Call for Applications: Project Funding in Ukraine

The Estonian Centre for International Development Cooperation (ESTDEV) invites applications for project funding to support Ukraine’s EU integration, societal resilience, and sectoral reforms in response to long-term Russian aggression. Funding covers democracy, governance, economic growth, education, gender inclusion, healthcare modernization, and digital development, with grants ranging from €100,000 to €200,000. The deadline for submission is 30 January 2026.

Overview

The Estonian Centre for International Development Cooperation (ESTDEV) is offering project funding to support Ukraine in EU integration, reform processes, and societal resilience amid ongoing challenges from Russian aggression. The funding focuses on promoting democratic governance, human rights, anti-corruption, economic development, education reform, gender inclusion, healthcare modernization, and digital innovation.

The initiative aligns with Estonia’s international development cooperation strategy and emphasizes sustainable, inclusive, and capacity-building projects.

Thematic Areas and Objectives

1. Good Governance and Democratic Development

Projects may support:

• Human rights initiatives and anti-corruption measures

• Preparation of EU accession documents and reform implementation

• Strengthening independent media and countering disinformation

• Enhancing local government transparency, citizen participation, and crisis management

• Modernizing municipal services, particularly in the Zhytomyr region

2. Economic Growth and Entrepreneurship

Focus areas include:

• Small and medium enterprise (SME) development

• EU internal market preparation

• Start-up ecosystems and innovation promotion

• Green technology initiatives and long-term competitiveness

3. Education Reform and Modernization

Eligible activities include:

• Improving school quality, management, and leadership development

• Digital pedagogy, creativity, problem-solving, and competency-based learning

• Strengthening partnerships between schools, businesses, and communities

• Inclusive and equitable access to education for all learners

4. Gender Inclusion and Empowerment

Projects should aim to:

• Increase participation of women and girls in leadership roles

• Promote digital skills, STEM education, and IT sector inclusion

• Enable equal opportunities for learners to realize their potential

5. Healthcare Sector Modernization

Activities may include:

• Training and retraining healthcare professionals

• Developing curricula aligned with international standards

• Strengthening healthcare and social service integration

• Knowledge transfer, digital learning, and collaboration with higher education institutions

6. Digital Development and Cyber Resilience

Projects can focus on:

• E-governance knowledge transfer and AI solutions in public services

• Data-driven decision-making and digital skills improvement

• Cybersecurity and risk management initiatives

• Enhancing cross-sector collaboration and digital resilience

Funding Details

• Total budget: €1,500,000 for the application round

• Grant per project: €100,000–€200,000

• Self-financing: Minimum 5% of project budget required

• Additional support: Up to €50,000 for scholarship or capacity-building activities

Eligibility Criteria

• Projects must support Ukraine in EU integration, societal resilience, or sectoral reforms

• Applicants may submit one application per round

• Preference given to multi-organization projects, external partners, and long-term collaborations

• Each application must clearly specify the thematic area and topic

• A concept paper (max. 2 pages, in English) and a communication plan are mandatory

How to Apply / Application Process

1. Identify thematic area: Select the most relevant domain from governance, economic growth, education, gender, healthcare, or digital development.

2. Prepare concept paper: Outline objectives, activities, expected outcomes, and partner involvement (max. 2 pages, English).

3. Include communication plan: Detail how project results will be communicated to stakeholders.

4. Calculate budget: Include total costs, requested funding (€100k–€200k), and minimum 5% self-financing. Additional scholarships (up to €50k) may be included.

5. Submit application: Ensure all documents are complete and submitted by 30 January 2026.

Project Implementation

• Project period: 01 January 2026 – 31 October 2027

• Latest start date: 01 April 2026

• Projects should demonstrate alignment with ESTDEV objectives, feasibility, efficiency, sustainability, and risk mitigation.

Why This Funding Matters

• Strengthens Ukraine’s democratic institutions and resilience amid conflict

• Supports EU integration and reform readiness

• Promotes sustainable economic growth and inclusive development

• Enhances education quality, gender equality, healthcare services, and digital capabilities

• Encourages multi-stakeholder collaboration and long-term societal impact

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the submission deadline

• Omitting mandatory concept paper or communication plan

• Failing to indicate thematic area or project topic

• Underestimating self-financing requirements

• Submitting projects without clear partner collaboration or multi-organization involvement

FAQ

What is the submission deadline?
30 January 2026

What is the funding range per project?
€100,000–€200,000, with up to €50,000 additional for scholarships.

Who is eligible to apply?
Organizations and consortia implementing projects in Ukraine aligned with the thematic areas.

Can multiple organizations collaborate on a project?
Yes, multi-organization collaborations and long-term partnerships are prioritized.

What is the project duration?
Projects run from 01 January 2026 to 31 October 2027, with latest start 01 April 2026.

Is a self-financing contribution required?
Yes, 5% of the project budget is mandatory.

What documents are required?
A concept paper (max. 2 pages in English) and a communication plan; additional supporting documents as relevant.

Conclusion

The ESTDEV Ukraine Project Funding program offers a strategic opportunity to strengthen governance, resilience, and reform processes in Ukraine. By supporting initiatives across democratic development, economic growth, education, gender inclusion, healthcare, and digital sectors, the program fosters sustainable societal impact and prepares Ukraine for EU integration and long-term recovery.