Grants for Coal Communities: Driving Local Economic and Environmental Change (Ukraine)

Deadline: 09-Mar-2026

The Eastern Europe Foundation has launched the “Grants to Support Coal Communities (Phase I)” under the ROOTS program to help Ukrainian coal-affected territorial communities implement just transition strategies. Grants range from 3 million to 5 million UAH (approx. €60,000–€100,000) for projects lasting 6–12 months in Lviv and Volyn regions. Eligible applicants include local governments, municipal institutions, enterprises, development agencies, and CSOs with non-profit status whose projects align with approved Just Transformation Action Plans.

The Eastern Europe Foundation invites coal-affected territorial communities in Ukraine to apply for funding under the ROOTS program.

The initiative supports local projects that contribute to a just transition from coal-dependent economies toward sustainable, diversified, and environmentally responsible development.

The program is part of the Power4Just Transition project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) with support from GIZ.

Program Overview

The grant competition aims to help communities implement projects that align with approved Just Transformation Action Plans or Programs.

The objective is to:

• Reduce economic dependence on coal

• Support green and sustainable development

• Promote energy transition

• Strengthen local institutional capacity

• Improve community resilience

Projects must directly contribute to just transition goals at the territorial level.

Funding Details

Grant Amount:

• Minimum: 3 million UAH

• Maximum: 5 million UAH

• Approximate equivalent: €60,000–€100,000

Project Duration:

• Minimum: 6 months

• Maximum: 12 months

Funding is intended for practical, implementable projects aligned with official transformation strategies.

Priority Areas

Eligible projects must fall under one or more of the following priority areas:

1. Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

• Solar, wind, or bioenergy solutions

• Energy-saving technologies

• Community energy systems

• Modernization of infrastructure

2. Vocational Education, Training, and Retraining

• Skills development programs

• Workforce retraining for former coal workers

• Employment-oriented technical education

3. Environmental Protection and Sustainable Land Use

• Land rehabilitation

• Ecosystem restoration

• Pollution mitigation

• Sustainable resource management

4. Local Economic Development and SME Support

• Business development services

• Entrepreneurship support

• Local economic diversification

• Investment readiness initiatives

5. Water Supply and Wastewater Systems

• Infrastructure upgrades

• Access improvement

• Modernization of sanitation systems

6. Institutional Capacity for Just Transformation

• Strategic planning support

• Community engagement systems

• Governance strengthening

7. Heat Supply System Modernization

• District heating upgrades

• Energy-efficient heat networks

• Alternative heating systems

Geographic Coverage

The competition is open to territorial communities in:

Lviv Region:

• Sheptytsk

• Radekhivska

• Sokalsk

• Dobrotvirska

• Belzka

• Velikomostivska

• Lopatynska

Volyn Region:

• Novovolynsk

• Litovezhsky

• Poromivska

Only projects implemented within these designated communities are eligible.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be registered legal entities in Ukraine

• Hold non-profit status (where applicable)

• Operate within eligible territorial communities

Eligible applicant types include:

• Local governments

• Municipal institutions

• Enterprises

• Local development agencies

• Civil society organizations (CSOs)

Projects must be included in an approved Just Transformation Action Plan or Program at the appropriate governance level.

What Is “Just Transformation”?

Just transformation (or just transition) refers to a structured shift from coal-based economies toward sustainable development while:

• Protecting jobs and livelihoods

• Supporting workforce retraining

• Ensuring social equity

• Promoting environmental restoration

• Diversifying local economies

The goal is to prevent economic decline while enabling green and inclusive growth.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Confirm Strategic Alignment

Ensure your proposed project:

• Is included in an approved Just Transformation Action Plan

• Directly supports just transition objectives

• Aligns with at least one priority area

Step 2: Develop a Feasible Project Plan

Prepare a proposal including:

• Clear objectives

• Defined activities

• Measurable results

• Implementation timeline (6–12 months)

• Risk mitigation strategy

Step 3: Prepare Budget

Develop a realistic and justified budget within:

• 3 million to 5 million UAH

Ensure costs are reasonable and directly linked to project activities.

Step 4: Submit Application

Submit the complete proposal according to competition guidelines.

Incomplete or non-compliant submissions may be rejected.

Step 5: Evaluation Process

Applications will be evaluated by an expert board based on:

• Inclusion in approved Action Plan/Program

• Relevance to just transition goals

• Alignment with competition priorities

• Feasibility and sustainability of results

• Budget justification and cost reasonableness

Why This Program Matters

Coal-dependent communities face:

• Job losses

• Economic instability

• Environmental degradation

• Infrastructure challenges

This grant program:

• Supports green economic diversification

• Strengthens community resilience

• Promotes environmental recovery

• Builds institutional capacity

• Enhances sustainable infrastructure

It ensures that energy transition policies deliver social and economic benefits locally.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Submitting projects not included in an approved Action Plan

2. Weak justification of how the project supports just transition

3. Unrealistic timelines or outputs

4. Inflated or poorly structured budgets

5. Proposals outside the designated geographic areas

Strong proposals clearly demonstrate measurable impact and strategic relevance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the grant?

Local governments, municipal institutions, enterprises, development agencies, and CSOs registered in Ukraine within eligible communities.

2. What is the grant amount?

Each grant ranges from 3 million to 5 million UAH (approximately €60,000–€100,000).

3. How long can projects run?

Projects must be implemented within 6 to 12 months.

4. Must the project be included in a Just Transformation Action Plan?

Yes. This is a mandatory eligibility requirement.

5. Which regions are eligible?

Designated communities in Lviv and Volyn regions only.

6. What sectors are prioritized?

Renewable energy, vocational training, environmental protection, SME development, water systems, institutional strengthening, and heat supply modernization.

7. Who funds this initiative?

The initiative is implemented by the Eastern Europe Foundation under the Power4Just Transition project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) with support from GIZ.

Conclusion

The Grants to Support Coal Communities (Phase I) under the ROOTS program provide significant financial support to Ukrainian coal-affected territorial communities seeking sustainable transformation.

With grants between 3 and 5 million UAH and a clear focus on just transition priorities, the program enables local governments, CSOs, and institutions to implement practical, impact-driven projects.

Eligible communities in Lviv and Volyn regions are encouraged to submit strong, strategy-aligned proposals to accelerate sustainable economic diversification and environmental recovery.

For more information, visit Eastern Europe Foundation.