Deadline: 01-Jun-2026
The Civil Society Partnership Grants are part of an EU-funded initiative implemented by the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting. The program supports Ukraine’s civil society sector in strengthening institutional capacity and contributing to reform processes aligned with European Union standards.
The initiative is designed to enhance resilience during wartime conditions while advancing long-term EU integration goals.
Core Purpose of the Program
The grants aim to:
- Strengthen civil society organisations (CSOs) in Ukraine
- Support advocacy, monitoring, and communication of EU-aligned reforms
- Build cross-sector partnerships between CSOs, academia, and media
- Enhance understanding and application of EU legislation (EU acquis)
- Promote public awareness of reform processes
- Support Ukraine’s long-term EU integration pathway
Thematic Priority Areas
Projects must align with key EU integration policy domains:
- Digital Transformation and Media
- Transport Policy and Infrastructure Reform
- Entrepreneurship and Industrial Policy
- Customs Union and trade alignment with EU acquis
These areas reflect critical sectors for Ukraine’s harmonization with EU standards.
Partnership Requirements
The program strongly emphasizes collaboration and multi-stakeholder engagement.
Minimum Requirements
- At least 2 civil society organizations (CSOs) per consortium
- Lead applicant receives and manages funding
Preferred Structure
- 3-partner consortium recommended
- Inclusion of think tanks, universities, or media organizations
Encouraged Collaboration
- Formal cooperation agreements or MOUs
- Academic involvement (students, researchers, educators)
- Cross-sector knowledge exchange
Eligible Applicants
Eligible participants include:
- Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Ukraine
- Think tanks and policy institutes
- Academic institutions and universities
- Media organisations
- Other relevant non-governmental entities
The lead applicant is responsible for grant management and reporting.
Funding Details
- Grant size: 600,000 – 900,000 UAH per project
- Total budget (first wave): 3,600,000 UAH
- Project duration: 12 months
Funding supports analytical, advocacy, and communication-driven activities.
Expected Project Outputs
Funded projects are expected to produce:
- Policy briefs and analytical reports
- Monitoring documents on EU-related reforms
- Advocacy and communication materials
- Public awareness campaigns on EU integration
- Research outputs and expert analysis
Outputs should support evidence-based reform discussions.
Expected Outcomes
The program aims to achieve:
- Increased public awareness of EU-related reforms in Ukraine
- Stronger and more sustainable CSO partnerships
- Improved capacity of regional CSOs in EU acquis interpretation
- Enhanced communication of reform progress to the public
- Better coordination between civil society, academia, and media
- Strengthened support for EU integration processes
Implementation Context
- Implemented by the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting
- Funded under a broader EU resilience and reform support initiative
- Designed in response to challenges caused by ongoing conflict in Ukraine
- Focus on long-term institutional strengthening and European integration
Why the Program Matters
This initiative is important because it:
- Strengthens democratic institutions and civil society in Ukraine
- Supports alignment with EU legal and policy frameworks
- Enhances transparency and accountability in reforms
- Builds capacity for evidence-based policy advocacy
- Promotes collaboration across civil society, academia, and media
- Contributes to Ukraine’s long-term EU accession readiness
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting projects without strong CSO partnerships
- Weak alignment with EU acquis or priority sectors
- Lack of clear analytical or policy output structure
- Insufficient involvement of academic or media partners
- Missing focus on communication or public awareness
- Poorly defined roles within consortium partners
Tips for a Strong Application
- Build a strong multi-sector partnership (CSO + academia + media)
- Clearly link activities to EU integration priorities
- Emphasize policy monitoring and advocacy outputs
- Include measurable communication and awareness goals
- Demonstrate regional capacity-building impact
- Ensure strong coordination and governance structure
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Civil Society Partnership Grants program?
A funding initiative supporting Ukrainian CSOs in advancing EU-aligned reforms.
Who can apply?
Civil society organisations, think tanks, universities, and media groups in Ukraine.
What is the grant amount?
Between 600,000 and 900,000 UAH per project.
How long are projects?
12 months.
What are the main focus areas?
Digital transformation, transport, industrial policy, entrepreneurship, and customs alignment.
Is partnership required?
Yes, at least two CSOs are required; three-partner consortia are preferred.
What outputs are expected?
Policy briefs, reports, advocacy materials, and communication outputs.
Conclusion
The Civil Society Partnership Grants program strengthens Ukraine’s civil society by funding collaborative, policy-focused projects that support EU integration. Through partnerships between CSOs, academia, and media, the initiative enhances reform monitoring, public communication, and institutional capacity, contributing to Ukraine’s long-term resilience and alignment with European Union standards.
For more information, visit Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting.
