Grants for Community Engagement and Social Cohesion Initiatives (Ukraine)

Applications are open for the Partnership for a Strong Ukraine (PFRU) funding initiative supporting local community engagement projects that strengthen social cohesion, inclusion, civic participation, and resilience across Ukraine. The program focuses on practical, community-driven actions that bring diverse groups together to improve shared spaces, build trust, and support recovery in the context of ongoing war and reconstruction.

The initiative prioritizes inclusive participation from internally displaced persons, veterans and their families, people with disabilities, older adults, and young people, ensuring that community recovery processes are participatory and locally led.

Overview

The PFRU program supports small-scale, practical interventions that strengthen relationships between community members and local institutions. It promotes collaboration between civil society organizations, local authorities, and residents through joint problem-solving and shared responsibility for public spaces.

The initiative is designed as a tool for both physical and social recovery, combining community engagement with visible improvements in local environments.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Strengthen social cohesion and trust within communities
• Promote inclusive participation in local decision-making
• Support civic engagement and active citizenship
• Encourage collaboration between residents and local authorities
• Improve accessibility and usability of shared public spaces
• Foster interaction among diverse community groups
• Strengthen community resilience during wartime and recovery
• Build practical skills for collective action and problem-solving
• Support long-term community-driven engagement processes
• Promote shared responsibility for public space management

The focus is on sustainable engagement rather than one-time interventions.

Focus Areas

Supported initiatives may include:

• Community-led improvements of public spaces
• Minor repairs and accessibility upgrades
• Enhancements to shared infrastructure and neighbourhood facilities
• Collective maintenance and care activities
• Local service improvements based on community priorities
• Small-scale urban or rural space revitalization projects
• Initiatives encouraging interaction between different social groups

Projects should combine physical improvements with meaningful community participation.

Eligible Activities

Funding may be used for activities such as:

• Joint planning and decision-making sessions with residents
• Community workshops and consultations
• Small infrastructure or accessibility upgrades
• Public space rehabilitation and beautification
• Activities that bring together diverse population groups
• Collaborative neighbourhood improvement initiatives
• Engagement events supporting local cooperation

All activities must clearly strengthen inclusion and social cohesion.

Target Groups

The program prioritizes engagement of:

• Internally displaced persons (IDPs)
• Veterans and their families
• People with disabilities
• Older adults
• Youth and young people
• Local residents in affected communities

Projects must ensure meaningful participation of multiple groups rather than focusing on a single population.

Funding Support

Grant funding is expected to range between:

• UAH 3,900,000 and UAH 4,700,000

Final funding levels may vary depending on:

• Scope and scale of proposed activities
• Expected community impact
• Negotiated project design and outcomes

Funding is intended for practical, visible community-level improvements combined with engagement activities.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants generally include:

• Civil society organizations
• Community-based organizations
• Local NGOs working in Ukraine
• Organizations capable of coordinating with local authorities

Applicants must:

• Operate within Ukraine
• Demonstrate experience in community engagement or development work
• Show capacity to implement participatory projects
• Work collaboratively with local institutions and residents
• Ensure inclusive participation across target groups

Projects must be designed for direct community benefit.

Program Approach

The initiative is based on three core principles:

Participation

Residents are actively involved in identifying priorities, planning interventions, and implementing activities.

Inclusion

Projects must engage diverse population groups and ensure equal participation opportunities.

Practical Impact

Activities must deliver visible improvements in shared spaces while strengthening community relationships.

Why This Program Matters

Communities in Ukraine are facing significant social and structural challenges due to ongoing conflict and displacement.

This program contributes by:

• Rebuilding trust between residents and institutions
• Creating shared spaces for cooperation and interaction
• Supporting inclusive recovery processes
• Strengthening local governance through participation
• Improving accessibility and quality of public spaces
• Encouraging long-term civic engagement
• Reducing social fragmentation in affected communities

It integrates physical reconstruction with social cohesion-building.

How to Apply

Step 1: Identify Community Needs

Applicants should consult with local residents to identify:

• Priority public space improvements
• Key social cohesion challenges
• Opportunities for inclusive engagement

Step 2: Design Inclusive Activities

Proposals should include:

• Clear participation mechanisms for all target groups
• Joint decision-making structures
• Practical improvement components
• Engagement and communication plans

Step 3: Prepare Application

Applications should include:

• Project description and objectives
• Community engagement strategy
• Budget and implementation plan
• Stakeholder and partner involvement
• Expected outcomes and impact indicators

Step 4: Submit Proposal

Applications must be submitted through the designated PFRU process and may involve negotiation of final funding levels.

Tips for Applicants

• Ensure strong involvement of local residents in design and delivery
• Combine physical improvements with social engagement activities
• Prioritize accessibility and inclusion in all project components
• Build partnerships with local authorities and civil society actors
• Focus on long-term engagement rather than one-off events
• Demonstrate clear and measurable community impact
• Ensure realistic budgeting aligned with local conditions
• Emphasize sustainability of community processes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the funding range?
  • Between UAH 3,900,000 and UAH 4,700,000, depending on project scope.
• Who can apply?
  • Civil society and community organizations operating in Ukraine.
• What types of projects are supported?
  • Community engagement, public space improvements, and social cohesion initiatives.
• Who benefits from the program?
  • Local communities, including IDPs, veterans, youth, older adults, and people with disabilities.
• Is physical infrastructure funding included?
  • Yes, but only small-scale and community-oriented improvements.
• Is participation required?
  • Yes, resident involvement is a core requirement.
• Is this a one-time activity program?
  • No, it prioritizes ongoing engagement and sustained community participation.

Conclusion

The Partnership for a Strong Ukraine (PFRU) grant program supports inclusive, community-led initiatives that combine small-scale public space improvements with meaningful civic engagement. By bringing together diverse population groups and local institutions, the program strengthens social cohesion, promotes participation, and contributes to long-term resilience and recovery in Ukrainian communities.