Empowering Communities: CSO Grants for Territorial Restoration (Ukraine)

Deadline: 27-Feb-2026

The “Phoenix: The Power of Communities” Grant Program (Wave 2) supports Ukrainian civil society organizations working on community recovery, social cohesion, and European integration under martial law. Funded by the European Union and implemented by the Eastern Europe Foundation, the program offers grants of UAH 1.1–1.6 million for 6–8 month projects focused on rebuilding services, strengthening communities, and advancing local development.

The Eastern Europe Foundation, with financial support from the European Union, has announced the second wave of the grant competition under the project “Phoenix: The Power of Communities.”

This funding opportunity is designed to strengthen the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in restoring territorial communities, adapting to martial law conditions, and supporting Ukraine’s European integration at the local level.

Program Overview

The “Phoenix: The Power of Communities” project empowers local CSOs to become key drivers of recovery and resilience.

The second wave of the competition focuses on community-led initiatives that rebuild social infrastructure, improve public services, strengthen social cohesion, and support inclusive economic and social development in territorial communities across Ukraine.

Core Objectives of the Grant Program

The grant competition aims to:

• Support community recovery and resilience under martial law

• Strengthen CSO participation in local recovery planning and implementation

• Improve the quality and accessibility of public services

• Promote social cohesion and cooperation across settlements

• Support vulnerable groups’ access to livelihoods and self-realization

• Advance European integration processes at the community level

Thematic Priority Areas

Projects must address one or more of the following thematic priorities:

• Assessing community needs for restoring social infrastructure and basic services

• Developing recovery proposals and facilitating community discussions

• Supporting the creation or updating of regulatory, strategic, and planning documents for community recovery and development

• Improving accessibility, transparency, and quality of public services

• Strengthening social cohesion and cooperation among residents of different settlements

• Enhancing labor market access and economic self-realization for vulnerable groups

• Supporting social infrastructure and adult education initiatives

• Creating safe, inclusive public spaces for civic engagement and interaction

Eligible Activities

Applicants may plan and implement a wide range of activities, including but not limited to:

Community Recovery and Governance

• Restoring disrupted public service delivery processes

• Supporting the institutionalization of financial instruments for citizen participation in local governance

• Developing partnerships between CSOs, local authorities, and community members

• Promoting transparent and participatory decision-making processes

Social Support and Integration

• Conducting social and youth work initiatives

• Providing psycho-emotional and psychosocial support

• Supporting the social integration of veterans and internally displaced persons (IDPs)

• Strengthening volunteer groups and citizen initiative networks

Economic and Skills Development

• Organizing professional development and vocational training programs

• Improving employability for vulnerable population groups

• Applying cluster-based approaches to local economic development

• Supporting entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance initiatives

Education and Awareness

• Organizing educational events on Ukraine’s recovery processes

• Conducting training and discussions related to EU accession and European integration

• Raising awareness among local stakeholders about reform and recovery priorities

Grant Size and Project Duration

• Grant amount per project: UAH 1,100,000 to UAH 1,600,000

• Project duration: 6 to 8 months

• Funding is provided on a competitive basis

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be a charitable organization, public association, or association of local governments

• Be registered in Ukraine as a non-profit organization

• Have at least two years of experience implementing relevant projects at the territorial community level

• Demonstrate institutional capacity to manage grant funding and implement activities

Who Is Not Eligible?

Applications will not be accepted from:

• Individuals

• Commercial businesses

• State authorities and government institutions

• Political parties

• Religious organizations

• Organizations undergoing liquidation or bankruptcy

• Organizations registered in temporarily occupied territories

How the Grant Competition Works

1. CSOs identify priority community recovery needs aligned with program themes

2. Applicants design a 6–8 month project addressing one or more thematic priorities

3. Applications are submitted according to the official call guidelines

4. Proposals are evaluated based on relevance, impact, feasibility, and sustainability

5. Selected organizations receive grant funding and begin implementation

6. Projects contribute to measurable improvements in community recovery and cohesion

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing activities not aligned with the thematic priorities

• Failing to demonstrate community involvement or partnerships

• Submitting unrealistic timelines or budgets

• Lacking evidence of previous experience at the community level

• Overlooking sustainability and long-term impact beyond the grant period

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the “Phoenix: The Power of Communities” project?

It is an EU-supported initiative implemented by the Eastern Europe Foundation to strengthen community recovery, resilience, and European integration in Ukraine.

Who can apply for the second wave of grants?

Eligible Ukrainian CSOs, including charitable organizations, public associations, and associations of local governments with at least two years of relevant experience.

How much funding can a project receive?

Projects can receive between UAH 1.1 million and UAH 1.6 million.

How long can projects last?

Projects must be implemented over 6 to 8 months.

Can individuals or businesses apply?

No. Only eligible non-profit organizations can apply.

Are projects in temporarily occupied territories eligible?

No. Organizations registered in temporarily occupied territories are not eligible.

What types of activities are most competitive?

Projects that demonstrate strong community engagement, measurable recovery impact, and alignment with EU integration priorities are particularly competitive.

Why This Grant Matters

The “Phoenix: The Power of Communities” grant program plays a critical role in rebuilding Ukraine from the community level upward.

By empowering CSOs to lead recovery efforts, the program strengthens democratic participation, social cohesion, and local resilience while aligning community development with European standards and values.

Conclusion

The second wave of the “Phoenix: The Power of Communities” grant competition offers a significant funding opportunity for Ukrainian civil society organizations committed to community recovery and inclusive development.

Through targeted support, strategic partnerships, and locally driven solutions, this initiative enables communities to rebuild stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient foundations for Ukraine’s future.

For more information, visit Eastern Europe Foundation.