Horizon of Change Program to Strengthen Civil Society Organizations (Ukraine)

Deadline: 03-Mar-2026

The Horizon of Change program supports civil society organizations (CSOs) in central Ukraine through a year-long capacity-building initiative focused on organizational development, financial sustainability, and human capital development. The program combines structured learning, practical application, and networking opportunities for up to 20 organizations, providing training in fundraising, mental health support, monitoring and evaluation, and trainer development.

Overview

The Horizon of Change initiative is designed to strengthen public initiatives and long-term sustainability for civil society organizations (CSOs) in central Ukraine. Rather than offering isolated trainings, the program provides systemic support through structured learning, practical application, and peer-to-peer exchange. The program targets organizations in Cherkasy, Vinnytsia, Kyiv, Poltava, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zhytomyr.

Program Objectives

• Develop organizational development plans for participating NGOs.

• Improve management practices and operational efficiency.

• Enhance financial sustainability through fundraising tools and strategies.

• Provide training for trainers to extend capacity-building impact.

• Develop mental health support programs for staff and beneficiaries.

• Introduce monitoring and evaluation practices into organizational work.

• Foster networking and experience exchange among CSOs.

Program Structure and Activities

• Year-long program combining online and offline activities.

• Mandatory participation for representatives of selected organizations at all stages.

• Key activities:

  1. April – Kickoff in Cherkasy: Networking and introductory meeting.

  2. May–June – Online course: “Fundraising for NGOs.”

  3. July–August – Retreat in Kholodny Yar: Practical capacity-building sessions.

  4. September–October – Online course for trainers: Developing internal training capacities.

  5. November – Final meeting in Cherkasy: Program wrap-up and knowledge sharing.

• Offline support: Accommodation, meals, and educational materials provided; transportation costs not reimbursed.

Who is Eligible?

• Civil society organizations from target central regions of Ukraine.

• Must have a team of five or more members and at least two years of active experience.

• Preference for:

  • Young organizations.

  • Organizations working in reform, recovery, European integration, and community human capital development.

How the Program Works

1. Submit an application through the official program channels.

2. Participate in all stages, both online and offline, as scheduled.

3. Develop organizational strategies and apply learned management, fundraising, and evaluation practices.

4. Engage in peer exchange and networking activities to share experiences and best practices.

5. Implement mental health and training initiatives within your organization to enhance long-term sustainability.

Key Benefits

• Comprehensive capacity-building: Structured and practical support throughout the year.

• Networking opportunities: Connect with peers from other organizations in central Ukraine.

• Skills development: Training in fundraising, management, monitoring, and evaluation.

• Organizational sustainability: Develop plans and practices to strengthen long-term operations.

• Mental health support: Guidance for building staff and beneficiary well-being programs.

Common Tips and Mistakes

• Tip: Ensure your organization meets the minimum team size and active experience requirements.

• Tip: Prioritize attendance at all offline events to maximize learning and networking.

• Mistake: Applying as a very small or newly established organization without demonstrated activity.

• Mistake: Missing online course deadlines or retreat participation.

• Mistake: Underestimating the importance of organizational development and practical application.

FAQs

1. Who can apply to the Horizon of Change program? Civil society organizations from central Ukraine with at least five team members and two years of experience.
2. How many organizations are selected? Up to 20 organizations from the targeted regions.
3. Are offline events mandatory? Yes, representatives must attend all offline activities.
4. Are transportation costs covered? No, but accommodation, meals, and materials are provided.
5. Which regions are eligible? Cherkasy, Vinnytsia, Kyiv, Poltava, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zhytomyr.
6. What types of projects are prioritized? Young organizations or those focused on reform, recovery, European integration, and human capital development.
7. What is the duration of the program? The initiative runs for one full year, combining online courses, retreats, and final meetings.

Conclusion

The Horizon of Change program is a strategic opportunity for civil society organizations in central Ukraine to strengthen organizational capacity, sustainability, and impact. Through a year-long combination of structured learning, practical application, and peer exchange, participating NGOs can develop management, fundraising, monitoring, and mental health support skills while building networks that enhance long-term organizational resilience.

For more information, visit Public Space.