MDIF and the Association of Independent Regional Press Publishers of Ukraine (AIRPPU) have announced the launch of the second round of their Ukraine Innovative Media Program, building on the success of their first joint initiative launched in March 2024.
Designed to support the long-term resilience of regional media outlets in Ukraine by helping them develop new revenue streams and build stronger connections with their audiences, the program was created in direct response to the enormous pressures Ukrainian media face amid the ongoing Russian invasion. Independent regional outlets continue to operate under conditions of extreme uncertainty, working to maintain public access to trustworthy information despite security risks, infrastructure challenges and financial strain. Unlike most other programs that primarily focus on journalism, Ukraine Innovative Media Program is aimed at supporting business development to help media outlets become financially sustainable.
Through a combination of targeted financial assistance and hands-on expert mentorship, the program has been critical for organizations striving to rebuild sustainable models and deliver vital news coverage to their communities in a time of war.
Round I: What was achieved
Between March 2024 and April 2025, five independent regional media outlets participated in the first round of the Ukraine Innovative Media Program. Each received up to $10,000 in grant funding, alongside tailored mentorship and consulting to strengthen their businesses. The program focused on revenue development, audience growth and content innovation
Diverse projects were supported, including redesigning websites to improve usability, expanding video content production and implementing strategies to monetize digital platforms. Several outlets reported substantial increases in online subscribers, YouTube viewership and consistent monthly income through platform monetization. One outlet grew its subscriber base by 415% and produced more than 200 videos, while another reached more than 100,000 views on multiple video stories. Others launched new tools such as local business directories or migrated to more effective publishing platforms, leading to measurable improvements in daily output and discoverability.
Common challenges included limited staff capacity and time, but the flexible structure of the program allowed participants to adapt their plans as needed. Feedback from program participants also highlighted the value of combining funding with expert guidance and peer exchange.
New closed round announced
Following the success of Round I, MDIF and AIRPPU are now launching Round II of the program. Up to five independent regional outlets in Ukraine will be selected to receive financial support of up to €10,000 per project, along with customised expert mentorship.
The round will again focus on business innovation and long-term sustainability. Selected outlets will work on projects such as launching new editorial products, expanding distribution, adopting AI tools and exploring other models to generate revenue and grow audiences. The new round will run from November 2025 to October 2026.
Only AIRPPU member organizations that operate independently from political, or business influence will be considered for this round. This program is not open for external applicants.