Alongside taking part in workshops and other activities designed to deepen their understanding of solutions journalism, selected cohort members were invited to apply for grant funding to put their newly acquired knowledge into practice.
Journalismfund Europe interviewed one of the 18 cohort members to share their experience of participating in the programme and of collaborating with like-minded media outlets experimenting with solutions journalism.
Rubryka, a local Ukrainian media outlet, took part in several funded projects alongside other cohort members. It was selected for the SoJo Europe programme with a solid understanding of solutions journalism, built on years of prior experience.
According to Rubryka, although the grant programme initially appeared unfamiliar, the application process was clear and easy to follow. Rubryka demonstrated confidence in its work and was regarded as a peer with a strong grasp of solutions journalism, which differs fundamentally from traditional investigative reporting. Rather than focusing solely on exposing problems, this approach examines how issues are being addressed, what works, what does not, and under what conditions solutions can be effective.
One of the key benefits of cohort membership was the opportunity to collaborate with other participants, which became central to Rubryka’s work. In some cases, viable solutions could not be identified within Ukraine alone, making partnerships with other European media outlets essential. These collaborations enabled Rubryka’s journalists to compare contexts, assess transferability and test whether approaches used elsewhere could realistically work in Ukraine.
The most challenging aspect of the application process was developing a project idea while simultaneously identifying suitable partners. However, Rubryka noted that this process encouraged negotiation, shared ownership and collective thinking—an approach it had rarely experienced before.
As a cohort member, funding was not guaranteed unless a project was approved by the jury. Nevertheless, Rubryka highly valued the benefits of participation, viewing cohort membership as a significant gain through access to a new professional community, inspiration and long-term connections.
Rubryka identified mentorship as the most valuable element of the SoJo Europe programme. Cross-border projects often present challenges due to differing journalistic cultures, workflows and communication styles. Having a mentor provided structure, coordination and critical questioning, helping teams to navigate these differences more effectively. Over time, Rubryka became more confident in international collaboration, gaining skills that have made such partnerships far less daunting.
The programme also had a significant impact on Rubryka’s overall operations. During a period of severe financial instability caused by external circumstances, SoJo Europe funding was instrumental in enabling the organisation to continue its work. The grant not only helped Rubryka remain operational but also provided a rare resource: time. The opportunity to focus deeply on a single topic, with sufficient resources and space for reflection, strengthened both its workflow and editorial output.
SoJo Europe broadened Rubryka’s approach to solutions journalism and encouraged greater openness to collaboration beyond formal grant frameworks, leading to partnerships that might not previously have been considered. The organisation also benefited from exposure to investigative methods through partners with stronger investigative backgrounds, enriching its own journalistic practice.
Ultimately, SoJo Europe did not change Rubryka’s mission but expanded its horizons. The organisation is now more confident, more visible and more firmly embedded in the European media landscape. Cross-border collaboration has become an integral part of its work, supporting its aim to place Ukrainian perspectives within a broader European and global context.
For Rubryka, grant programmes such as SoJo Europe are not only vital for sustainability but also transformative in their impact. They enable deeper and more ambitious journalism, strengthen professional networks and increase visibility, ensuring that Ukrainian voices, experiences and solutions are heard well beyond national borders.
Rubryka’s experience represents just one example of the programme’s impact on cohort members. Below, key figures illustrate the reach and scale of the grant programme since its inception.
Thanks to the support of the European Commission (Creative Europe) and Arcadia Foundation for making the SoJo Europe grant programme successful.
To view all SoJo Europe projects, click here.
Photo by Ioana Cîrlig
