Advancing Investigative Journalism in Ukraine through U.S. AI Innovation

The funding opportunity titled Advancing Investigative Journalism in Ukraine through U.S. AI Innovation is issued by the U.S. Department of State through the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. This program is funded under the FY26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds and is designed to support Ukrainian independent media organizations during a period of significant national challenge. The initiative reflects broader U.S. foreign policy priorities focused on strengthening democratic resilience, countering foreign malign influence, and promoting transparency and accountability in governance and economic development. The primary purpose of the grant is to enhance the capacity of Ukrainian journalists and media organizations to use artificial intelligence and data-driven tools in investigative journalism. The program emphasizes training in areas such as data journalism, AI-assisted reporting, open-source intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital verification. It aims to enable journalists to produce high-quality reporting on economic development, reconstruction, public spending, and investment. By strengthening investigative journalism capabilities, the program seeks to improve public access to reliable information and support Ukraine’s ongoing economic transformation and recovery efforts. Funding for this opportunity ranges from 30000 to 100000 dollars per award, with a total program funding pool of 100000 dollars and an anticipated 1 to 3 awards. The funding mechanism is a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial involvement from the U.S. Embassy throughout implementation. The performance period for funded projects is expected to be between 6 and 12 months, with all projects to be completed within 12 months or less. The anticipated project start date is October 2026. Cost sharing or matching is not required for applicants, lowering financial barriers to participation. Eligible applicants include Ukrainian not-for-profit media organizations, civil society organizations, think tanks, and independent media outlets. Applicants must be registered entities and possess a Unique Entity Identifier and active registration in SAM.gov unless exempted. Individuals may participate without these registrations. The program excludes certain activities, including partisan political work, humanitarian or charitable services, construction, religious programming, lobbying, and commercial or research-focused projects, ensuring alignment with public diplomacy and media development goals. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms including SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B, along with a narrative proposal not exceeding six pages. The proposal must include a project summary, organizational background, problem statement, program design, timeline, personnel information, partnerships, and a monitoring and evaluation plan. Applicants must also submit a detailed line-item budget and a budget justification narrative, as well as supporting documentation such as resumes, proof of nonprofit status, and letters of support. Applications must be submitted electronically via email by September 1, 2026 at 2359 Kyiv time. Applications will be evaluated based on several criteria including program quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, project planning, budget justification, and monitoring and evaluation strategy. Reviewers will assess alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities and the ability to deliver measurable outcomes. Successful applicants will typically be notified within approximately 120 days after the application deadline. The U.S. Embassy will remain actively engaged in project oversight, including monitoring, evaluation, and strategic guidance throughout the project lifecycle. Overall, this funding opportunity is designed to strengthen Ukraine’s independent media sector by integrating advanced AI tools into investigative journalism practices. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and responsible technology use, the program supports both immediate wartime information needs and long-term democratic and economic development objectives. It also reinforces U.S.-Ukraine cooperation in media development and technological advancement while contributing to a transparent and competitive investment environment.

Ensure strong alignment with stated objectives on AI enabled journalism and U.S. foreign policy priorities; provide detailed measurable outcomes and monitoring plan; demonstrate organizational capacity and prior experience with grants