointed or elected officials during the application period or while the grant is active. NGOs affiliated with or financially supported by political parties are not eligible.

6) What are the political neutrality rules for participating media?

Participating organizations must remain politically neutral. The rules prohibit using any grant or organizational funds to support political campaigns. Organizations must not publish or communicate content that explicitly favors or opposes any candidate, party, or party coalition during the application period or while the grant is active.

7) Is this opportunity limited to certain geographic areas within Ukraine?

Proposals are sought from across Ukraine, with special priority for (1) regional media still operating in areas previously besieged by Russian forces, (2) outlets working near the front line, and (3) organizations that relocated from temporarily occupied or heavily affected regions.

8) What are the main project tracks that can be funded?

The opportunity supports several tracks, including: (a) operational support to keep outlets open or restart operations; (b) strengthening professional standards through war reporting and security training, mentorships, and targeted support for high-risk environments; (c) production and distribution of practical, audience-centered content across platforms; (d) creation of media hubs or shared platforms; and (e) deepening cooperation with local communities and businesses to document wartime displacement and recovery.

9) What is included under "operational support"?

Operational support can include purchasing safety gear and professional equipment, renting workspace, hiring or retaining staff, and adjusting management models to fit wartime realities so outlets can stay open or restart operations.

10) What kinds of training and professional development are eligible?

Eligible activities include war reporting training, physical security courses, digital security courses, mentorships, and targeted support designed for journalists working in high-risk "war zone" environments.

11) What types of content does the program want supported?

The program emphasizes balanced, objective wartime coverage that is practical and audience-centered. Supported content is intended to deliver actionable information to local residents and internally displaced persons (IDPs), such as how to stay safe, where to access government support, how to relocate when necessary, and how communities can organize and begin restoring local life and business.

12) What platforms can be used to distribute content?

Projects may support content production and distribution across print, online, TV, and radio, as well as social channels and messenger apps such as Telegram, Viber, and Instagram.

13) Can the grant fund media hubs or shared platforms?

Yes. Funding can support creation of media hubs or shared platforms that provide journalists with equipment, workspace, internet access, training opportunities, and cloud hosting. The opportunity also supports collaborative approaches where multiple outlets pool capacity to reach audiences in creative ways.

14) Are collaborative projects or partnerships encouraged?

Yes. Larger partnership proposals that unite several regional media organizations are explicitly encouraged.

15) Can an applicant include sub-grants to smaller outlets?

Yes. The Embassy welcomes proposals that organize sub-grants to smaller regional outlets, provided the sub-grants do not exceed 70% of the total project budget and the lead organization demonstrates strong management, staffing, and technical capacity to administer them.

16) What are the program goals and intended outcomes?

The program is framed around two outcomes: (1) providing "survival tools" that enable independent outlets to continue operating during wartime (through operational support, training, community cooperation, and remote-work enabling hubs); and (2) supporting trustworthy content creation that delivers vital information to Ukrainians and keeps them updated about conditions in their hometowns and on the front line.

17) How much funding is available overall?

Total funding available is up to $3,000,000 (FY22 Foreign Assistance Funds).

18) What is the expected size of individual awards?

Individual awards are expected to range from $50,000 to $300,000.

19) How many awards are expected to be made?

The opportunity anticipates about 15 awards, depending on funding availability.

20) How long can a project run?

Projects must be completed within 12 months or less.

21) What is the anticipated start date?

The anticipated start date listed is August 20, 2022, with the note that awards are subject to funding availability.

22) Is cost sharing required?

No. Cost sharing is not required.

23) What U.S. federal registration requirements apply to applicants?

Applicants must be properly registered to receive U.S. federal assistance, including having an active SAM.gov registration, an NCAGE code, and not being listed on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) within SAM (debarment and suspension rules apply).

24) How do we submit an application?

Applications must be submitted by email to KyivMDF@state.gov.

25) What is the application deadline?

The notice references Monday, June 20 at 11:59 p.m. Kyiv time, while the source listing also shows an original closing date of June 16. Applicants should rely on the stated deadline in the notice and ensure submission by the latest clearly specified time.

26) What language must application materials be in?

All application materials must be in English.

27) What currency should be used for the budget?

Budgets must be in U.S. dollars.

28) Are there any formatting requirements mentioned?

Yes. Pages should be numbered. The proposal must be no more than five pages.

29) What forms and documents are required in the application package?

Required components include federal forms SF-424 and SF-424A, a narrative proposal (maximum five pages), a detailed budget justification narrative explaining each line item, and attachments such as one-page CVs/resumes of key personnel, organization registration documents, and proof/confirmation related to SAM.gov registration.

30) Can applicants use their own proposal format?

Yes. The proposal can use the MDF suggested format or an applicant format, as long as it still covers all required sections.

31) What should the narrative proposal include?

The narrative should be specific and understandable to reviewers not already familiar with the applicant. It is expected to cover: organization background and audience reach; problem statement; measurable goals and objectives; activities and methods (including a logic model when appropriate); timeline; staffing plan; partners; monitoring and evaluation approach; and a sustainability or continuation plan after the grant ends.

32) What does the budget justification need to cover?

The budget justification should be a detailed narrative explaining each line item in the budget.

33) What types of community-focused work are eligible?

Eligible activities include deepening cooperation with local communities and businesses to document and highlight the experiences of different categories of IDPs (including journalists), relocated businesses, volunteer movements, veterans support efforts, and related community life during displacement and recovery.

34) What kinds of audiences are emphasized?

The opportunity highlights the needs of local residents and internally displaced persons (IDPs), including keeping people updated about conditions in their hometowns and on the front line.

35) Is the program focused only on keeping outlets open, or also on content quality?

Both. The opportunity is designed to keep media functional (survival/continuity) while also improving the quality and usefulness of wartime reporting and ensuring delivery of trustworthy, vital information.