Recovery Window Media Network calls for support for independent media and civil society organizations due to the suspension of USAID funding
The Recovery Window Media Network has published a public statement in response to new challenges facing the media and civil society sector and is gathering signatures in support.
Recovery Window is a network of independent media outlets, civil society organizations, and think tanks, bringing together over 120 partners. The network seeks to support its members and urges society to help them endure these challenging times, as USAID funding has been suspended.
What Happened to the Programs Supported by USAID?
Recently, it was announced that, by order of the newly elected U.S. presidential administration, funding for all projects of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has been suspended for 90 days. This decision was made to ensure the agency can maximize the effectiveness of foreign aid programs worldwide and align with President Trump's "America First" policy.
USAID has supported numerous projects in Ukraine, particularly since the start of the full-scale invasion. These included security initiatives, restoration of critical energy infrastructure, rebuilding of schools, provision of medical services, rehabilitation programs and other assistance for military personnel, aid for internally displaced persons, enhancement of local governance efficiency, inclusive social programs, and more.
Many Ukrainian civil society organizations and media outlets also received grant support through competitive selection processes. This funding enabled them to advocate for socially important changes, provide informational, psychological, and other forms of assistance to those affected, expose corruption schemes, and share the stories of Ukrainians from frontline and remote regions.
Currently, funding for all programs and projects has been suspended without exception.
What the Recovery Window Media Network Does for Society
Last week, the Recovery Window Media Network marked one year since its official launch. The network's mission is to transparently and effectively cover and support Ukraine's recovery from the consequences of Russian aggression.
The network builds its partnerships based on professionalism and independence. Candidates undergo a rigorous review process to ensure transparency in ownership structures and funding sources. For media organizations, an editorial policy is a mandatory requirement for participation. Both media and non-media partners of Recovery Window adhere to ethical standards and do not create content to serve the interests of government officials or private individuals.
In 2024, through joint efforts with its partners, the media network published 842 materials, including reports, stories, analyses, investigations, and explainers, reaching 24 million people across social media, websites, and other platforms. Regional and national media in the network have covered stories about people, businesses, territories, and institutions undergoing recovery. They have investigated the allocation of funds, uncovered reasons for delays in reconstruction, and explained how victims of Russian aggression can access support services.
With the help of experts from analytical centers, the network has highlighted gaps in aid mechanisms and legislative shortcomings. Civil society organizations and think tanks have shared research findings on realistic paths to energy efficiency, green recovery, public sentiment across different regions, and citizens' perspectives on Ukraine's reconstruction. They have created demand for more effective and high-quality solutions.
What the Freezing of Projects Means for Network Participants
Due to the USAID funding freeze, many participants in the Recovery Window Media Network face challenges that threaten the ability of media outlets, civil society organizations, and think tanks to continue their work.
This creates significant risks. Civil society organizations may no longer be able to send volunteer teams to communities for hands-on reconstruction efforts. They might be unable to measure public sentiment in frontline areas and convey local residents' needs to authorities and international donors. Regional media could struggle to investigate corruption in reconstruction tenders or travel to the most remote and frontline villages to shed light on the hardships of local residents. Think tanks may not be able to assess the spread of Russian disinformation narratives in Ukraine's information space, while media outlets could lose the capacity to debunk these narratives through their publications. And the list goes on.
Overall, Ukraine's information landscape risks becoming weaker, which could affect the public's ability to gain a clear and comprehensive understanding of events in a country actively resisting Russian aggression.
How to Support Independent Media, Civil Society Organizations, and Think Tanks
The Recovery Window Media Network urges everyone who can to provide financial support to independent media and the civil sector. One-time or recurring donations to organizations you trust are a crucial contribution to maintaining societal resilience.
Contact details for Recovery Window Network members can be found here.
You can sign the statement by filling out the form at this link.
