Deadline: 26-May-2026
The program supports a regional civil society organization to coordinate and strengthen community engagement networks across Ukraine’s recovery process. It focuses on participatory governance, inclusive decision-making, and institutionalizing multi-stakeholder working groups in the Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhia, and Kharkiv regions. The grant provides up to USD 120,000 over 30 months to enhance transparency, citizen participation, and sustainable local recovery systems.
Regional Community Engagement Networks Initiative Overview
This initiative supports the development and coordination of regional community engagement systems that improve inclusive recovery and participatory governance in Ukraine. It operates through a network of working groups across 73 communities in the Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhia, and Kharkiv regions. The selected organization will act as a regional coordinator to strengthen collaboration between civil society, local authorities, businesses, and citizens.
Purpose and Core Objectives
The main objective is to institutionalize community engagement working groups as permanent platforms within local governance systems. The programme aims to improve citizen participation, strengthen transparency and accountability, enhance inclusive decision-making, and integrate participatory democracy into regional recovery planning. It also focuses on ensuring long-term sustainability of these networks beyond the funding period.
Key Focus Areas
The initiative focuses on strengthening regional working group networks, improving dialogue between citizens and authorities, and ensuring representation of diverse population groups. It promotes gender equality, non-discrimination, strategic recovery planning, public monitoring systems, and capacity building for working group leaders. It also aims to improve coordination and visibility of participatory governance mechanisms.
Programme Structure and Scope
The programme supports one lead civil society organization per regional network. This organization is responsible for coordinating working groups, providing methodological guidance, strengthening collaboration, and ensuring consistent implementation across participating communities. The model is designed to be scalable and replicable in other regions of Ukraine.
Funding Details
The maximum budget for the project is up to USD 120,000. The final budget may be adjusted by the selection committee based on proposed activities and implementation design. The project duration is up to 30 months, with implementation expected to begin in June or July 2026.
Expected Outcomes
The programme aims to establish sustainable, institutionalized community engagement networks that improve public trust and strengthen democratic governance. It expects improved coordination between stakeholders, stronger participatory mechanisms in recovery processes, and enhanced capacity of local working groups to influence decision-making.
Geographic Coverage
The initiative operates across 73 partner communities located in the Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhia, and Kharkiv regions of Ukraine. These regions are priority areas for recovery and governance strengthening efforts.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants must be registered public or charitable organizations operating in government-controlled areas of Ukraine within the targeted regions. Organizations must have at least three years of relevant experience and demonstrated implementation of at least two regional-level projects.
Organizational and Staffing Requirements
Applicants must have qualified staff including a project manager, communications manager, and accountant. The team must demonstrate relevant public sector experience, appropriate academic qualifications, and compliance with donor requirements. Experience working with international organizations is considered an advantage.
Assessment and Capacity Requirements
Organizations must meet territorial eligibility requirements and demonstrate institutional capacity using the CACHE Capacity Assessment Checklist. Strong organizational governance, financial accountability, and project management capacity are essential for selection.
Ineligible Applicants
The programme does not accept applications from individuals, commercial entities, government bodies, local authorities, trade unions, political parties, or religious organizations. Only qualified civil society organizations meeting all eligibility conditions are considered.
Implementation Approach
The selected organization will support working groups by providing coordination, training, and technical guidance. It will also help institutionalize participatory governance mechanisms, strengthen communication between stakeholders, and ensure effective monitoring of recovery processes.
Key Principles
The initiative is based on principles of inclusivity, transparency, accountability, and sustainability. It emphasizes community ownership, participatory decision-making, and long-term integration of civic engagement structures into local governance systems.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common issues include insufficient regional experience, weak evidence of prior project implementation, lack of qualified staff, and failure to demonstrate capacity for large-scale coordination. Applications that do not clearly show alignment with participatory governance objectives may be less competitive.
Success Factors
Strong applications demonstrate proven experience in regional coordination, clear strategies for strengthening civic engagement, and robust systems for capacity building and stakeholder collaboration. Successful proposals also show sustainability planning and alignment with inclusive governance principles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This initiative supports a regional civil society organization to strengthen community engagement networks across Ukraine’s recovery framework.
- The maximum grant amount is up to USD 120,000.
- The project duration is up to 30 months starting mid-2026.
- Eligible regions include Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhia, and Kharkiv.
- Applicants must be registered civil society or charitable organizations.
- Organizations must have at least three years of relevant experience.
- The programme focuses on participatory governance and inclusive recovery.
Conclusion
This programme strengthens participatory governance in Ukraine by institutionalizing regional community engagement networks. It builds long-term collaboration between citizens, civil society, and authorities while promoting transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in recovery processes across key regions.
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