Support for Small Ukrainian Publishers

13 million books destroyed in one summer

In summer 2026, more than 13 million books were destroyed in printing houses and publisher warehouses as a result of Russian attacks. Estimated losses to the book sector exceeded UAH 1.7 billion.

For a small publisher, losing a print run can wipe out the working capital needed to publish the next book. Disrupted deliveries delay sales income. When publishers close, authors lose a route to readers, and parts of their catalog may disappear from circulation.

What the program will support

Grants will support three types of publishing needs:

Replace destroyed stock
Print runs destroyed or substantially damaged by attacks.

Reprint proven titles
Books with demonstrated sales or confirmed orders.

Publish production-ready books
New titles that are ready for print and have evidence of demand.

The program will encourage print runs that match demonstrated demand, including smaller phased batches where commercially viable. This can reduce the amount of working capital tied up in unsold stock.

Limited funding may also support distribution, fulfillment, temporary external storage in separate locations, and final pre-press preparation.

Each applicant will explain how the grant, together with expected book sales, can help finance their next publishing cycle.

For donors

With full funding, we aim to support at least 20 small publishers across Ukraine through the first call for applications.

Our target is for at least 80% of supported publishers to continue active publishing 12 months after their grants end. Follow-up monitoring will check actual sales and whether recipients have published or reprinted a book during that period.

Your donation will contribute to the program. KSE Foundation will administer the funds and may use a portion of donations to cover necessary administrative costs, within the limits established by Ukrainian law. The Foundation will report transparently on spending and program results.
 

For publishers

Grant size: up to USD 25,000

At least 70% of each grant must go directly to book production. A limited share may support distribution, fulfillment, temporary external storage, and final pre-press preparation. A single application may cover several book titles.

Who the program is for

Under the current program design, applicants must meet these core criteria:

• Be registered in Ukraine as a legal entity or sole proprietor and be listed in the State Register of Publishers, Manufacturers and Distributors of Publishing Products.
• Have at least 12 months of actual publishing activity before the call is announced, supported by evidence of published or reprinted books and sales.
• Have annual income of no more than UAH 10 million for the last completed calendar year. For businesses under common control, the limit applies to their combined income.

Direct physical damage is not required to apply to the main call. Publishers affected by wartime disruption to sales, logistics, production, or access to working capital may also be considered. 

When and how to apply

Applications open in November 2026.

Applications must be submitted in Ukrainian.

We will publish the application form, full eligibility criteria, grant terms, submission deadline, and implementation period on this page when the call opens.