Deadline: 15-May-2026
The United Nations Development Programme in Ukraine, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, is offering grants of up to $120,000 under the Human Rights for Ukraine Phase II Project. The call supports civil society initiatives focused on human rights, access to justice, and institutional strengthening in a war-affected context. Eligible Ukrainian NGOs with at least five years of experience can apply.
Overview
This programme supports human rights protection, access to justice, and institutional capacity building in Ukraine.
It aims to:
- Strengthen human rights systems during wartime
- Improve access to justice for vulnerable populations
- Enhance collaboration between civil society and public institutions
Key Focus Areas
1. Human Rights Protection & Awareness
- Outreach and communication campaigns
- Public awareness on rights and legal protections
- Dissemination of human rights findings
2. Access to Justice
- Legal awareness and support services
- Strengthening justice delivery systems
- Promoting accountability and rule of law
3. Institutional Capacity Building
- Support to Ombudsperson’s Office
- Strengthening civic monitoring networks
- Training for civil society and institutions
4. Monitoring & Data Systems
- Human rights data collection
- Evidence-based reporting
- Gender-disaggregated data systems
5. Inclusion & Gender Equality
- Gender-sensitive communication
- Equal participation in decision-making
- Focus on non-discrimination and inclusion
Funding Details
- Maximum grant: $120,000
- Programme: Human Rights for Ukraine – Phase II
- Project scope: National or regional (government-controlled areas)
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants:
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- Public or charitable organisations
- Civil society organisation (CSO) associations
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be registered in Ukraine
- Minimum 5 years of operational experience
- Proven track record with international donors
Not Eligible:
- For-profit entities
- Political parties
- Government bodies
- Religious organisations
- Individuals
What Activities Can Be Funded?
Eligible costs include:
- Staff salaries and expert fees
- Training and workshops
- Communication and media production
- Events and outreach activities
- Consultancy services
- Travel and operational costs
- Printing and awareness materials
All costs must be:
- Reasonable
- Verifiable
- Compliant with UNDP financial rules
How the Program Works
- NGOs design human rights projects
- Activities focus on outreach, monitoring, and training
- Collaboration with Ombudsperson and stakeholders
- Implementation at national or regional level
- Reporting and impact measurement
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Confirm eligibility (registration + 5 years experience)
- Identify project focus:
- Human rights
- Justice access
- Institutional capacity
- Develop proposal:
- Activities (training, outreach, monitoring)
- Gender and inclusion strategy
- Partnerships and support letters
- Prepare budget aligned with UNDP rules
- Submit application to UNDP Ukraine
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed on:
- Relevance to human rights priorities
- Feasibility and implementation plan
- Institutional capacity and experience
- Inclusion and gender integration
- Partnerships and collaboration
- Expected impact
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak alignment with human rights priorities
- No gender or inclusion strategy
- Lack of measurable outcomes
- Poor stakeholder collaboration
- Unrealistic budgets or ineligible costs
Why This Funding Matters
This initiative addresses urgent human rights challenges in a conflict-affected environment.
It helps:
- Protect vulnerable populations
- Strengthen democratic institutions
- Improve access to justice
- Promote accountability and transparency
Tips for a Strong Proposal
- Focus on real, current human rights challenges
- Include strong partnerships (Ombudsperson, CSOs)
- Use data-driven approaches
- Integrate gender equality clearly
- Show measurable and sustainable impact
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply?
Registered Ukrainian NGOs and civil society organisations with at least 5 years of experience.
2. What is the maximum funding amount?
Up to $120,000 per project.
3. Can organisations submit multiple applications?
Yes, if each proposal meets the criteria.
4. What types of activities are supported?
Outreach, training, monitoring, communication, and human rights initiatives.
5. Is gender inclusion required?
Yes, it is a key requirement.
6. Where can projects be implemented?
Nationwide or in government-controlled regions of Ukraine.
7. Are individuals eligible?
No, only organisations can apply.
Conclusion
The UNDP Ukraine Human Rights Grant provides critical funding for civil society organisations to address pressing human rights and justice challenges in a conflict setting. By supporting inclusive, data-driven, and collaborative initiatives, the programme contributes to stronger institutions, improved access to justice, and long-term resilience in Ukraine.
For more information, visit UNDP.
