CFPs: Non-Profit Organizations under M4EG Initiative (Ukraine)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, with funding from the European Union under the Mayors for Economic Growth (M4EG) Phase-3 initiative, is inviting eligible non-profit organizations to implement community development projects through the Community Funding Facility (CFAF) programme. Successful applicants can receive up to US$60,000 per lot to prepare investment-ready projects that promote sustainable local economic development in Kryvyi Rih and Trostyanets during 2026–2027.

About the UNDP Community Funding Facility (CFAF) Programme

The Community Funding Facility (CFAF) is a grant programme implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and funded by the European Union under the Mayors for Economic Growth (M4EG) Phase-3 initiative.

The programme is designed to strengthen local economic development by helping municipalities prepare high-quality, investment-ready projects that can attract international financing. Selected non-profit organizations will work closely with municipalities, technical experts, and other stakeholders to prepare feasibility studies, technical documentation, and investment packages.

Funding Information

• Funding amount: Up to US$60,000 (paid in hryvnia equivalent) for each lot.
• Number of lots: Two.
• Implementation period: 2026–2027.
• Funding supports project preparation and technical assistance rather than infrastructure construction.

Programme Objectives

The Community Funding Facility aims to:

• Prepare priority community development projects for international financing.
• Improve municipal capacity for project planning and implementation.
• Coordinate project preparation with municipalities and technical experts.
• Develop investment-ready documentation.
• Strengthen sustainable local economic development.
• Support pilot communities in attracting future investment.
• Ensure effective administration of grant funds.

Focus Areas

The programme supports projects related to:

• Community development.
• Local economic development.
• Municipal planning.
• Investment project preparation.
• Technical assistance.
• Feasibility studies.
• Renewable energy.
• Solar energy infrastructure.
• Business incubation.
• Educational infrastructure.
• Cultural infrastructure.
• Investment promotion.

Available Funding Lots

Lot 1 – Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk Region

This lot focuses on preparing investment-ready documentation for sustainable economic development.

Supported activities include:

• Preparing a feasibility study for the installation of solar power plants.
• Developing an investment package for an innovative business incubator.
• Supporting future international investment opportunities.

Lot 2 – Trostyanets, Sumy Region

This lot focuses on improving community infrastructure through project preparation.

Supported activities include:

• Updating design and cost estimate documentation.
• Preparing an investment package for reconstructing a building into an educational and cultural centre.
• Strengthening readiness for future infrastructure investment.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be legally registered non-profit organizations in Ukraine.
• Have been registered no later than the beginning of 2025.
• Have the capacity to manage grant-funded activities.
• Be able to coordinate with municipalities, experts, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrate experience in community development, project management, or technical assistance.

Eligible Activities

Funding may support:

• Feasibility studies.
• Technical documentation preparation.
• Investment package development.
• Municipal coordination.
• Expert consultations.
• Grant administration.
• Community project planning.
• Technical support throughout project preparation.

Why This Programme Matters

Many municipalities face challenges in accessing international financing because they lack investment-ready project documentation.

The Community Funding Facility addresses this gap by:

• Preparing projects that meet international funding standards.
• Strengthening municipal planning capacity.
• Supporting renewable energy development.
• Promoting local entrepreneurship.
• Improving educational and cultural infrastructure.
• Enhancing long-term economic resilience.
• Encouraging sustainable community development.

How the Programme Works

Selected organizations will work in partnership with municipalities and UNDP to prepare projects for future investment.

The implementation process generally includes:

1. Selection of eligible non-profit organizations.
2. Signing of grant agreements.
3. Coordination with municipalities and technical experts.
4. Preparation of feasibility studies or technical documentation.
5. Development of investment packages.
6. Administration of grant-funded activities.
7. Submission of completed deliverables for future international funding opportunities.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Confirm that the organization is a registered Ukrainian non-profit established no later than the beginning of 2025.
2. Review the objectives and requirements for either Lot 1 or Lot 2.
3. Select the appropriate lot based on organizational expertise.
4. Prepare a proposal demonstrating technical capacity and project management experience.
5. Explain how the organization will coordinate with municipalities and experts.
6. Submit the proposal before the official application deadline according to UNDP guidelines.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Proposal

To improve your chances of selection:

• Demonstrate previous experience in municipal or community development.
• Show strong technical expertise in project preparation.
• Present a realistic implementation methodology.
• Explain coordination mechanisms with local authorities.
• Include qualified technical personnel.
• Emphasize sustainability and long-term community impact.
• Clearly describe risk management and project monitoring approaches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors:

• Submitting incomplete proposals.
• Failing to demonstrate organizational capacity.
• Providing unclear project methodologies.
• Ignoring the objectives of the selected lot.
• Weak coordination plans with municipalities.
• Insufficient technical expertise.
• Missing required eligibility documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Community Funding Facility (CFAF)?

The Community Funding Facility is a UNDP programme that supports the preparation of investment-ready community development projects capable of attracting international financing.

2. How much funding is available?

Eligible organizations can receive up to US$60,000 per lot, paid in hryvnia equivalent.

3. Who can apply?

Legally registered non-profit organizations in Ukraine that were established no later than the beginning of 2025 are eligible to apply.

4. What projects are supported under Lot 1?

Lot 1 supports preparation of a feasibility study for solar power plants and development of an investment package for an innovative business incubator in Kryvyi Rih.

5. What activities are supported under Lot 2?

Lot 2 supports updating design and estimate documentation and preparing an investment package for reconstructing a building into an educational and cultural centre in Trostyanets.

6. What is the implementation period?

Selected projects will be implemented during 2026–2027 under the Mayors for Economic Growth (M4EG) Phase-3 initiative.

7. Why is this programme important?

The programme strengthens municipal readiness for international investment by developing high-quality technical documentation, feasibility studies, and investment packages that improve access to future development financing.

Conclusion

The UNDP Ukraine Community Funding Facility (CFAF) offers an important opportunity for Ukrainian non-profit organizations to support sustainable local economic development by preparing investment-ready community projects. Through funding of up to US$60,000 per lot, the programme helps municipalities strengthen technical planning, attract international financing, and advance renewable energy, business development, and community infrastructure initiatives under the European Union-funded Mayors for Economic Growth (M4EG) Phase-3 programme.