Deadline: 10-Dec-2025
The New Democracy Fund (NDF) invites Ukrainian civil-society organizations to apply for its Strategic Grant Cycle 2025–2026, supporting initiatives in justice, accountability, transparency, and anti-corruption. With a total funding pool of approximately DKK 4,875,000 (~EUR 650,000), the program aims to strengthen democratic governance, civic participation, and transparent reconstruction in Ukraine. Applications are due by 10 December 2025.
Overview
The NDF Strategic Grant Cycle 2025–2026 is designed to reinforce Ukraine’s democratic resilience during a critical period of wartime challenges and reconstruction. The grant supports projects that:
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Promote justice, accountability, and anti-corruption
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Strengthen governance, transparency, and institutional reform
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Enhance civic participation, pluralism, and trust in public administration
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Ensure responsible recovery and reconstruction spending
Key Objectives
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Democratic Governance: Support institutions to uphold the rule of law and economic transparency
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Civic Participation: Encourage active engagement by citizens in decision-making processes
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Anti-Corruption and Accountability: Monitor public funds and recovery programs to prevent misuse
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Capacity Building: Strengthen civil society organizations’ skills and sustainability
Funding Details
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Total Funding Pool: DKK 4,875,000 (~EUR 650,000)
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Number of Grants: 4–5
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Grant Size: Variable, based on project scope and organizational capacity
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Capacity Assessment: For grants over ~EUR 13,000, NDF conducts an organizational assessment and embeds a development plan within the grant agreement
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
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Registered Ukrainian civil-society organizations
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Think tanks and research institutions
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Media outlets or media-related NGOs
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Labour and business associations, trade unions, and networks
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Organizations with proven expertise in democratic governance, human rights, and rule-of-law initiatives
Priority Considerations
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Demonstrated capacity to operate at national and regional levels
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Strategic and innovative approach to civic engagement and governance
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Track record of measurable impact in Ukraine’s democratic, transparency, or accountability sector
Why It Matters
The grant cycle addresses urgent needs:
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Ukraine faces security challenges, political instability, and humanitarian crises
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Democratic institutions require support to ensure transparent reconstruction and European integration
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Civil society is essential for holding institutions accountable, preventing corruption, and fostering civic participation
How to Apply / How It Works
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Submit Expression of Interest (EOI):
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Deadline: 10 December 2025
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Include project concept, objectives, and expected impact
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Capacity Assessment (if applicable):
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Required for larger grants (~EUR 13,000+)
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Organizational development plan embedded within grant
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Evaluation:
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Based on strategic relevance, organizational capacity, innovation, and potential impact
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Grant Agreement & Implementation:
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Successful applicants enter formal grant agreements
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Projects proceed with oversight, reporting, and milestone verification
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Common Mistakes and Tips
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Submit EOIs before the deadline; late submissions are not accepted
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Clearly demonstrate strategic alignment with democratic governance and anti-corruption priorities
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Provide evidence of organizational capacity and past impact
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Highlight plans for national and regional reach and sustainability beyond the funding period
FAQ
1. What is the total funding available?
Approximately DKK 4,875,000 (~EUR 650,000) for the 2025–2026 cycle.
2. How many grants will be awarded?
4–5 grants, depending on project size and strategic relevance.
3. Who can apply?
Registered Ukrainian civil-society organizations, think tanks, media NGOs, trade unions, and networks with experience in governance, human rights, and rule-of-law work.
4. What is the application deadline?
10 December 2025.
5. Is there a minimum or maximum grant size?
Grants vary; larger grants (~EUR 13,000+) require capacity assessments.
6. What types of projects are supported?
Projects focusing on justice, accountability, transparency, anti-corruption, civic engagement, democratic governance, and reconstruction oversight.
7. How does the capacity assessment work?
For larger grants, NDF evaluates organizational capacity and embeds a tailored development plan in the grant agreement to ensure successful implementation.
Conclusion
The NDF Strategic Grant Cycle 2025–2026 is a pivotal opportunity for Ukrainian civil society to strengthen democracy, ensure accountability, and actively shape the country’s post-conflict recovery. By funding strategic initiatives in transparency, governance, and civic participation, NDF aims to support long-term democratic resilience and empower organizations driving Ukraine’s democratic future.
For more information, visit New Democracy Fund.
