Deadline: 25-Mar-2026
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting applications for seed and growth portfolio activities to strengthen the economic sustainability of selected municipalities in Ukraine under the M4EG-III framework. The program supports projects in Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi Urban Territorial Community, Bucha, and Slavutych, with grants of up to US$60,000 per portfolio.
Overview
The UNDP grant program supports initiatives that improve the economic sustainability of selected local communities in Ukraine.
The funding is aimed at helping eligible organizations implement practical activities that generate tangible local results and strengthen economic resilience in target municipalities.
Geographic Focus
Projects must be implemented in one of the following four designated community lots:
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Zhytomyr
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Khmelnytskyi Urban Territorial Community
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Bucha
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Slavutych
Only activities carried out in these selected communities are eligible under this funding opportunity.
Funding Available
The grant supports planned project activities based on an approved budget.
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Maximum grant amount: US$60,000 per portfolio
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Up to US$20,000 for the first iteration of activities
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Up to US$40,000 for the second iteration of activities
The first phase of activities must be completed within no more than four months.
What the Program Supports
The program is designed to finance seed and growth portfolio activities that contribute to:
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Local economic sustainability
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Economic resilience
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Sustainable community development
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Practical, results-oriented local interventions
Projects should be aligned with the M4EG-III framework and demonstrate clear relevance to strengthening the economic sustainability of the selected municipality.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet strict legal and compliance requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Be registered legal entities under the legislation of Ukraine
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Have been registered by January or February 2025
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Hold non-profit status
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Operate in territories controlled by the government of Ukraine
Additional Requirements
Organizations must also:
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Not be bankrupt
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Not be undergoing liquidation
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Have no tax debts
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Have no ongoing legal or property disputes
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Not be involved in legal proceedings related to corruption offenses
Sanctions Restriction
Applicants, including their:
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Owners
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Managers
must not be subject to sanctions imposed by:
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The Government of Ukraine
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The European Union
Why This Grant Matters
This is a useful opportunity for Ukrainian nonprofit organizations working at the local level to implement activities that directly strengthen community-level economic resilience.
The funding can help organizations:
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Test and scale local economic solutions
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Deliver structured seed and growth activities
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Support sustainable development in priority municipalities
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Contribute to tangible outcomes under a recognized UNDP framework
For organizations already active in these communities, this can be a valuable route to support practical local economic interventions.
How to Apply Strategically
A strong application should show both local relevance and organizational compliance.
Best Application Approach
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Confirm geographic eligibility
Make sure your project is clearly based in one of the four eligible communities. -
Align with economic sustainability goals
Show how your activities will strengthen local economic resilience in practical ways. -
Design a phased portfolio
Structure your proposal around the two-iteration funding model. -
Plan the first phase carefully
Ensure the first iteration can realistically be completed within four months. -
Prepare compliance documentation
Be ready to prove nonprofit status, legal registration, tax compliance, and sanctions clearance. -
Show tangible local outcomes
Focus on measurable, community-level results rather than broad conceptual goals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common issues:
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Proposing activities outside the four designated municipalities
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Failing to align clearly with economic sustainability
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Ignoring the two-iteration funding structure
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Submitting a weak or unrealistic first-phase timeline
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Overlooking legal, tax, or sanctions compliance requirements
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Not demonstrating how the project will create tangible local results
FAQs
1) Who is offering this grant?
The grant is offered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
2) What is the maximum funding available?
The maximum grant is:
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US$60,000 per portfolio
This includes:
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Up to US$20,000 for the first iteration
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Up to US$40,000 for the second iteration
3) Which locations are eligible?
Projects must be implemented in one of these communities in Ukraine:
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Zhytomyr
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Khmelnytskyi Urban Territorial Community
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Bucha
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Slavutych
4) Who can apply?
Eligible applicants must be:
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Registered nonprofit legal entities in Ukraine
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Registered by January or February 2025
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Operating in government-controlled territories
5) Are there compliance restrictions?
Yes. Applicants must not:
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Be bankrupt or in liquidation
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Have tax debts
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Have ongoing legal or property disputes
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Be involved in corruption-related proceedings
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Be under sanctions from Ukraine or the EU
6) What is the first-phase timeline?
The first iteration of activities must be completed within:
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A maximum of four months
Conclusion
The UNDP grant program is a strong opportunity for eligible Ukrainian nonprofit organizations to implement seed and growth portfolio activities that improve economic sustainability in Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, Bucha, and Slavutych. With up to US$60,000 per portfolio, the funding is best suited for organizations that can deliver practical, phased, and measurable local economic results under the M4EG-III framework.
For more information, visit UNDP.
