Deadline: 17-Feb-2026
The International Renaissance Foundation (IRF) invites proposals to strengthen local democracy and community governance by updating or creating community charters. Grants range from 700,000 to 1,000,000 hryvnias, with a total competition budget of 12,000,000 hryvnias. Projects should focus on transparency, accountability, participatory governance, and citizen engagement, including tools such as public hearings, participatory budgeting, and advisory bodies.
Overview
The IRF grant competition aims to empower communities to strengthen local governance by improving or developing community charters. The initiative promotes:
-
Transparency and accountability in local decision-making
-
Democratic and inclusive processes for community engagement
-
Practical use of local democracy tools, including:
-
Public hearings
-
Participatory budgeting
-
Local initiatives and consultations
-
Advisory bodies
-
Public evaluation of local authorities
-
-
Researching gaps in local regulations and adapting practices to wartime restrictions
Funding Details
-
Total competition budget: 12,000,000 hryvnias
-
Optimal grant size: 700,000–900,000 hryvnias
-
Maximum grant amount: 1,000,000 hryvnias
-
Funding covers eligible project expenses necessary, cost-effective, incurred during the project period, and properly documented
Ineligible Expenses
Funding cannot be used for:
-
Proposal preparation and organizational registration
-
Debt repayment or currency exchange losses
-
Direct fiscal support to authorities
-
Political or religious activities, discriminatory actions, or profit-generating projects
-
Construction, repair works, or procurement of vehicles
-
Humanitarian or military aid, luxury items, or regranting
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
-
Public organizations and public unions
-
Charitable organizations
-
Self-organization bodies of the population with at least two years of relevant experience
Applicants are encouraged to cooperate with local governments and civil society partners to enhance project impact and legitimacy.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
-
Confirm eligibility of your organization and experience
-
Design a project to update or create community charters, focusing on transparency, accountability, and citizen participation
-
Prepare a detailed proposal including objectives, activities, expected outcomes, budget, and timeline
-
Submit online exclusively through the IRF Electronic Competition system
-
Ensure all documents comply with required formats and size limits
-
Implement the project and report on outcomes, ensuring documentation of all eligible expenses
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
-
Relevance and alignment with local democracy objectives
-
Impact on community governance, transparency, and citizen engagement
-
Feasibility, clarity, and cost-effectiveness of proposed activities
-
Cooperation with local authorities and civil society
-
Compliance with eligible expense rules
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Submitting proposals outside the IRF Electronic Competition system
-
Missing format or size requirements for documents
-
Including ineligible expenses
-
Ignoring partnerships with local authorities or civil society
-
Submitting organizations without two years of relevant experience
Why This Program Matters
The IRF Local Democracy Grants:
-
Strengthen community governance and citizen participation
-
Promote inclusive and accountable decision-making
-
Enhance local capacity to implement democratic tools, even under wartime conditions
-
Encourage collaboration between civil society and local governments
Conclusion
The IRF Charter Development Grants provide a strategic opportunity for eligible Ukrainian organizations to enhance transparency, accountability, and democratic practices at the community level. By focusing on inclusive governance and citizen participation, funded projects strengthen local institutions, improve public trust, and foster resilient communities.
For more information, visit Public Space.
