Social Capital Program Competition for Cultural and Educational Resilience (Ukraine)

Deadline: 04-Mar-2026

The Social Capital Program by the International Renaissance Foundation funds cultural and educational projects in de-occupied and frontline Ukrainian territories to strengthen trust, community development, and resilience. Grants range from ₴900,000–₴1,500,000, supporting initiatives that foster long-term cooperation between civil society, local authorities, and educational institutions, while promoting cultural engagement and sustainable community development.

Program Overview

The Social Capital Program is a competitive initiative by the International Renaissance Foundation designed to support cultural and educational projects in war-affected and frontline regions of Ukraine. The program focuses on building trust, resilient communities, and sustainable cultural and educational infrastructure as a foundation for long-term recovery.

Projects supported under this program:

• Strengthen community institutions and social cohesion

• Promote sustainable cooperation between civil society, authorities, and educational institutions

• Encourage innovative and measurable approaches in cultural and educational sectors

• Transform wartime experiences into lasting mechanisms for participation and resilience

Objectives and Priorities

The competition prioritizes projects that:

1. Rethink the experience of war, community, and resilience

   • Facilitate reflection on wartime challenges

   • Strengthen psychological and social resilience

2. Promote networking, partnerships, and intersectoral collaboration

   • Encourage cooperation between civil society, authorities, and cultural institutions

   • Foster partnerships across sectors for sustainable impact

3. Engage communities through culture and education

   • Organize cultural events, educational programs, and community initiatives

   • Support active participation of residents in community development

4. Territorial Focus

   • Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Mykolaiv, and Odesa Oblasts

   • Internally displaced persons from Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk Oblasts

5. Demonstrate innovative approaches and measurable impact

   • Introduce new models, tools, and solutions

   • Ensure outcomes can be tracked and evaluated for long-term effect

Grant Amounts and Budget

• Total competition budget: ₴17,000,000

• Optimal grant size: ₴900,000–₴1,000,000

• Maximum grant amount: ₴1,500,000

• Funding supports initiatives contributing to long-term recovery, community engagement, and sustainable development in the cultural and educational sectors

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Public organizations, unions, and associations

• Non-profit or charitable organizations officially recognized under Ukrainian law

• Organizations registered in government-controlled territories of Ukraine

• Applicants must present projects aligned with the competition’s thematic and territorial priorities

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Verify your organization is registered and recognized as a non-profit or charitable entity in Ukraine

• Ensure alignment with thematic priorities and target territories

Step 2: Develop Project Proposal

• Clearly define objectives, activities, and expected outcomes

• Include innovative approaches, partnerships, and measurable impact strategies

• Demonstrate community engagement and sustainability

Step 3: Prepare Budget

• Outline funding requirements within the range of ₴900,000–₴1,500,000

• Include detailed cost breakdown for project activities and resources

Step 4: Submit Application

• Complete the application according to foundation guidelines

• Attach supporting documentation, including organizational registration and governance information

Key Considerations

• Projects should focus on long-term community resilience rather than short-term interventions

• Active participation from target communities is essential

• Innovative models and measurable outcomes increase competitiveness

• Strong partnerships with local authorities and civil society are encouraged

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals outside of target territories

• Failing to align project objectives with program priorities

• Omitting measurable outcomes or impact indicators

• Lack of evidence of organizational registration or non-profit status

• Underestimating community involvement in project activities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What types of projects are eligible?

Cultural and educational initiatives that strengthen community resilience, trust, and participation.

2. Who can apply?

Public organizations, unions, associations, and recognized non-profits registered in government-controlled Ukrainian territories.

3. What is the grant range?

Optimal grants are ₴900,000–₴1,000,000; maximum grant is ₴1,500,000.

4. Which territories are prioritized?

Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Odesa, and IDPs from Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk.

5. Are partnerships encouraged?

Yes. Intersectoral collaboration and partnerships with local authorities and institutions strengthen applications.

6. Can the project focus on innovation?

Yes. Projects introducing new tools, methods, or approaches with measurable impact are highly valued.

7. Is community engagement required?

Yes. Active participation from residents and target communities is critical for project success.

Conclusion

The Social Capital Program empowers cultural and educational initiatives in frontline and de-occupied Ukrainian territories, promoting long-term community resilience, trust, and sustainable development. By funding innovative, participatory projects, the program strengthens local institutions and fosters collaborative networks that transform wartime experiences into sustainable models of community growth and engagement.

For more information, visit Public Space.