Open Call for SAFE Media Capacity Support Fund (Ukraine)

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The SAFE Media Capacity Support Fund provides grants of up to €5,000 to independent media outlets and journalists in the Eastern Partnership region for training that strengthens journalistic safety, digital security, professional skills and organisational resilience. The fund is particularly relevant to media teams working in high-risk, frontline or relocated environments and requires funded training to be completed by 30 December 2026. What Is the SAFE Media Capacity Support Fund? The SAFE Media Capacity Support Fund is designed to help independent media organisations and journalists respond to growing financial, legal, logistical, physical and digital threats. The initiative focuses on practical capacity building that enables media professionals to work more safely and maintain sustainable operations. Particular attention is given to media outlets operating in difficult environments, including frontline and high-risk areas such as Ukraine. Why It Matters Independent journalists often face multiple risks while reporting on issues of public interest.

These challenges can include:

- Physical safety threats. - Digital attacks and cybersecurity risks. - Legal pressure. - Financial instability. - Logistical difficulties. - Psychological and mental health pressures. - Limited access to professional development. - Disruption caused by relocation or conflict. The fund helps media organisations strengthen their ability to manage these challenges through targeted training. What Does the Fund Support? Grants can support training programmes that improve the safety, skills and resilience of independent media outlets and their teams.

Eligible training topics may include:

- Journalistic and editorial skills. - Physical safety. - Digital security and cybersecurity. - Mental health and psychological wellbeing. - Operational resilience. - Editorial management. - Media sustainability. - Other relevant capacity-building areas connected with media safety and organisational resilience. Training may be organised for an entire editorial team or for individual members of the team. Grant Amount

Applicants can receive up to:

- €5,000 per training programme - Approximately $5,400, depending on exchange rates The supported training must be completed before 30 December 2026. The grant is intended for capacity-building activities rather than general unrestricted support. Who Is Eligible? The fund is intended for independent media outlets and journalists in the Eastern Partnership region. Priority is given to media teams that: - Have a clear public-interest mission. - Have limited access to other sources of financial or institutional support. - Operate in high-risk environments. - Work in frontline areas. - Have been forced to relocate. - Face significant safety, security or operational challenges. Applicants should demonstrate why the proposed training is necessary for their current circumstances. What Makes a Strong Application? A competitive proposal should clearly establish the connection between the identified problem and the proposed training.

Applicants should explain:

- What risks or capacity gaps the media outlet currently faces. - Who will participate in the training. - What specific skills participants will gain. - Why the training is urgently needed. - How the training will improve safety or operational resilience. - What measurable results are expected. - How the benefits will continue after the training. - Why other funding sources are insufficient or unavailable. How to Apply Applicants should prepare a proposal that provides sufficient information for the fund to assess the need, relevance and feasibility of the training.

Step 1: Identify the Capacity Gap

Determine the most important safety, security, professional or operational challenge affecting the media outlet or editorial team. For example, this could involve digital security, physical safety, mental health or editorial capacity.

Step 2: Define the Training

Specify the training activity that will address the identified gap.

Clearly state:

- Training topic. - Participants. - Objectives. - Expected learning outcomes. - Proposed format. - Expected duration.

Step 3: Explain the Relevance

Demonstrate why the training is particularly important for the applying outlet. This section should connect the proposed activity with current risks, working conditions or organisational needs.

Step 4: Develop the Budget

Provide a clear breakdown of expected costs. The budget should correspond directly to the proposed training activities and remain within the €5,000 maximum grant amount.

Step 5: Complete the Proposal Form

The application should include information about: - The applying media outlet. - The proposed training. - Training objectives. - Expected impact. - Relevance of the activity. - Detailed budget.

Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline

Ensure the proposal is submitted according to the fund’s application requirements and that the proposed training can be completed before 30 December 2026. Selection Criteria Applications are assessed according to several factors.

The main considerations include:

- Urgency: How immediate is the identified need?

- Relevance: How closely does the training address media safety or resilience needs?

- Feasibility: Can the proposed activity realistically be delivered?

- Impact: What difference will the training make?

- Sustainability: Will the benefits continue after the funded activity?

Applicants should address each of these areas directly rather than relying on general descriptions. Reporting Requirements Successful applicants must provide a final report after completing the training.

The report must cover:

- Training outcomes. - Results achieved. - The impact of the activity. - Financial expenditure. The final report is due by 15 January 2027.

Important Dates

- Training completion deadline: 30 December 2026

- Final reporting deadline: 15 January 2027

- Selection notification: Successful applicants are expe