Apply Now: Strengthening Democratic and Legally Compliant Community Charters in Ukraine

Deadline: 17-Feb-2026

The competition “Promoting the Development of Charters of Territorial Communities 2.0” in Ukraine funds public and charitable organizations to develop or improve local community charters. Grants of 700,000–1,000,000 UAH support democratic, inclusive, and legally compliant local governance projects that enhance transparency, citizen engagement, and the use of local democracy tools.

Overview of the Competition

This initiative aims to strengthen local democracy in Ukraine by supporting the development or improvement of territorial community charters. Projects promote active citizen participation, transparency, and compliance with Ukrainian laws on local self-government and democratic practices.

Key objectives include:

• Developing or refining territorial community charters.

• Promoting the active use of legally defined local democracy tools by residents.

• Encouraging inclusive, transparent, and democratic governance at the community level.

Funding Details

• Total Budget: 12,000,000 UAH

• Optimal Grant Size: 700,000–900,000 UAH

• Maximum Grant: 1,000,000 UAH

• Eligible Costs: Must be necessary, cost-effective, properly documented, and incurred during the project period

• Excluded Costs: Construction, regranting, political activities, humanitarian or military procurement

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Public organizations and unions

• Self-organization bodies of the population

• Charitable organizations registered in Ukraine

Applicants must have:

• At least two years of relevant experience in developing or advocating local regulatory acts or local democracy tools with donor support

• Demonstrated capacity to cooperate with local governments, associations, experts, think tanks, and civil society partners

Project Scope and Focus Areas

Supported projects should work systematically in two to four territorial communities, including:

1. Research: Analyze existing regulations and local governance practices.

2. Development: Draft or improve community charters and amendments.

3. Public Discussion: Organize consultations and engage residents in decision-making.

4. Advocacy: Promote adoption of charters and support legal compliance.

5. Practical Assistance: Help residents and civil society institutions apply local democracy mechanisms.

Projects in communities under wartime restrictions, including those with military administrations, are encouraged.

Application Requirements

Proposals must include:

• Research tools and methodology

• Advocacy plans for charter adoption

• Letters of cooperation from local governments, associations, and partners

• Communication and dissemination strategy to ensure public awareness of progress, achievements, and success stories

Why It Matters

The competition strengthens local governance and civic participation by:

• Enhancing transparency and accountability at the community level

• Supporting democratic decision-making in territorial communities

• Promoting legal compliance and inclusivity in governance

• Facilitating citizen access to local democracy tools for meaningful engagement

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals without letters of cooperation from local authorities or partners

• Failing to demonstrate previous experience in developing or advocating local regulatory acts

• Including ineligible costs such as construction, regranting, political, or military expenditures

• Neglecting public communication plans for project visibility and success stories

• Proposing projects in more than four communities or outside Ukraine

How to Apply

1. Prepare a comprehensive project proposal detailing objectives, scope, methodology, and expected outcomes.

2. Include research tools, advocacy plans, and partner letters as annexes.

3. Ensure budget is aligned with eligible costs and does not exceed the maximum grant.

4. Submit the application before the closing date with all required documents.

5. Plan for public engagement and communication to demonstrate progress and project impact.

Conclusion

The “Promoting the Development of Charters of Territorial Communities 2.0” competition provides Ukrainian public and charitable organizations with a strategic opportunity to strengthen local democracy, transparency, and citizen participation. By developing, improving, and promoting community charters, the initiative fosters inclusive governance and empowers residents to actively use local democracy tools for sustainable community development.

For more information, visit IRF.