Deadline: 16-Jul-2026
The Council of Europe Office in Ukraine is offering grants to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) systems for professionals working with children affected by conflict. The program funds awareness materials, training methodologies, and capacity-building activities for frontline social workers and MHPSS professionals. Grants range up to €25,000 and target Ukrainian civil society organizations with experience in children’s rights and psychosocial support.
What is This Grant Program?
The Council of Europe Office in Ukraine grant competition supports initiatives that improve mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) for professionals working with children impacted by war and conflict.
The program focuses on strengthening:
- Psychological resilience of frontline professionals
- Training systems for social workers and MHPSS practitioners
- Educational resources for children and professionals
- Support mechanisms for trauma, burnout, and vicarious trauma
It aims to improve the overall capacity of support systems dealing with children affected by conflict-related trauma, including those exposed to sexual violence.
Key Focus Areas
The grant supports initiatives in the following thematic areas:
Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)
- Strengthening psychological well-being of professionals
- Burnout prevention strategies
- Self-care methodologies for MHPSS workers
- Addressing vicarious trauma
Child Protection and Rights Awareness
- Educational materials on children’s rights
- Awareness tools for social workers
- Resources for children affected by traumatic events
Training and Capacity Building
- Training programs for non-MHPSS social workers
- Methodologies for working with traumatized children
- Professional development for frontline responders
Conflict-Related Trauma Support
- Tools for supporting children exposed to war trauma
- Materials addressing conflict-related sexual violence
- Guidance for professionals working in high-risk environments
Objectives of the Program
The primary goal is to strengthen professional support systems for children affected by conflict in Ukraine.
Key objectives include:
- Improving mental health support structures for frontline workers
- Enhancing quality of child protection services
- Building sustainable training frameworks
- Supporting trauma-informed care practices
- Strengthening institutional capacity in Ukraine
Types of Grants Available
The program offers two distinct funding streams:
Grant 1: Awareness-Raising Materials
- Funding amount: Up to €5,000
- Purpose:
- Develop educational and awareness materials
- Support child rights education initiatives
- Create informational resources for professionals and children
Grant 2: Training and Methodology Development
- Funding amount: Up to €20,000
- Purpose:
- Develop training methodologies and guidelines
- Deliver training sessions for professionals
- Build capacity for trauma-informed care
- Support MHPSS and non-MHPSS worker training
Total Funding Available
- Maximum total grant support: €25,000
- Expected selection: 1–2 organizations
Implementation Timeline
Projects must follow strict timelines:
- Earliest start date: 3 August 2026
- Latest completion date: 26 October 2026
- Short implementation window requiring intensive delivery planning
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
Organizational Requirements
- Civil society organizations (CSOs)
- Legally registered in Ukraine
- Must have a valid bank account in Ukraine
- Authorized to implement proposed activities
Experience Requirements
- Minimum 2 years of experience in:
- Children’s rights protection
- Psychosocial support or related fields
- Proven expertise in:
- Educational material development
- Training program design and delivery
Capacity Requirements
Organizations must demonstrate:
- Financial management capacity
- Operational readiness
- Professional expertise in child protection or MHPSS
Who is NOT Eligible?
While not explicitly detailed, the program excludes:
- Organizations not registered in Ukraine
- Groups without relevant experience in child protection
- Entities lacking operational or financial capacity
- Informal or unregistered groups
Why This Grant Matters
This initiative addresses urgent needs in Ukraine’s conflict-affected context by:
- Strengthening frontline mental health support systems
- Reducing burnout among social workers and MHPSS professionals
- Improving care for children exposed to trauma and violence
- Enhancing child rights awareness and education
- Building long-term capacity in psychosocial support services
It plays a critical role in supporting professionals who directly assist children affected by war-related trauma.
How the Grant Works (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Identify Grant Type
- Choose between:
- Awareness materials grant (€5,000)
- Training and methodology grant (€20,000)
Step 2: Develop Proposal
Include:
- Project objectives
- Target groups (children, social workers, MHPSS professionals)
- Methodology and approach
- Implementation plan
- Budget breakdown
Step 3: Confirm Eligibility
- Ensure organization is registered in Ukraine
- Verify minimum 2 years of relevant experience
- Confirm financial and operational capacity
Step 4: Submit Application
- Submit through Council of Europe Office in Ukraine application process
- Include all required documentation
Step 5: Selection Process
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Relevance to MHPSS priorities
- Organizational capacity
- Quality of methodology
- Expected impact on child protection systems
Step 6: Implementation Phase
- Projects must run between August–October 2026
- Deliver training or materials as proposed
- Submit reports as required
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without legal registration in Ukraine
- Lack of proven experience in child protection
- Weak or unclear training methodology
- Unrealistic implementation plans for short timeline
- Insufficient budget justification
- Missing focus on trauma-informed approaches
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly link activities to child trauma and MHPSS needs
- Use evidence-based training approaches
- Show strong experience in children’s rights work
- Ensure realistic delivery within short timeframe
- Demonstrate clear impact on frontline professionals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the maximum funding available?
Up to €25,000 depending on grant type.
2. How many organizations will be selected?
Between 1 and 2 organizations.
3. What is the deadline for implementation?
Projects must be completed by 26 October 2026.
4. Who can apply?
Civil society organizations registered in Ukraine with relevant experience.
5. What are the two grant types?
One for awareness materials and one for training methodologies and delivery.
6. Is experience required?
Yes, at least 2 years of experience in children’s rights protection is required.
7. What is the main focus of the program?
Strengthening mental health and psychosocial support systems for professionals working with children affected by conflict.
Conclusion
The Council of Europe Office in Ukraine grant competition is a targeted initiative to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support systems for professionals working with children affected by conflict. By funding training programs and educational resources, it enhances the capacity of frontline workers and improves child protection services in high-risk environments across Ukraine.
For more information, visit Council of Europe Office in Ukraine.
