Advancing Investigative Journalism in Ukraine through U.S. AI Innovation

The U.S. Department of State's Embassy Kyiv is soliciting applications for cooperative agreements to advance investigative journalism in Ukraine through AI innovation, with an application deadline of September 1, 2026. Eligible applicants are Ukrainian registered non-profit media organizations and independent media outlets working in partnership with other relevant stakeholders. The program offers 1–3 awards ranging from $30,000 to $100,000 each, with total available funding of $100,000 from FY26 Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds.

The program strengthens data-driven and AI-enabled journalism by funding training in investigative reporting, data journalism, artificial intelligence, open-source research, cybersecurity, and responsible use of emerging technologies. Key objectives include establishing an AI and Investigative Journalism Innovation Lab, fostering collaborative reporting partnerships, and enhancing newsroom capacity to report on economic development, reconstruction, and investment—particularly for regional and frontline media facing wartime staffing shortages.

Projects must be completed within 6–12 months, with an anticipated start date of October 2026. All applicants must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier and register in SAM.gov. Applications are evaluated on quality and feasibility (30 points), organizational capacity and grant history (25 points), project planning (25 points), budget (10 points), and monitoring and evaluation (10 points). Required submissions include mandatory federal forms (SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B), a 6-page proposal narrative, detailed budget justification in U.S. dollars, key personnel resumes, letters of support from partners, proof of non-profit status, and proof of registration. Recipients must submit quarterly reports including financial and programmatic data and maintain compliance with federal requirements and executive orders. The opportunity is listed under CFDA 19.040, Public Diplomacy Programs.