Deadline: 27-Apr-2026
Civil society organizations (CSOs) can apply for grants to help Ukrainian territorial communities align with EU accession standards. The funding supports strategic planning, capacity building, public participation, and inter-municipal cooperation, ensuring local development strategies meet European policies and public investment management reforms.
Competition Overview
The program empowers CSOs to:
- Raise awareness about EU policies and accession requirements
- Assist communities in developing strategic plans, action documents, and investment strategies
- Build capacity for EU program participation, inter-municipal partnerships, and international funding access
- Promote inclusive decision-making involving vulnerable groups, minorities, and internally displaced persons
Why It Matters
Due to ongoing conflict, local communities face infrastructure destruction, energy shortages, disrupted businesses, and limited human resources. Strategic planning aligned with European standards is critical for prioritizing investments and accessing national and international funding.
Who is Eligible
- Civil society organizations with experience in local development or EU-supported projects
- Projects must cover at least two territorial communities under Ukrainian control
- Collaboration with local governments, associations, and stakeholders is required
Funding Details
- Total budget: 25 million UAH
- Optimal grant size: 1–1.3 million UAH, maximum 1.5 million UAH
- Eligible expenses must be necessary, cost-effective, documented, and project-related
How to Apply / How it Works
- Identify at least two communities and establish partnerships with local authorities.
- Design a project aligned with EU standards and public investment management reforms.
- Include activities for awareness, strategic planning, capacity building, and public participation.
- Submit a detailed application demonstrating experience and expected outcomes.
- Projects are assessed based on impact, inclusiveness, EU compliance, and feasibility.
Tips / Common Mistakes
- Clearly define participation of local residents and vulnerable groups.
- Show prior experience managing EU or donor-supported projects.
- Ensure budgets are realistic, justified, and fully documented.
- Focus on practical strategies that strengthen investment planning and partnerships.
FAQs
- Who can apply? Civil society organizations with relevant experience in local development.
- Which communities are eligible? Projects must cover at least two territorial communities under Ukrainian control.
- What activities are funded? Awareness campaigns, strategic planning, training, partnerships, and project management.
- What is the grant size? 1–1.3 million UAH optimal; max 1.5 million UAH.
- Are expenses strictly regulated? Yes, must be necessary, cost-effective, and documented.
- Is collaboration required? Yes, with local governments, associations, and stakeholders.
- Are inclusive participation measures important? Yes, especially for vulnerable groups, minorities, and internally displaced persons.
Conclusion
This grant program enables CSOs to strengthen local strategic planning, public participation, and EU alignment, enhancing territorial communities’ resilience, investment capacity, and readiness for integration with European standards.
For more information, visit IRF.