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Strategic Media Support Program

Strategic Media Support Program is a long-term support program of the Lviv Media Forum aimed at the development, growth, and strengthening of the capacity of Ukrainian media.

Within the Strategic Media Support Program, we support media projects that seek to move from short-term solutions to systemic change: to work more effectively, develop and scale their projects, diversify revenue streams, improve the quality and diversity of content, expand audiences, and strengthen long-term sustainability and independence.

Program Format

The program is implemented through separate application waves, the conditions of which may vary depending on the thematic focus and partner support.

Specific selection criteria, target audiences, the scope and format of support, as well as implementation timelines are defined separately for each wave and published in the announcement of the respective call.

Within the program, support may be provided to media projects that:

  • have been operating in the Ukrainian market for at least two years;
  • did not suspend their activities during the full-scale war or have since resumed operations;
  • have a transparent ownership structure and legal sources of income;
  • produce high-quality, socially significant content;
  • operate in Ukrainian or other languages (excluding Russian);
  • do not spread pro-Russian or anti-Ukrainian narratives and are not politically affiliated;
  • adhere to professional and ethical standards of journalism;
  • have a development or growth plan / concept.

The plan may take the form of a formalized document (such as a development strategy or business plan) or a concept in a free format, but it must include a substantiated calculation of the resources required for implementation and, preferably, measurable performance indicators.

During the selection process, we may also take into account prior experience of cooperation with the media within programmes and projects of the Lviv Media Forum.

The target audience of specific waves may be уточнена and may include, in particular, editorial teams, author-led media projects, or other formats, in line with the conditions outlined in the respective call.

Within the program, we may provide support, including but not limited to:

  • financial support focused on covering services and solutions that contribute to strategic development (team development, audience research, launching new formats, etc.);
  • production and distribution of socially significant content, where it contributes to the long-term development of the media outlet;
  • consultations on content optimisation, audience development, SEO, promotion on digital platforms, business planning, fundraising, cybersecurity, and website protection;
  • improvements to design, website layout, and other technical solutions;
  • coverage of costs for software and digital services required to implement a strategic growth plan.

The list of possible areas of support is not exhaustive — we are open to other well-justified requests that align with the programme’s objectives.

Program Limitations

The programme does not provide institutional support, including:

  • compensation of salaries for the core team;
  • payment of office rent, utilities, or communication services.

The purchase of equipment is possible only in exceptional cases where its use is critically necessary for the implementation of the strategic development plan.

Open Calls and Partnerships

Information about open application waves, participation conditions, and program partners is published separately in the announcements of the respective calls.

Applications are now open for the new round of the program supported by UNESCO.

Please complete the form at the link by 19 December 2025 (inclusive).

The team of the Lviv Media Forum reserves the right to consider the application within one month from the moment of submission. 

If you have any questions or proposals for collaboration, please email us at info@lvivmediaforum.com.  

The Strategic Media Support Program was made possible thanks to the support of International Media Support (IMS), National Endowment for Democracy (NED), People in Need (PIN), UNESCO and People of Japan.