Deadline: 03-Aug-2026
The Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) is inviting applications for community projects that strengthen the protection of civilians in selected communities of Ukraine’s Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions. The programme provides grants of up to USD 15,000 for practical initiatives that improve civilian safety, emergency preparedness, evacuation planning, bomb shelters, warning systems, and civil-military cooperation.
Eligible projects must be implemented within designated communities and completed within six months, no later than 28 February 2027.
CIVIC Grant for Civilian Protection Overview
The CIVIC Grant for Civilian Protection is a funding programme designed to strengthen the safety, preparedness, and resilience of communities affected by security risks in Ukraine.
The grant supports practical projects that improve civilian protection systems, emergency preparedness, and access to safety information in selected communities across the Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
The programme encourages local initiatives that help communities prepare for emergencies, improve public safety infrastructure, and reduce risks faced by civilians.
Purpose of the CIVIC Grant
The primary objective of the grant programme is to strengthen civilian protection by supporting community-led projects that improve preparedness and emergency response capacity.
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen local civilian protection systems
- Improve emergency preparedness
- Increase community resilience
- Support safer public spaces
- Improve access to reliable safety information
- Strengthen cooperation between civilians and security stakeholders
- Enhance protection for vulnerable populations
Projects should provide practical and sustainable improvements that increase community safety.
Why Civilian Protection Matters
Communities affected by conflict and security threats require effective systems that help protect residents during emergencies.
Improving civilian protection can help:
- Increase public safety
- Improve emergency response
- Reduce risks during security incidents
- Strengthen community preparedness
- Improve communication during emergencies
- Support safer schools and public facilities
- Enhance coordination between local authorities and communities
Strong protection measures contribute to more resilient and prepared communities.
Key Focus Areas of the CIVIC Grant
The programme supports a variety of activities that improve civilian safety and preparedness.
Civilian Protection Systems and Safety Tools
Projects may develop or strengthen systems that improve civilian protection.
Examples include:
- Community protection mechanisms
- Emergency preparedness systems
- Safety management tools
- Local response coordination
Evacuation Planning
Funding supports initiatives that improve community evacuation preparedness.
Activities may include:
- Developing evacuation plans
- Community evacuation mapping
- Emergency response planning
- Public preparedness activities
Access to Security Information
Projects may improve access to timely information that helps communities make informed safety decisions.
Examples include:
- Public information systems
- Community communication channels
- Emergency information resources
- Risk awareness initiatives
Civil-Military Cooperation
The programme supports activities that strengthen cooperation between communities and relevant security stakeholders.
Projects may include:
- Community coordination initiatives
- Dialogue activities
- Joint preparedness planning
- Information-sharing mechanisms
Bomb Shelter Improvements
Funding may support practical improvements to existing bomb shelters.
Examples include:
- Safety upgrades
- Basic infrastructure improvements
- Accessibility enhancements
- Essential equipment for shelters
Threat Warning Systems
Projects may strengthen community warning systems by supporting:
- Early warning mechanisms
- Emergency notification systems
- Public alert solutions
- Community safety communications
Safety Classrooms
The grant supports the establishment or improvement of classrooms designed to promote safety education and preparedness.
Activities may include:
- Safety education equipment
- Classroom improvements
- Emergency preparedness learning resources
Who Is Eligible for the CIVIC Grant?
The programme supports projects implemented within specifically designated communities.
Applicants should ensure that their proposed project directly benefits eligible communities and aligns with the objectives of the grant.
Projects should demonstrate:
- Practical community impact
- Strong focus on civilian protection
- Clear implementation plan
- Measurable safety outcomes
Eligible Project Locations
Projects must be implemented in one of the following eligible communities.
Kharkiv Region
Eligible communities include:
- Barvinkivska
- Kehychivska
- Savynska
- Kunievska
Dnipropetrovsk Region
Eligible communities include:
- Mogilev
- Novooleksandriv
- Sursko-Litovsk
- Solonyansk
Projects implemented outside these communities are not eligible under this funding opportunity.
Funding Amount and Project Duration
The CIVIC Grant provides:
- Maximum grant amount: USD 15,000 per project
- Maximum project duration: Six months
- Project completion deadline: 28 February 2027
Applicants should develop realistic project plans that can be completed within the available timeframe and budget.
Eligible Project Activities
Funding supports practical initiatives that strengthen civilian protection and preparedness.
Eligible activities may include:
- Developing civilian protection systems
- Creating evacuation plans
- Improving emergency communication
- Installing warning systems
- Upgrading bomb shelters
- Establishing safety classrooms
- Improving community preparedness
- Strengthening civil-military cooperation
Projects should demonstrate direct benefits for local communities.
How to Apply for the CIVIC Grant
Applicants should prepare a clear and well-structured proposal.
Step 1: Confirm Project Eligibility
Applicants should verify that:
- The project will be implemented in an eligible community
- Activities align with civilian protection objectives
- The implementation period does not exceed six months
Step 2: Develop a Community Protection Project
Applicants should explain:
- The local safety challenge
- Proposed protection measures
- Target beneficiaries
- Expected community impact
Projects should address practical civilian protection needs.
Step 3: Prepare the Project Budget
The budget should clearly describe how grant funding will be used.
Applicants should include:
- Activity costs
- Equipment expenses
- Implementation costs
- Personnel costs, where applicable
The requested amount should not exceed USD 15,000.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Applicants should submit a complete proposal that includes:
- Project objectives
- Activities
- Timeline
- Budget
- Expected results
The proposal should demonstrate how the project strengthens civilian protection within the eligible community.
Step 5: Implement and Complete the Project
Successful applicants should complete project activities within six months and ensure implementation is finished by 28 February 2027.
Common Application Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Proposing projects outside eligible communities
- Exceeding the funding limit
- Developing unrealistic implementation timelines
- Failing to explain community benefits
- Submitting projects unrelated to civilian protection
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Clearly identify local protection needs
- Propose practical and achievable activities
- Demonstrate measurable community impact
- Include realistic budgets
- Explain long-term sustainability where possible
- Show collaboration with local stakeholders
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the CIVIC Grant for Civilian Protection?
The programme provides funding for projects that improve civilian safety, preparedness, and protection in selected communities of Ukraine.
How much funding is available?
Applicants can receive up to USD 15,000 per project.
Which regions are eligible?
Projects must be implemented in selected communities within the Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
What types of projects are supported?
The programme supports evacuation planning, warning systems, bomb shelter improvements, safety classrooms, civilian protection systems, and civil-military cooperation initiatives.
How long can projects last?
Projects may be implemented for up to six months.
When must projects be completed?
All funded projects must be completed by 28 February 2027.
What is the main objective of the programme?
The programme aims to strengthen civilian protection, improve emergency preparedness, and increase community resilience through practical local safety initiatives.
Conclusion
The CIVIC Grant for Civilian Protection provides important funding for community-led initiatives that improve safety and preparedness in conflict-affected areas of Ukraine.
By supporting projects that strengthen protection systems, emergency planning, warning mechanisms, bomb shelters, and community coordination, the programme helps eligible communities build greater resilience and improve the safety of local populations.
For more information, visit Public Space.
