Resilience Fund 2026: Strengthening Ukrainian Cultural Organizations

The Resilience Fund 2026, implemented by the Goethe-Institut, provides grants to Ukrainian cultural organizations to strengthen resilience, promote sustainability, and support collaboration within Ukraine’s cultural sector. Funding up to €12,000 is available for projects spanning artistic creation, cultural exchange, digitization, training, and festival activities.

Overview of the Resilience Fund 2026

The Resilience Fund 2026 aims to sustainably strengthen the resilience of cultural and educational actors and institutions registered and operating in Ukraine. The fund supports projects that preserve cultural diversity, foster collaboration, and enhance the long-term development of Ukraine’s cultural ecosystem. Through financial support, the fund enables organizations to adapt to challenges, innovate, and expand their impact in areas such as arts, media, and cultural heritage.

Key Focus Areas for Funded Projects

Eligible projects can include:

• Artistic Creation: Production of new works reflecting modern Ukrainian society

• Cultural Exchange: Collaborative projects and partnerships between organizations

• Digitization: Digital preservation of art collections or cultural heritage sites

• Structural Support: Capacity building through training, networking, digital development, and creation of safe spaces

• Festival Activities: Projects implemented within local or national festival frameworks

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants are Ukrainian cultural organizations operating in fields such as:

• Theater, dance, film, music, literature, visual arts, performance

• Architecture, librarianship, media, museums
  Eligibility Criteria:

• Registered and operating in Ukraine

• Capable of receiving international funding

• Compliant with Ukrainian public procurement, anti-corruption, and reporting requirements

• Not currently participating in Goethe-Institut’s active grant cycle, including EU-funded House of Europe programs

• Only one application per organization is allowed

• No ongoing or expected bankruptcy proceedings

Funding Details

• Grant Amount: Recommended maximum €10,000; requests up to €12,000 possible with justification

• Covered Expenses:

  • Project-related equipment and infrastructure

  • Travel and operational costs

  • Staff costs directly linked to project implementation
    Exclusions:

• Funding for individuals or private entrepreneurs

• Projects outside Ukraine or already begun

• Charitable projects or events

• Projects with party-political, religious, ideological, or scientific focus

Why It Matters

Supporting cultural organizations through the Resilience Fund:

• Strengthens resilience and sustainability of Ukraine’s cultural sector

• Encourages collaboration and networking across institutions

• Promotes innovation and cultural diversity

• Contributes to the long-term development of arts, heritage, and educational initiatives

How to Apply

1. Prepare Application: Submit a detailed project proposal including objectives, timeline, staffing, and resource plan

2. Budget Justification: Clearly outline requested funds and ensure alignment with project goals

3. Compliance Verification: Ensure legal and financial compliance for international funding in Ukraine

4. Submit Proposal: Submit one application per organization within the specified deadlines
   Applications are evaluated based on:

• Organization’s significance within the local cultural and civil society landscape

• Project quality, relevance, and sustainability

• Clarity, feasibility, and effective use of resources

Common Mistakes & Tips

• Submitting incomplete documentation or unclear project objectives

• Requesting funding for ineligible expenses or projects outside Ukraine

• Applying while participating in other Goethe-Institut grants

• Overlooking compliance with reporting, procurement, or anti-corruption requirements

• Submitting multiple applications

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can individuals apply for the Resilience Fund?
No, only registered Ukrainian cultural organizations are eligible.
2. What is the maximum funding available?
Recommended maximum is €10,000; requests up to €12,000 are considered with strong justification.
3. Can projects outside Ukraine receive funding?
No, the fund only supports projects implemented within Ukraine.
4. Are charitable or party-political projects eligible?
No, such projects are excluded from funding consideration.
5. Can an organization submit more than one proposal?
No, each organization may submit only one application.
6. What criteria are used to evaluate proposals?
Proposals are evaluated based on organizational significance, project quality and sustainability, and clarity and feasibility of implementation.
7. What compliance requirements must organizations meet?
Applicants must follow Ukrainian legislation on public procurement and corruption prevention, provide timely reporting, and be capable of receiving international funding.

Conclusion

The Resilience Fund 2026 by Goethe-Institut empowers Ukrainian cultural organizations to innovate, collaborate, and sustain their activities in challenging times. By supporting projects in arts, heritage, and education, the fund fosters resilience, strengthens cultural diversity, and promotes long-term development within Ukraine’s vibrant cultural sector.