Entries Open: Award for Voluntary Efforts in Support of Ukraine (Sweden)

Deadline: 13-Feb-2026

The Swedish Government’s Award recognizes exceptional civilian initiatives by individuals and organizations that provide meaningful support to Ukraine. Grants of up to SEK 200,000 for individuals and SEK 1.8 million for organizations fund voluntary, impact-driven, and sustainable contributions, promoting collaboration, long-term development, and broader societal inspiration in Sweden.

Overview of the Program

The Award for Voluntary Efforts in Support of Ukraine honors initiatives that:

• Provide tangible benefits to Ukraine through civilian efforts

• Demonstrate measurable impact and effectiveness

• Encourage collaboration, inclusion, and community engagement

• Promote sustainable, long-term contributions with potential for growth

• Inspire broader Swedish engagement in supporting Ukraine

The initiative highlights voluntary efforts carried out without formal state assignments or direction. Governmental authorities are generally excluded, except for universities and higher education institutions.

Who is Eligible

Eligible applicants include:

• Individuals or groups of individuals registered as residents in Sweden

• Organizations such as civil society organizations, companies, municipalities, regions, and universities or higher education institutions

• Contributors must have implemented civilian initiatives, with funds strictly prohibited for military use

• Projects must clearly demonstrate past achievements and plans for building upon existing efforts

Award Categories and Funding

1. Individual or Group of Individuals

   • Recognition: Diploma

   • Grant: Up to SEK 200,000 to continue or expand civilian efforts in Ukraine

2. Organizations

   • Recognition: Diploma

   • Grant: Approximately SEK 1.8 million to scale, develop, or sustain ongoing civilian contributions

Key Focus Areas

• Impact for Ukraine: Measurable improvements and tangible benefits for target groups

• Inspirational Value: Encouraging broader Swedish participation and awareness

• Collaboration and Inclusion: Engaging multiple stakeholders for stronger outcomes

• Sustainability and Growth Potential: Long-term benefits and potential for scaling up initiatives

• Courage and Role Modeling: Especially for individual nominees demonstrating leadership under challenges

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Ensure initiatives are civilian in nature

• Individuals or organizations must be based in Sweden

• Governmental authorities (except universities) are ineligible

Step 2: Prepare Submission

• Describe the initiative’s past achievements and current impact

• Outline how awarded funds will be used to expand or continue efforts

• Highlight collaboration, sustainability, and potential for broader inspiration

Step 3: Submit Application or Nomination

• Follow official submission instructions from the Swedish Government or relevant awarding body

• Include all supporting documentation and clear descriptions of intended fund utilization

Selection Criteria

Organizational contributions are assessed on:

• Demonstrated effects in Ukraine

• Collaborative and inclusive approach

• Sustainability and long-term potential

• Ability to inspire others

Individual contributions are assessed on:

• Tangible impact in Ukraine

• Cooperation and collaborative spirit

• Courage and overcoming challenges

• Future development potential

• Role-model qualities

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting projects with military objectives

• Failing to clearly describe fund utilization for civilian efforts

• Omitting evidence of past impact or measurable results

• Applying through ineligible entities such as government authorities (except universities)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply?
Individuals, groups, or organizations based in Sweden, excluding most government authorities.

2. What is the maximum award?
Up to SEK 200,000 for individuals; approximately SEK 1.8 million for organizations.

3. Can military-related projects apply?
No, awards are strictly for civilian initiatives.

4. Are universities eligible?
Yes, universities and higher education institutions are eligible organizational applicants.

5. How is impact evaluated?
Based on demonstrable benefits for Ukraine, sustainability, collaboration, and inspirational value.

6. Can individuals apply as groups?
Yes, groups of Swedish residents may apply together under the individual category.

7. Is funding intended for new initiatives only?
No, funding can build upon existing civilian efforts with clear plans for expansion or development.

Conclusion

The Swedish Government Award for Voluntary Efforts in Support of Ukraine provides an important opportunity to recognize and amplify civilian initiatives that make a tangible difference. By funding sustainable, impactful, and inspirational projects, the award promotes long-term support for Ukraine while motivating broader engagement and collaboration across Swedish society.

For more information, visit Swedish Government.