Ukraine: Media Development Fund: Free and Fair Presidential and Parliamentary Elections 2019 | PAS UKRAINE FY2019 004

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAS UKRAINE FY2019 004

The Ukraine: Media Development Fund: Free and Fair Presidential and Parliamentary Elections 2019 opportunity was a discretionary U.S. government grant competition run by the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv under the U.S. Department of State (funding opportunity number PAS UKRAINE FY2019 004; CFDA 19.900). It was designed to support programs that strengthen free, fair, and transparent presidential and parliamentary elections in Ukraine in 2019 by improving the quality, reach, and integrity of election-related information available to the public, while also boosting citizen participation and resilience to manipulation.

At its core, the grant called for practical, journalism- and public-information-focused projects that help voters understand what candidates and political parties or coalitions are actually proposing, and how the election process is functioning on the ground. One priority area was expanding regional reporting that clearly explains candidate platforms and party programs, while also shining a light on election integrity issues such as the transparency of election committees, the accuracy of voter registration, potential violations of election law, and other problems that could affect trust in the process. The emphasis on regional coverage reflects an interest in making sure election information is not only Kyiv-centered and that communities outside major cities have access to credible reporting that speaks to their realities.

Another major objective was to increase public participation and awareness through direct voter-facing content and events. The opportunity encouraged projects that create or expand televised and radio debates, thematic segments or special inserts, online forums, and press events that feature presidential candidates and/or representatives of political parties and coalitions. In other words, it supported formats that move beyond standard news coverage to interactive or comparative presentations of platforms, giving citizens more tools to evaluate choices and ask questions, and giving media outlets structured ways to present competing viewpoints.

The program also targeted groups that are often underrepresented or face barriers to participation. It specifically highlighted encouraging young and first-time voters to vote, recognizing that these audiences may need tailored outreach, clear explanations of why participation matters, and accessible, engaging formats. It further prioritized identifying and encouraging special groups to educate voters and expand participation among internally displaced persons, Roma communities, veterans of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, and elderly populations. Applicants were invited to design programming that speaks to the needs of these groups, including content that may be focused on specific geographic locations where participation challenges or misinformation risks are higher.

Capacity building for the media sector was another explicit component. The opportunity supported training journalists on issues closely tied to election coverage quality and independence, including their rights related to access to information, fact-checking methods, journalism ethics, and how to provide balanced, fair election coverage. This framing suggests the fund was meant not only to produce immediate election content, but also to strengthen longer-term professional standards that reduce the risk of biased coverage, unverified claims, or unequal access for candidates.

Finally, the fund placed strong weight on countering disinformation. Projects could focus on identifying and responding to disinformation through proactive reporting, promoting media literacy, and other creative approaches that help audiences recognize manipulation and verify claims. This could include building fact-checking workflows, producing explainers on common propaganda techniques, or creating audience education initiatives that improve critical consumption of election information. The overall intent was to reduce the impact of false narratives on voter decision-making and public trust.

Eligibility was oriented toward Ukrainian media-focused civil society and independent media. The opportunity explicitly welcomed Ukrainian media NGOs and independent print, radio, TV, or electronic/online media outlets. The award ceiling was set at up to $20,000 per grant, and the application deadline listed was December 7, 2018, with the funding opportunity created on November 16, 2018.

• The U.S. Mission to Ukraine in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Ukraine: Media Development Fund: Free and Fair Presidential and Parliamentary Elections 2019" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.900.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2018-11-16.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2018-12-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $20,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for PAS UKRAINE FY2019 004

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