Deadline: 23-Jul-2026
The Partnership for a Strong Ukraine (PFRU) programme, implemented by Chemonics, is inviting proposals for community-based informal retraining initiatives in Ukraine. The programme supports practical skills development, employment pathways, self-employment and economic resilience for populations affected by war.
The grants will fund short-term vocational training, digital skills programmes, disability-inclusive learning, mentoring and employment-focused initiatives that help communities recover and rebuild.
Overview of the PFRU Community Retraining Programme
The Partnership for a Strong Ukraine (PFRU) has launched a call for proposals to support informal retraining initiatives that strengthen economic participation among war-affected communities.
The programme is implemented by Chemonics and focuses on helping people develop skills needed for:
- Employment
- Entrepreneurship
- Income generation
- Community recovery
The initiative supports locally driven solutions that respond to labour market needs.
Programme Background
The Partnership for a Strong Ukraine programme aims to strengthen resilience in Ukraine by supporting:
The programme is funded by the governments of:
Purpose of the Call for Proposals
The grant opportunity aims to support organisations delivering accessible retraining programmes for people affected by the war.
The programme focuses on creating opportunities for:
- New professional skills
- Employment transitions
- Self-employment
- Economic independence
Key Focus Areas
Practice-Oriented Retraining Programmes
Projects should combine:
- Theoretical learning
- Practical training
- Real-world skill development
Training should prepare participants for immediate employment opportunities.
Non-Formal Vocational Training
The programme supports vocational courses in professions that are in demand.
Examples include:
- Technical skills
- Service professions
- Local labour market occupations
- Industry-related skills
Training should reflect current economic needs.
Disability-Inclusive Training
The initiative encourages adapted training for persons with disabilities.
Support may include:
- Accessible learning formats
- Inclusive training environments
- Adapted materials
- Employment support
Self-Employment Development
Projects may support participants who want to start their own income-generating activities.
Activities can include:
- Entrepreneurship skills
- Business planning
- Market understanding
- Small business preparation
Digital Skills and IT Training
The programme supports digital skills development, including:
- Basic digital literacy
- Entry-level IT training
- Technology-related skills
These skills help participants access modern employment opportunities.
Mentorship and Career Support
Projects may include mentoring from professionals.
Mentors can help participants with:
- Career guidance
- Employment preparation
- Professional development
- Grant application opportunities
Target Beneficiaries
The initiative supports war-affected groups including:
- Veterans
- Families of veterans
- Persons with disabilities
- Internally displaced persons (IDPs)
- Young people
- Older adults
- Other vulnerable populations
Expected Project Outcomes
Supported projects should help participants:
- Gain practical skills
- Access employment opportunities
- Start income-generating activities
- Improve economic independence
Projects should respond to:
- Local labour demand
- Community needs
- Available economic opportunities
Grant Details
The programme expects to award:
2–4 grants
Expected project duration:
6–9 months
Funding Amount
Expected grant range:
UAH 3,590,000 – UAH 7,480,000
Final funding will depend on:
- Proposed activities
- Budget requirements
- Negotiation outcomes
Grant Management Approach
Funding will be provided through:
- Cost-reimbursement mechanisms
- Milestone-based reimbursement
Grant recipients will be required to provide:
- Financial reports
- Activity updates
- Documentation of results
Who Is Eligible?
The opportunity is intended for organisations that can implement community-based skills development programmes.
Eligible applicants may include organisations with experience in:
Applicants should demonstrate capacity to:
- Deliver training
- Manage grants
- Work with vulnerable groups
- Measure outcomes
How the Programme Works
Step 1: Identify Community Needs
Applicants should assess:
- Local employment needs
- Skills gaps
- Target group challenges
Step 2: Design Training Activities
Projects should include:
- Practical learning
- Accessible training methods
- Employment pathways
Step 3: Deliver Retraining Programmes
Activities may include:
- Workshops
- Vocational courses
- Mentoring
- Career support
Step 4: Support Employment Outcomes
Projects should connect participants with:
- Employers
- Business opportunities
- Grant programmes
Step 5: Report Results
Grant recipients must document:
- Participants trained
- Skills developed
- Employment outcomes
- Project achievements
Why This Initiative Matters
The war has created significant challenges including:
- Displacement
- Employment disruption
- Skills gaps
- Economic uncertainty
Retraining programmes help communities recover by enabling people to:
- Re-enter the workforce
- Develop new careers
- Build sustainable livelihoods
Expected Impact
The programme aims to support:
- Stronger local economies
- Increased employment
- Community resilience
- Inclusive recovery
Benefits for Communities
Supported initiatives can contribute to:
- Better access to jobs
- Increased entrepreneurship
- Improved social inclusion
- Long-term economic stability
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Training Without Employment Focus
Projects should connect learning with:
- Real job opportunities
- Market demand
- Career pathways
Ignoring Accessibility
Programmes should consider:
- Disability inclusion
- Vulnerable groups
- Equal participation
Weak Community Engagement
Successful projects require:
- Local partnerships
- Community involvement
- Understanding of local needs
Unrealistic Budgets
Applicants should prepare:
- Clear cost estimates
- Practical implementation plans
- Realistic timelines
Tips for a Strong Proposal
A strong application should:
- Explain the community need clearly
- Show labour market relevance
- Include practical training methods
- Demonstrate inclusion strategies
- Present measurable outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the PFRU retraining grant opportunity?
It is a grant programme supporting informal retraining initiatives that help war-affected communities in Ukraine gain skills and improve economic opportunities.
2. Who is the programme implemented by?
The programme is implemented by Chemonics under the Partnership for a Strong Ukraine initiative.
3. Who can benefit from supported projects?
Beneficiaries include veterans, displaced people, persons with disabilities, youth, older people and other war-affected groups.
4. What types of training are supported?
The programme supports vocational skills, digital skills, IT training, entrepreneurship and employment-focused learning.
5. How many grants will be awarded?
The programme expects to award 2–4 grants.
6. What is the expected grant size?
Grants are expected to range from UAH 3.59 million to UAH 7.48 million.
7. How long will projects last?
Supported projects are expected to run for approximately 6–9 months.
Conclusion
The Partnership for a Strong Ukraine Retraining Grant Programme provides an opportunity to strengthen community resilience through skills development and economic recovery.
By supporting practical training, employment pathways and inclusive learning, the initiative helps war-affected communities build sustainable futures in Ukraine.
For more information, visit Public Space.