Small Grants for Anti-Corruption Projects in Ukraine

The Media Development Foundation (MDF), in collaboration with the European Union Anti-Corruption Initiative (EUACI), invites applications for the Small Flexible Grants Program. This program provides funding to regional media and anti-corruption organizations in Ukraine to support projects with a strong anti-corruption focus. The deadline for applications is 5 November 2026.

Opportunity at a Glance:

- Provider: Media Development Foundation (MDF) and European Union Anti-Corruption Initiative (EUACI)

- Opportunity Type: Grant

- Funding Amount: Up to €5,000 for regional media; up to €4,000 for anti-corruption NGOs

- Eligible Applicants: Regional investigative media; anti-corruption NGOs

- Eligible Countries: Ukraine

- Deadline: 5 November 2026

- Objective: Supporting anti-corruption projects with investigative and monitoring activities

About the Opportunity

The Small Flexible Grants Program aims to bolster the efforts of regional media and anti-corruption organizations in Ukraine by funding projects that focus on combating corruption. The initiative seeks to enable these organizations to start new investigations, complete ongoing ones, and achieve tangible results in fighting local corruption.

Funding and Benefits:

- Financial Support:

- Regional media can receive grants of up to €5,000. - Anti-corruption NGOs can receive grants of up to €4,000.

- Additional Support:

- Expert consultations on investigative methodologies and editorial work. - Legal review before publication. - Consultations on digital and physical security. - Communication and dissemination support for project results.

Who Is Eligible?:

- Regional Investigative Media: Media organizations conducting local investigative journalism.

- Anti-Corruption NGOs: Non-governmental organizations actively involved in anti-corruption work.

- Geographic Focus: While applications are open to organizations across Ukraine, priority is given to those operating in Mykolaiv, Zhytomyr, Chernivtsi, Sheptytsky, Nikopol, Poltava, Zaporizhzhia, Fastiv, and Trostianets.

Eligible Activities or Priority Areas:

Projects should focus on activities such as: - New anti-corruption investigations and monitoring projects. - Completion or scaling of existing anti-corruption investigations. - Monitoring and analytical research to identify corruption risks in key areas, leading to practical local changes.

Priority areas include:

- Educational institution food procurement. - Corruption risks in mobile and temporary trade and kiosks. - Municipal parking organization. - Integrity and transparency of municipal enterprise revenues. - Leasing of municipal property. - Financial support for NGOs from local budgets. - Amendments to general plans of settlements. - Funeral services. - Protection and use of cultural heritage.

Why This Opportunity Matters:

This grant program is crucial for sustaining the vital work of regional media and NGOs in Ukraine, facilitating their ability to address corruption at the local level effectively. By providing financial and expert support, the program strengthens the capacity of these organizations to conduct in-depth investigations and influence positive change.

How to Apply:

- Prepare Your Application: Ensure your project aligns with the grant’s objectives and priority areas.

- Submit Your Application: Applications must be submitted by 5 November 2026. Visit the official application page for submission instructions and forms.

Next Steps:

Eligible organizations should carefully review the official guidelines and ensure their project proposals meet the program’s requirements. For more detailed information and to apply, please visit the official website.