Open Call: Partnership for a Strong Ukraine Program

Deadline: 04-Apr-2026

The Partnership for a Strong Ukraine (PSU), implemented by Chemonics, has launched a call for proposals to strengthen participatory governance and local decision-making in Ukraine. Grants ranging from 2,800,000 to 4,500,000 UAH will support advisory bodies and the development or revision of local policies and strategic documents. Projects must run for 9–12 months and demonstrate clear, documented community needs.

Program Overview

The Partnership for a Strong Ukraine (PSU) is a multi-year, donor-funded resilience program designed to enhance the capacity of the Ukrainian government amid ongoing aggression by Russia.

The initiative is funded by the governments of:

• Canada

• Estonia

• Finland

• Norway

• Sweden

• Switzerland

• United Kingdom

The program works in partnership with:

• Local government institutions

• Civil society organizations

• Media actors

• Private sector stakeholders

Its primary objective is to strengthen government resilience and support inclusive local governance systems.

Purpose of This Call for Proposals

This funding call focuses on:

1. Creation and/or development of advisory bodies

2. Development or revision of local policies

3. Preparation or updating of strategic documents

All activities must directly address the needs of PSU’s target groups and strengthen participatory governance mechanisms.

Projects must align with established local priorities and be implemented in close coordination with local governments.

Key Objectives

Funded projects should:

• Increase community participation in local decision-making

• Improve representation of vulnerable or underrepresented groups

• Strengthen inclusive governance structures

• Address documented policy or strategic gaps

• Institutionalize participatory mechanisms

The goal is to build sustainable systems that enhance resilience at the local level.

Funding Details

Grant Amount

• 2,800,000.00 to 4,500,000.00 UAH

Final award amounts may vary depending on:

• Scope of activities

• Budget justification

• Final negotiations

Project Duration

• 9 to 12 months

Projects must be designed within this timeframe.

Eligible Project Activities

Proposals may include:

• Establishing advisory councils or consultative bodies

• Strengthening existing advisory mechanisms

• Revising local development strategies

• Drafting new policy frameworks

• Updating community strategic plans

• Institutionalizing inclusive decision-making tools

All activities must demonstrate systemic and sustainable impact.

Evidence-Based Requirement

Applications must demonstrate clear evidence of need.

Acceptable forms of documentation include:

• Needs assessments

• Public opinion surveys

• Analytical or research reports

• Community consultations

• Official letters of support from local authorities

• Signed partnership agreements

Proposals lacking documented needs justification are unlikely to be competitive.

The intervention must directly address identified gaps and community priorities.

Who Should Apply?

While specific eligibility details are not fully outlined in the summary, suitable applicants typically include:

• Civil society organizations

• Local development organizations

• Governance-focused NGOs

• Community-based organizations

• Policy research institutions

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Strong coordination capacity with local governments

• Experience in participatory governance or policy development

• Ability to implement medium-scale projects within 9–12 months

Coordination with relevant local authorities is mandatory.

Implementation Requirements

Projects must:

• Be aligned with local development priorities

• Include government collaboration

• Ensure inclusive participation of target groups

• Strengthen institutional governance structures

• Deliver measurable governance improvements

Short-term outputs must contribute to long-term resilience.

How to Prepare a Strong Proposal

Step 1: Conduct or Reference a Needs Assessment

Provide documented evidence showing:

• Policy gaps

• Community concerns

• Governance weaknesses

• Representation deficits

Attach supporting documents.

Step 2: Engage Local Authorities Early

Secure:

• Official confirmation letters

• Memoranda of understanding

• Partnership agreements

Demonstrate coordination from the outset.

Step 3: Define Clear Outcomes

Specify:

• Governance improvements

• Advisory body functions

• Policy revisions

• Measurable participation indicators

Step 4: Develop a Realistic Work Plan

Outline:

• 9–12 month timeline

• Milestones

• Responsible stakeholders

• Monitoring mechanisms

Step 5: Build a Justified Budget

Ensure:

• Costs align with planned activities

• Funding request falls within 2.8–4.5 million UAH

• Budget supports systemic governance outcomes

Why This Program Matters

Ukraine faces complex governance challenges during wartime conditions.

Strengthening local participatory governance:

• Improves public trust

• Enhances transparency

• Increases accountability

• Ensures vulnerable groups are represented

• Builds institutional resilience

By reinforcing advisory structures and strategic planning processes, PSU supports long-term democratic stability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals without documented evidence of need

• Failing to coordinate with local authorities

• Proposing activities unrelated to governance reform

• Designing projects that exceed 12 months

• Presenting vague or non-measurable outcomes

• Overstating budgets without justification

Clear alignment, documentation, and coordination are critical.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the grant amount?

Grants range between 2,800,000.00 and 4,500,000.00 UAH.

2. How long can projects last?

Projects must run between 9 and 12 months.

3. What types of activities are eligible?

Creation or strengthening of advisory bodies, and development or revision of local policies and strategic documents.

4. Is coordination with local government required?

Yes. Projects must be implemented in close coordination with local authorities and aligned with local priorities.

5. Is evidence of community need required?

Yes. Applications must include documented proof such as assessments, surveys, or official confirmations.

6. Who funds the program?

The program is funded by the governments of Canada, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

7. Can the final grant amount change?

Yes. The final funding level may be adjusted during negotiations based on project scope.

Conclusion

The Partnership for a Strong Ukraine Call for Proposals provides significant funding to strengthen participatory governance and inclusive local decision-making across Ukraine.

With grants up to 4.5 million UAH and a 9–12 month implementation window, the program prioritizes documented community needs, institutional collaboration, and sustainable policy reform.

Organizations that demonstrate strong coordination with local governments, clear evidence-based interventions, and measurable governance outcomes will be best positioned to secure funding and contribute to Ukraine’s resilience.

For more information, visit Public Space.