Deadline: 18-Jun-2026
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a grant competition under the National Program for Engaging Youth in the Reconstruction of Ukraine, “VidNOVA,” to strengthen youth participation in community recovery and development. The initiative seeks experienced youth organizations to implement regional youth exchanges that empower young people to contribute directly to the restoration of youth spaces and the rebuilding of their communities.
Through practical volunteering activities, civic education, psychosocial support, and collaboration with local authorities, the program aims to foster youth leadership, strengthen social cohesion, and build resilient communities across selected regions of Ukraine.
About the Program
- The VidNOVA Program is a youth engagement initiative supporting Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction efforts.
- The program is implemented by UNDP to strengthen youth participation in community development processes.
- It supports youth exchanges that combine practical restoration work with educational and psychosocial activities.
- Selected organizations will act as regional implementing partners in designated communities.
- Young participants will contribute to the renovation and development of youth spaces.
- The initiative seeks to strengthen cooperation between youth, local governments, and communities.
- The program promotes long-term youth engagement and sustainable community development.
Program Objectives
- Strengthen youth participation in community recovery processes.
- Promote local governance and civic engagement.
- Support human capital development and economic recovery.
- Strengthen social cohesion within communities.
- Encourage youth volunteering and social responsibility.
- Develop youth leadership skills and civic competencies.
- Improve youth infrastructure through the restoration of youth spaces.
- Provide psychosocial support and opportunities for cultural engagement.
- Enhance community resilience and sustainable development.
- Foster lasting partnerships between youth and local authorities.
Priority Focus Areas
- Youth participation in recovery and reconstruction.
- Community development and resilience.
- Youth leadership and civic engagement.
- Restoration and development of youth spaces.
- Civic volunteering and social responsibility.
- Psychosocial support for young people.
- Cultural engagement and social inclusion.
- Strengthening local governance.
- Human capital development.
- Economic recovery initiatives.
- Sustainable community development.
Funding Information
- Maximum grant amount: US$20,000 per project.
- Project implementation period: Up to six months.
- Grants support the preparation, implementation, and follow-up phases of youth exchanges.
- Proposals that include at least 10 percent co-financing will receive additional consideration during evaluation.
Project Locations
The program will be implemented in selected communities within the following regions of Ukraine:
- Dnipropetrovsk Region.
- Zaporizhzhia Region.
- Mykolaiv Region.
- Sumy Region.
- Kharkiv Region.
- Chernihiv Region.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Registered public organizations operating in government-controlled areas of Ukraine.
- Registered charitable organizations operating in government-controlled areas of Ukraine.
- Organizations with at least three years of relevant experience.
- Organizations with demonstrated capacity to manage regional-level projects.
- Organizations experienced in youth engagement initiatives.
Additional advantages include:
- Previous experience implementing youth exchange programs.
- Prior involvement in the VidNOVA Program.
- Strong partnerships with local stakeholders and authorities.
Program Activities
Selected organizations will be responsible for implementing activities across several phases.
Preparation Phase
- Adapt the youth exchange model to local community contexts.
- Conduct community needs assessments.
- Consult with young people and relevant stakeholders.
- Support the co-creation of youth spaces.
- Identify suitable restoration sites.
- Coordinate with local governments and program partners.
- Obtain letters of support from local authorities confirming long-term commitment to the renovated spaces.
Youth Exchange Phase
The five-day youth exchange will include:
- Practical restoration and renovation activities.
- Arrangement and improvement of youth spaces.
- Educational sessions and workshops.
- Civic participation activities.
- Volunteering experiences.
- Community development learning opportunities.
- Cultural engagement activities.
- Psychosocial support sessions.
- Team-building exercises.
Follow-Up Phase
- Encourage continued youth engagement.
- Monitor the operation of renovated youth spaces.
- Support sustainability activities.
- Document lessons learned and good practices.
- Strengthen local youth ecosystems.
- Maintain collaboration with local governments and stakeholders.
Expected Outcomes
Supported projects are expected to contribute to:
- Increased youth participation in local recovery efforts.
- Improved youth leadership and civic competencies.
- Stronger social cohesion within communities.
- Enhanced cooperation between young people and local authorities.
- Renovated and functional youth spaces.
- Increased volunteering and civic responsibility.
- Improved psychosocial well-being among participants.
- More resilient and sustainable communities.
- Long-term youth engagement in community development.
Why This Program Matters
- Young people play a critical role in Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction.
- Community rebuilding efforts benefit from youth perspectives and active participation.
- The program creates safe and inclusive spaces where young people can connect and contribute.
- Practical volunteering experiences help develop leadership and civic skills.
- Psychosocial support addresses the emotional well-being of participants affected by conflict.
- Sustainable youth infrastructure strengthens local communities beyond the project period.
- The initiative fosters trust and cooperation between youth and local authorities.
Application Tips
- Demonstrate strong experience in managing youth-focused projects.
- Clearly explain your organization’s regional implementation capacity.
- Show how young people will actively participate in decision-making processes.
- Include a realistic and detailed implementation plan.
- Secure strong partnerships with local governments and stakeholders.
- Obtain the required letter of support from local authorities early in the process.
- Highlight previous experience with youth exchanges or the VidNOVA Program.
- Consider providing at least 10 percent co-financing to strengthen your proposal.
- Include clear sustainability measures for the renovated youth spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Up to US$20,000 is available per project.
- Projects can be implemented for a maximum period of six months.
- Eligible applicants include registered public and charitable organizations operating in government-controlled areas of Ukraine with at least three years of relevant experience.
- The program will be implemented in selected communities across the Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv regions.
- The youth exchange includes practical restoration work, educational activities, volunteering experiences, cultural engagement, and psychosocial support delivered over five days.
- A letter of support from the relevant local government confirming long-term commitment to the renovated youth space is required.
- Proposals that include at least 10 percent co-financing receive additional consideration during the evaluation process.
Conclusion
The UNDP VidNOVA Youth Exchange Grant Program provides an opportunity for experienced youth organizations in Ukraine to contribute directly to community recovery while empowering young people to become active agents of change. Through funding of up to US$20,000, the initiative supports youth-led restoration activities, civic participation, psychosocial well-being, and sustainable community development, helping build stronger, more resilient communities for Ukraine’s future.
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