The Swedish Institute offers two grant types for Swedish organisations working with partners in Ukraine to support reconstruction, reforms and EU integration. Funding is available for early-stage project preparation or full cooperation projects that strengthen institutions, build skills and create long-term regional impact. The programme prioritises practical collaboration, knowledge exchange and sustainable capacity building.

The Swedish Institute (SI) invites Swedish organisations and their partners in Ukraine to apply for grants that support collaborative projects contributing to Ukraine’s reconstruction and long-term reform agenda. These grants promote institutional development, knowledge sharing and regional cooperation between Sweden, Ukraine and selected EU countries.

Programme Purpose

The programme strengthens partnerships that can address shared societal challenges and support Ukraine’s EU integration. It enables organisations to:

• Build or deepen cooperation

• Transfer knowledge and expertise

• Develop skills and institutional capacity

• Support long-term democratic, economic and social reforms

Types of Grants

1. Project Preparation Grants

These grants support the initial stages of cooperation, allowing organisations to explore ideas and assess needs before launching full-scale projects.
Eligible activities include:

• Feasibility studies

• Needs assessments and challenge mapping

• Building relationships with Ukrainian partners

• Experience exchange and study visits

• Preparing future project applications
  Funding and Duration:

• SEK 100,000–200,000

• 6–12 months
  This category is ideal for organisations developing new partnerships or testing concepts.

2. Cooperation Project Grants

These larger grants support established partnerships working on capacity building and long-term transformation in Ukraine.
Eligible activities include:

• Skills development and training programmes

• Staff mobility and professional exchanges

• Targeted research or studies

• Structured study visits

• Organisational development initiatives
  Funding and Duration:

• SEK 1,000,000–2,000,000

• Up to 2 years
  These projects are designed to contribute directly to reconstruction, reforms and institutional strengthening.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme requires the following:

• The main applicant must be a legally registered organisation in Sweden.

• For cooperation projects, at least one Ukrainian partner is mandatory.

• For project preparation, partners can be identified during the grant period.

• Partnerships may include organisations from selected EU countries: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland.

• A maximum of six organisations can participate in one partnership.
  Eligible entities typically include NGOs, universities, public agencies, research bodies and professional organisations.

Why This Funding Matters

This programme is a strategic investment in strengthening Ukraine’s resilience, governance and institutional capacity. It matters because it:

• Supports reconstruction and modernisation

• Helps Ukraine align with EU standards

• Encourages long-term regional cooperation

• Builds skills and expertise among key actors

• Promotes democratic and sustainable development

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Review the Swedish Institute’s official call guidelines when published.

2. Identify whether Project Preparation or Cooperation Project funding fits your goals.

3. Build or confirm your partnership with Ukrainian organisations (mandatory for cooperation grants).

4. Prepare a structured proposal including objectives, relevance, expected impact and activity plan.

5. Provide budget details aligned with SI guidelines.

6. Submit the application through the Swedish Institute’s online portal before the deadline.

7. Await assessment based on relevance, feasibility, sustainability and added value.

Tips and Common Mistakes

Avoid these common issues:

• Incomplete partnerships or missing required partners

• Proposals without clear problem analysis or relevance to Ukraine

• Activities that lack measurable outcomes or long-term impact

• Budgets not aligned with guidelines

• Overly vague descriptions of cooperation structures
  Tips for a stronger proposal:

• Demonstrate clear benefits for both Sweden and Ukraine

• Show evidence of demand or need in Ukraine

• Highlight sustainability beyond the grant period

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply for these grants?

Only legally registered Swedish organisations can apply as main applicants.

2. Do I need a Ukrainian partner?

Yes, for cooperation projects. For project preparation, you may identify partners during the grant period.

3. What is the maximum number of partners allowed?

Up to six organisations can participate in a single partnership.

4. Can EU organisations join the partnership?

Yes, organisations from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland may be included if they add value.

5. What types of activities can be funded?

Activities include feasibility studies, training, research, mobility, study visits, capacity building and organisational development.

6. How long can projects run?

Project preparation: 6–12 months. Cooperation projects: up to 2 years.

7. What are key evaluation criteria?

Relevance, feasibility, sustainability, partnership strength and contribution to Ukraine’s reconstruction and reform agenda.

Conclusion

The Swedish Institute’s grants offer a structured, impactful way for Swedish and Ukrainian organisations to work together on reconstruction, reform and EU integration. By supporting both early-stage planning and large-scale cooperation projects, the programme empowers institutions to build capacity, exchange knowledge and strengthen regional ties. This funding opportunity creates meaningful pathways for long-term development and stability in Ukraine.