Fondation Hirondelle (Switzerland) and the Institute for Regional Media and Information (IRMI, Ukraine) have announced the second open call for individual grants for journalists working in the regions. The programme supports the creation of a series of publications on social cohesion in communities, including those located near the border or affected by war.
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The initiative is based on the results of a study of information needs in the regions of Ukraine conducted in 2024. The analysis showed that the audience trusts local media, but at the same time expects more materials about the transparency of budget spending, the progress of reconstruction, local stories and examples of community resilience.
In response to these requests, the grant programme will provide funding of 1,500 Swiss francs, mentoring and training. The participants will work on series with a local audience in mind, focusing on the topics of reconstruction, historical memory, community development and local self-government.
Freelancers and employees of regional media are invited to participate. For freelancers, the consent of the media to publish materials is required. Each application must include a series of at least three materials.
The grant period will last from 18 August to 17 December 2025. Two trainings on editorial work and safety will be held in September and October in Kyiv or Lviv.
Applications are accepted until 4 August 2025 via the form here. The names of the selected participants will be announced by 18 August. Additional questions can be sent until 1 August to: Victoria.Veselovska@hirondelle.org.
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