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

The U.S. Department of State's Embassy Kyiv is soliciting proposals under solicitation PDS-UKRAINE-FY26-04 for a cooperative agreement to advance investigative journalism in Ukraine. The program aims to strengthen data-driven and AI-enabled journalism by building the capacity of Ukrainian non-governmental media organizations and independent outlets. Key objectives include training journalists in investigative reporting, artificial intelligence, open-source research, and cybersecurity to improve reporting on economic development, reconstruction, and investment. The initiative specifically seeks to support regional and frontline media to offset wartime staffing shortages and enhance the transparency of Ukraine's economic transformation. Eligible applicants must be Ukrainian registered non-profit media organizations with active SAM.gov registration and a Unique Entity Identifier. The total available funding is estimated at 100,000 USD, with an anticipated project start date of October 2026 and a performance period ranging from 6 to 12 months. Awards will be determined via a trade-off process based on the quality and feasibility of the program idea, organizational capacity, project planning, budget reasonableness, and the robustness of the monitoring and evaluation plan. Recipients must adhere to U.S. Department of State branding guidelines and comply with strict prohibitions against using drones from covered entities and funding construction or direct social services. Applications must be submitted by September 1, 2026, and include a six-page narrative proposal, a detailed budget justification, and required certifications.