Deadline: 08-May-2026
The International Renaissance Foundation grant competition supports civil society organizations working to investigate and prosecute international crimes in Ukraine. It funds projects that strengthen justice systems, support victims, and improve evidence collection for war crimes and human rights violations. Grants range from 1,000,000 to 4,000,000 UAH for projects lasting up to 12 months.
Overview
The International Renaissance Foundation has launched the grant competition titled “Overcoming Impunity for International Crimes and Serious Human Rights Violations.”
This initiative aims to strengthen justice and accountability in Ukraine by supporting civil society efforts to:
- Document international crimes
- Support victims of war
- Strengthen legal and justice systems
- Promote fair prosecution of perpetrators
Core Objective
The main goal is to ensure accountability for serious international crimes in Ukraine, including:
- War crimes
- Crimes against humanity
- Genocide
- Crime of aggression
Key Areas of Support
1. Justice and Accountability
Projects may support:
- Investigation and prosecution of war crimes
- Strengthening criminal justice institutions
- Improving investigative methodologies
2. Victim Participation and Support
Funding supports initiatives that:
- Enable victims to participate in justice processes
- Provide legal assistance and representation
- Engage victims in national and international legal mechanisms
3. Evidence Collection and Documentation
Eligible activities include:
- Documenting crimes such as:
- Supporting prosecutors and investigators with evidence-building
4. Research and Policy Development
Projects may include:
- Research on war crimes prosecution systems
- Studies on victim protection and justice mechanisms
- Development of improved accountability frameworks
5. Advocacy and Public Awareness
Supported initiatives include:
- Analytical reports and publications
- Advocacy campaigns for justice and accountability
- Dissemination of verified information
Funding Details
Grant Amount
- Minimum: 1,000,000 UAH
- Maximum: 4,000,000 UAH
- Average: ~2,000,000 UAH
Total Program Budget
- 20,000,000 UAH
Project Duration
- Up to 12 months
Eligible Expenses
Funding can be used for:
- Project implementation activities
- Research and documentation
- Legal support services
- Staff and operational project costs (if justified)
Ineligible Expenses
The following costs are not supported:
- Project preparation costs
- Debt repayment
- Political or religious activities
- Construction works
- Vehicles or military equipment
- Financial transfers to third parties
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
- Civil society organizations in Ukraine
- Human rights organizations
- Justice and accountability-focused NGOs
Expected Organizational Capacity
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Experience in human rights or legal work
- Strong partnerships with justice institutions
- Ability to deliver complex documentation or advocacy projects
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Alignment with program priorities
- Organizational expertise and experience
- Strength of partnerships
- Feasibility of implementation
- Budget realism and cost-effectiveness
How It Works / Application Process
Step 1: Identify Project Focus
Choose a focus area such as:
- Legal support for victims
- War crimes documentation
- Justice system strengthening
Step 2: Design Project Activities
Include:
- Clear objectives and outputs
- Evidence collection or legal support strategy
- Stakeholder engagement plan
Step 3: Prepare Budget
- Ensure cost-effectiveness
- Follow eligibility rules
- Avoid restricted expenses
Step 4: Submit Application
- Submit proposal through the foundation’s process
Step 5: Evaluation and Selection
- Reviewed based on impact, feasibility, and expertise
Step 6: Implementation
- Projects implemented over up to 12 months
- Regular reporting and monitoring required
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Including ineligible expenses (vehicles, military equipment, etc.)
- Weak evidence or documentation strategy
- Lack of collaboration with justice stakeholders
- Poorly defined victim support mechanisms
- Overly broad or unfocused project scope
Why This Program Matters
This grant competition is important because it:
- Strengthens accountability for war crimes
- Supports victims’ access to justice
- Improves national and international legal processes
- Helps document and preserve evidence of atrocities
- Builds stronger human rights protection systems
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is this grant competition about?
It supports civil society efforts to investigate and prosecute international crimes in Ukraine.
2. How much funding is available?
Between 1,000,000 and 4,000,000 UAH per project.
3. Who can apply?
Civil society and human rights organizations working in Ukraine.
4. What is the project duration?
Up to 12 months.
5. What types of crimes are covered?
War crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity, and crimes of aggression.
6. Are victim support activities eligible?
Yes, including legal aid and participation in justice processes.
7. What expenses are not allowed?
Debt repayment, political/religious activities, vehicles, military equipment, and construction.
Conclusion
The International Renaissance Foundation’s grant competition plays a critical role in advancing justice and accountability in Ukraine. By supporting civil society organizations in documenting crimes, assisting victims, and strengthening legal systems, it contributes to long-term justice restoration and the fight against impunity for serious human rights violations.
For more information, visit International Renaissance Foundation.