Core
The Ukrainian media are under immense pressure. Independent outlets face financial instability, over-reliance on grants, and the devastating impacts of war.
Without sustained
support, their vital role in safeguarding democracy and delivering truthful information is at risk.
Core Media Fund provides sustainable, long-term
financial support to strengthen the resilience and independence of Ukraine’s media. We empower journalism to inform, inspire, and uphold democratic values.
A thriving Ukrainian media landscape where independent outlets operate sustainably, free from financial instability, and deliver impactful, truthful reporting that supports democracy and informed societies.
The media landscape in Ukraine is experiencing a profound transformation amid the ongoing war.
Independent media outlets are stepping up to lead the national narrative, bolstered by increased international support. However, they face critical challenges, including [1 - “The Donor Dilemma. Rethinking Support Models for Ukrainian Media's Future”)]:
/ Critical Underfunding
The Ukrainian media sector urgently needs long-term financial support to thrive and remain independent, as declining funds from established donors further deepen the crisis.
01
/ Over-reliance on Short-Term Grants
Up to 90% of funding comes from grants, with only 11% of outlets securing support beyond six months. Current grants are primarily project-focused, leaving a critical gap in flexible, core support for sustainability.
02
/ Economic Instability
Advertising revenues cover just 10–20% of budgets, while audience revenue remains underdeveloped. High competition in the grant market limits opportunities for stable funding.
03
/ War-Induced Struggles
Outlets face staff shortages, burnout, and limited planning capacity—38% plan only a week ahead. This instability is compounded by unsystematic support from grantors, making long-term planning nearly impossible.
04
In early 2025, after USAID suspended funding, 75 independent Ukrainian outlets employing 600 professionals faced severe financial risk. Only 10% have half their budgets covered, 70% operate on 30% funding. €2.15 million is urgently needed to retain staff and avoid closures within 90 days, threatening access to reliable information and democratic oversight.
05
Operational changes in media outlets due to suspension of US international support (in the next 3 months)
operational changes
%
Discontinuation of some content formats
71
Reducing additional team support expenses
63
Reducing number of materials for publication
58
Reducing software or subscription costs for necessary tools
46
Closure of physical office
8
*Source: Survey of local media top managers, February 2025
Staff changes in media outlets due to suspension of US international support (in the next 3 months)
human resources solutions
%
Discontinuing freelancer engagement
67
Cutting salaries and benefits
67
Staff layoffs
38
Complete shutdown of the newsroom
4
*Source: Survey of local media top managers, February 2025
the solution
To address
the critical challenges
faced by Ukrainian media, the Core Media Fund (CMF) was launched on 23 October 2024. The CMF is dedicated to ensuring the sustainability of high-quality independent journalism in Ukraine by providing not only financial support but also advocating for systemic solutions to funding issues
what we do
Support All Levels:
Providing resources for both national and local news organizations.
Shift to Core Institutional Support:
Moving away from project-based grants to prioritize the essential needs of media outlets.
Create a Sustainable Funding Model:
Establishing long-term financial stability for independent media.
our approach
Core Support:
Focusing on institutional stability through operational funding, staff development, and technology upgrades.
Flexible Funding:
Responding to the evolving needs of each organization with tailored support.
Long-Term Sustainability:
Building resilience through capacity-building programs, revenue diversification strategies, and fostering collaboration.
/ The Core Media Launch took place on October 23, 2024, with approximately 150 media professionals in attendance. The event focused on the current state of independent media and featured three discussion panels.
These panels explored national media perspectives, local journalism challenges, and donor insights on sustainable funding. The event concluded with a networking reception, allowing attendees to connect and discuss the ideas presented throughout the day.
/ The discussions continued on social media and in the comments section, confirming that the
launch of the fund has sparked important conversations within Ukraine's media community.
Joanna Krawczyk
Managing Director CORRECTIV.Europe at CORRECTIV and Deputy Director at The German Marshall Fund of the United States
This initiative comes at a crucial time when Ukrainian journalism needs our collective support to survive and grow. Core Media Funds for journalism worldwide have shown that journalism can be sustained through a mix of private, philanthropic and public funding.
This fund presents a chance to create an independent, transparent support tailored to Ukraine's needs, ensuring editorial freedom while addressing systemic issues. We must act now. A free press is vital for any society, especially for Ukraine's resilience. By endorsing the core media fund, we can secure the future of Ukrainian journalism, empowering it to thrive and support a democratic, informed society.
MDF’s role in CMF
Core Media Fund is an initiative launched by Media Development Foundation. MDF stands out as the perfect organization to launch this critical initiative due to its unparalleled expertise, extensive network, and proven track record in media development.
With over a decade of dedication to strengthening independent media, MDF has a deep understanding of the evolving Ukrainian media ecosystem. Its track record includes successfully supporting numerous media outlets, helping them grow and adapt to challenges.
Through its extensive network—the largest of its kind— MDF connects with independent news organizations across all regions of Ukraine. This reach ensures the ability to identify and support the most impactful and promising media entities.
/ mentorship
program
MDF’s mentorship program brings together the largest pool of experienced professionals in journalism, management, and media technology. This enables the fund to provide tailored guidance and support to media organizations, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to thrive.
MDF combines grassroots understanding with a strategic vision, making it a trusted partner for both Ukrainian media and international donors. With a proven ability to manage and distribute funds effectively, the organization has successfully implemented media development initiatives and built a reputation for accountability and impact. By leveraging MDF’s vast network, it identifies deserving recipients and uses
its mentorship program to empower funded organizations. MDF also ensures transparent fund management as well as bridges the gap between donors and the needs of Ukrainian media.
support
By supporting the fund, you will contribute to safeguarding democracy, promoting informed discourse, and amplifying the voices of the Ukrainian people. Together, we can build a resilient media ecosystem that thrives despite challenges.
Key goals include elevating Ukraine's independent media, reinforcing its role in democracy, ensuring transparency, fostering ethical journalism, and empowering local voices for continued coverage of eastern Ukraine.
This initiative strengthens media as societal watchdogs and amplifies diverse public discourse.
application process
You can apply for institutional funding by
While we recognize the importance of supporting independent media, we cannot guarantee that institutional support will be available to all applicants. The applicants need to meet certain criteria listed below.
Through this initiative, we aim to empower media outlets to continue their vital work, strengthening public discourse and promoting informed engagement, even in challenging circumstances.
Core Media Fund Structure
To ensure transparency, accountability, and effective management, the structure of the Core Media Fund is organized as follows:
/ Independent Board of Directors
Comprising media experts, civil society representatives, and financial professionals, the board will oversee the fund's strategic direction and ensure adherence to its mission.
/ Expert Jury
A panel of media professionals will evaluate grant applications, ensuring fair and professional assessment of proposals.
/ Executive Team
A dedicated staff led by an experienced Executive Director will manage day-to-day operations, including grant administration, monitoring and evaluation, and stakeholder engagement.
/ Team
/ Our Partners
01
CPI
to read
These partnerships often form clusters to address complex issues, combining journalistic investigations with expert analysis. One such initiative in Odesa is Center for Public Investigations (CPI), which has brought together local media outlets and think tanks to monitor the recovery process across four southern regions of Ukraine. Striking examples of impact include the Center for
Public Investigations' (CPI) exposure of discrepancies in the asset declarations of Hryhorii Didenko, leading to an inquiry by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU). Another significant investigation revealed how controversial figures used the "Shlyakh" system to travel abroad from Odesa during the war. These cases highlight the vital role of independent media in uncovering corruption and holding individuals accountable.
02
MOST
to read
MOST is a leading independent media outlet in Kherson, founded in 2012 by Kateryna Handziuk and Serhii Nikitenko. It remains the only media in the region that systematically covers public finance and procurement. Since the full-scale invasion, MOST has expanded its focus to report on the occupation and its aftermath, providing vital information to local communities.
MOST has recently played a crucial role in covering the struggles of farmers in war-damaged areas of Kherson Oblast, where much of the agricultural infrastructure was destroyed. Thanks to its reporting, one farmer recently secured a grant to purchase a new tractor, exemplifying the media’s impact.
Community Leaders Initiative member
MOST
/ Thanks to MDF Community Leaders program MOST:
01
Created clear work plans for the team
02
Developed an operational strategy
03
Established a successful content distribution strategy
04
Thanks to experienced MDF specialists, the MOST team established processes in media management and fundraising and significantly improved the editorial part
05
Stabilized the team and conducted a full audit of management, content, distribution and product publication. Based on the results, a transformation roadmap was prepared and specialized experts in each direction were selected
AUDIENCE
At the beginning of its activities, the media outlet published news about local government activities and public finances.
Now, MOST is building a reader’s community and working towards the development of fundraising. On an ongoing basis, 54 people were attracted to the monthly financial assistance the publication received.
The media budget increased by about 6 times compared with the pre-war period.
/ T/ the total reach, including social networks, reached
6-7 million
website
2022
2024
views
(on average)
35 000
370 000 ↑ (+335 000)
social networks
2022
2025
coverage
450 000
8.9 million ↑ (+ 8 450 000)
03
Kordon.
Media
to read
Kordon.Media, launched on March 23, 2023, focuses on reporting from Ukraine's border region, Sumy, which borders Russia. With six accredited military correspondents, the outlet provides in-depth coverage of the war, recovery efforts, and human stories. The media combines fresh insights with historical context to give a deeper understanding of the region's challenges.
Kordon.Media recently has covered the challenges faced by firefighters working under fire, particularly the shortage of equipment and financial support. In response, a volunteer initiative in Sumy organized a fundraiser, successfully purchasing and delivering necessary gear to the firefighters. This story highlights the local community's efforts to support essential services during wartime.
How a volunteer firefighting team operates in villages under shelling
MDF cases
Independent media,
once seen as
“voices in the wilderness” within Ukraine’s media landscape, are now gaining significant influence, reaching larger audiences, and building top-tier professional teams. Although establishing sustainability is a long-term process and the situation remains complex, our approach has proven to be both justified and effective.
Independent media,
once seen as
“voices in the wilderness” within Ukraine’s media landscape, are now gaining significant influence, reaching larger audiences, and building top-tier professional teams. Although establishing sustainability is a long-term process and the situation remains complex, our approach has proven to be both justified and effective.
KORDON.
MEDIA
/ Local News Relaunch Initiative member
01
hired an operations team (operations and finance directors)
02
updated their strategy for 2024
03
set new SMART goals
04
organized work planning, electronic document management
05
developed a content strategy
06
received 3 large grants
07
reached significant results in content distribution (Facebook engagement increased to 381,697 in March 2024.)
AUDIENCE
residents of Sumy region, both those who live there and internally displaced persons.
/ Total reach on all social media in March 2024 - 3 581 173.
Social network
March 2023
May 2024
May 2025
YouTube
(subscribers)
1 818
5783 ↑ (+3 965)
17 200 ↑ (+11 417)
(subscribers)
4 745
14 900 ↑ (+10 155)
24 034 ↑ (+9 134)
(subscribers)
2 800
8114 ↑ (+5 314)
16 212 ↑ (+8 098)
TikTok
(subscribers)
20 000
24 900 ↑ (+4 900)
45 062 ↑ (+20 162)
Telegram
(subscribers)
2 700
10 153 ↑ (+7 453)
23 086 ↑ (+12 933)