Request for Applications: Cybersecurity Improvement Grants (Ukraine)

Deadline: 10-Jul-2026

The Cybersecurity Improvement Grants program, administered by CRDF Global with funding from the U.S. Department of State, supports Ukrainian government bodies and critical infrastructure enterprises in strengthening cybersecurity resilience. The initiative provides in-kind assistance such as equipment, software, cybersecurity services, and technical capacity-building rather than direct cash funding.

The program offers up to USD 50,000 per applicant for projects lasting up to six months, focusing on cybersecurity infrastructure upgrades, threat analysis, system audits, and workforce skill development.

Program Overview

The Cybersecurity Improvement Grants initiative is designed to enhance the cybersecurity resilience of Ukraine’s governmental institutions and critical infrastructure sectors.

The program is implemented by CRDF Global and funded by the U.S. Department of State, reflecting international support for strengthening cyber defense capabilities in Ukraine.

Instead of direct financial grants, the program delivers in-kind assistance, including:

• Cybersecurity tools and technologies
• Hardware and software solutions
• Technical services and assessments
• Training and capacity-building support

Program Objectives

The primary objectives of the program are to:

• Strengthen national cybersecurity resilience in Ukraine.
• Protect critical infrastructure systems from cyber threats.
• Improve cybersecurity infrastructure and technical systems.
• Enhance data protection and information security.
• Support cybersecurity workforce development.
• Improve threat detection and response capabilities.
• Conduct cybersecurity assessments and system audits.
• Optimize cybersecurity processes and operational frameworks.

Key Focus Areas

Cybersecurity Infrastructure Enhancement

The program supports improvements to digital and physical cybersecurity infrastructure.

This includes:

• Network security systems
• Secure communication platforms
• Hardware upgrades
• Software deployment
• Security architecture improvements

Data Protection and Information Security

Projects may focus on safeguarding sensitive data through:

• Encryption systems
• Secure data storage solutions
• Access control mechanisms
• Data loss prevention systems
• Compliance with cybersecurity standards

Threat Analysis and Monitoring

The program supports capabilities that improve detection and response to cyber threats.

Focus areas include:

• Threat intelligence systems
• Real-time monitoring tools
• Vulnerability assessment
• Incident detection systems
• Cyber risk analysis

Cybersecurity System Audits

Eligible activities include evaluation and auditing of existing systems:

• Security posture assessments
• Network vulnerability audits
• Compliance reviews
• System penetration testing
• Risk identification studies

Capacity Building and Training

The program strengthens human capacity in cybersecurity through:

• Professional training programs
• Certification support
• Skills development workshops
• Technical training on cybersecurity tools
• Workforce upskilling initiatives

Types of Support Provided

The program provides in-kind assistance only, which may include:

Equipment and Hardware

• Servers and secure infrastructure hardware
• Firewalls and network security devices
• Monitoring equipment
• Secure communication tools

Software Solutions

• Cybersecurity software platforms
• Threat detection tools
• Endpoint protection systems
• Encryption and authentication software

Technical Services

• Cybersecurity assessments
• System audits
• Penetration testing
• Infrastructure optimization services

Training and Capacity Development

• Expert-led training programs
• Technical workshops
• Cybersecurity awareness programs
• Skills enhancement initiatives

Project Duration and Funding

Maximum Support

• Up to USD 50,000 per applicant

Implementation Period

• Up to 6 months per project

The relatively short implementation period emphasizes rapid deployment of cybersecurity improvements.

Eligible Applicants

The program is open to:

• Governmental authorities in Ukraine
• Critical infrastructure state-owned enterprises

Eligible institutions must be involved in sectors that are essential to national infrastructure and may be exposed to cyber risks.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

Operational Need

• Clear vulnerability or exposure to cyber threats.
• Justification for cybersecurity enhancement.

Technical Requirements

• Defined need for equipment, software, or services.
• Existing infrastructure that can benefit from upgrades.

Documentation

• Supporting documentation must be provided in English.
• Detailed justification for proposed cybersecurity improvements.

Priority Areas for Funding

Projects are prioritized based on their ability to:

• Strengthen national cybersecurity defenses.
• Protect essential government systems.
• Improve resilience of critical infrastructure.
• Enhance incident response capabilities.
• Reduce vulnerability to cyberattacks.

Why This Program Matters

Cybersecurity threats against government and infrastructure systems are increasing globally, with Ukraine facing particularly high levels of cyber risk.

This program helps:

• Strengthen national digital resilience.
• Protect essential public services.
• Improve crisis response capability.
• Reduce risks to critical infrastructure.
• Enhance cybersecurity expertise within government institutions.

By focusing on both technical infrastructure and human capacity, the program provides a comprehensive approach to cyber defense strengthening.

How the Program Works

Step 1: Application Submission

Eligible institutions submit project proposals outlining cybersecurity needs and requested support.

Step 2: Needs Assessment

CRDF Global evaluates:

• Technical vulnerabilities
• Infrastructure gaps
• Justification for support
• Expected impact

Step 3: Project Selection

Projects are selected based on:

• Urgency of cybersecurity risks
• Strategic importance of infrastructure
• Feasibility of implementation

Step 4: Provision of In-Kind Support

Approved applicants receive:

• Equipment
• Software
• Technical services
• Training support

Step 5: Implementation

Projects are executed within a six-month timeframe.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

Cybersecurity Need

• Severity of vulnerabilities.
• Risk level to infrastructure.

Project Impact

• Expected improvement in cybersecurity posture.
• Contribution to resilience.

Technical Feasibility

• Practicality of implementation within 6 months.
• Availability of required infrastructure.

Sustainability

• Long-term improvement in cybersecurity capacity.
• Ability to maintain systems post-project.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve competitiveness, applicants should:

• Clearly define cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
• Provide detailed technical requirements.
• Justify equipment and software needs.
• Demonstrate institutional readiness.
• Align proposals with national cybersecurity priorities.
• Include measurable security improvements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Vague descriptions of cybersecurity needs.
• Lack of technical justification.
• Missing English documentation.
• Overly broad or unfocused proposals.
• Failure to demonstrate operational vulnerability.
• Incomplete infrastructure assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Cybersecurity Improvement Grants program?

It is a CRDF Global initiative funded by the U.S. Department of State to strengthen cybersecurity resilience in Ukraine’s government and critical infrastructure sectors.

Is the funding provided in cash?

No. The program provides in-kind assistance such as equipment, software, and technical services.

How much support is available?

Each applicant may receive up to USD 50,000 in support.

What is the project duration?

Projects can last up to six months.

Who can apply?

Ukrainian government bodies and critical infrastructure state-owned enterprises.

What kind of support is provided?

Support includes cybersecurity tools, hardware, software, audits, training, and technical services.

What language is required for applications?

All supporting documentation must be submitted in English.

Conclusion

The Cybersecurity Improvement Grants program strengthens Ukraine’s cybersecurity resilience by providing targeted in-kind support to government bodies and critical infrastructure enterprises. Through equipment provision, software deployment, system audits, and capacity-building initiatives, the program enhances national cyber defense capabilities and reduces vulnerability to cyber threats.

By combining technical upgrades with professional training, the initiative ensures both immediate improvements and long-term resilience in Ukraine’s cybersecurity ecosystem.

For more information, visit CRDF Global.