Funding Program for the Creation of Ukrainian Cultural Products

Within the grant program, a wide range of applicants are eligible to participate:

• legal entities regardless of their organizational and legal form are eligible;
• this includes creative unions, civil society organizations, and public institutions;
• individual entrepreneurs (FOPs) may also apply.

In addition, other business entities registered in Ukraine are eligible:

• enterprises of various ownership types (private, municipal, state-owned);
• business companies (including JSCs and LLCs);
• associations of legal entities (associations, corporations, consortia, groups);
• cooperatives;
• other organizations that are not classified as budgetary or non-profit entities.

Within the grant program, both eligibility and participation restrictions are clearly defined:

• legal entities of any organizational form are eligible, including NGOs, public institutions, and other entities;
• individual entrepreneurs and other business entities registered in Ukraine may also apply.

Participation restrictions:

• individuals or entities linked to an aggressor state are not eligible;
• applicants subject to sanctions or restrictive measures are excluded;
• applicants posing a threat to national security are not allowed;
• applicants with court decisions related to corruption offenses are ineligible.

Applicants may be excluded from the next stage if:

• documents are incomplete, incorrect, or contain false information;
• the application is submitted after the deadline;
• there is a confirmed negative business reputation;
• there are outstanding obligations or debts to the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation.

Additional selection conditions:

• only applicants scoring at least 60 points in the second stage proceed to the third stage;
• the number of winners is not fixed and depends on the available budget;
• the final decision is made after completion of all evaluation stages.

Within the grant program, different funding models and budget requirements are defined:

• full funding (up to 100%) is available for specific categories of projects (e.g., films and series for children and debut works);
• partial funding — up to 80%, where the applicant provides at least 20% co-financing;
• co-financing model 50/50, where costs are equally shared between the state and the applicant.

Budget requirements:

• there is no strict upper budget limit, but the budget must be justified, market-based, and aligned with project complexity;
• the budget may be revised after submission to optimize costs;
• it must be clear, realistic, and supported by calculations.

Budget evaluation:

• the budget is a mandatory document assessed for clarity, transparency, and alignment with the project concept;
• it is scored as part of the evaluation process (maximum — 10 points).

Financial disbursement conditions:

• an advance payment of 80–90% of public funding is provided;
• beneficiaries must submit interim reports and progress documentation;
• final payment is made after confirmation of completed work.

Additionally:

• co-financing must be confirmed through a guarantee letter and, where possible, supporting financial documents (e.g., bank statements).

Within the grant program, projects are supported across a range of thematic areas:

• Ukrainian history — key historical events, figures, and cultural development;
• security and defense of Ukraine — stories of military personnel, veterans, and wartime events;
• life during war — civilian experiences, displacement, loss, and volunteer activities.

Other thematic areas include:

• universal themes — identity, values, and human experiences;
• prominent figures — promotion of notable individuals in science, culture, and sports;
• folklore heritage — traditions, crafts, and cultural legacy;
• stolen art — loss and destruction of cultural heritage.

Social and forward-looking themes:

• socially important professions — stories of professionals working under crisis conditions;
• barrier-free society — inclusion, accessibility, and equality;
• conscious citizens — civic engagement, responsibility, and volunteering;
• future of Ukraine — recovery, innovation, and community development.

Additional areas:

• natural heritage — environment, climate, and sustainability;
• mental health — psychological well-being and trauma recovery;
• preservation and development of the Ukrainian language — linguistic identity and cultural significance.

The roadmap of the grant program outlines a step-by-step process from application submission to final selection:

• application start date — 3 April;
• submission deadline — 28 May.

Implementation stages:

• stage 1: application submission until 28 May;
• document compliance check — from 29 May to 5 June;
• stage 2: expert evaluation of projects — 10–21 June;
• stage 3: final pitching and public presentation — in August.

The process follows a structured sequence from administrative screening to expert evaluation and final project presentation.

Project evaluation within the grant program is based on a weighted scoring system:

• 20% — artistic and conceptual quality of the project;
• 15% — social relevance and potential impact on culture and creative industries;
• 10% — feasibility in terms of timeline, budget, and team capacity;
• 10% — team experience and professional capability;
• 10% — ability to reach the target audience and ensure effective dissemination;
• 10% — alignment of the budget with the project concept;
• 10% — originality and innovation of the idea;
• 5% — experience in implementing similar projects;
• 5% — compliance with gender equality, inclusion, and diversity principles;
• 5% — relevance to the competition theme.

The final score is calculated as the sum of all criteria.

• Application;
• Synopsis (Word + PDF);
• Concept;
• Budget;
• Schedule;
• Proof of experience;
• Letter of guarantee.

The competition aims to select cultural and artistic projects as part of the President of Ukraine’s initiative to create Ukrainian cultural products. It is being implemented in accordance with Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Resolutions No. 404 of March 25, 2026, and No. 406 of March 25, 2026.

The projects cover the audiovisual sector, music, performing arts, and visual arts.

The legal framework of the grant program is defined by resolutions of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine:

• the program is implemented in accordance with Resolution No. 404 of March 25, 2026, which regulates the use of funds for artistic competitions and support of cultural projects;
• Resolution No. 406 of March 25, 2026 also applies, introducing amendments to the procedure approved by Resolution No. 772 of September 28, 2015.

These regulations establish the general rules for funding, competition procedures, and implementation of cultural projects.