RFAs: ReBuild Smart Community Renewal Competition (Ukraine)

The “ReBuild Smart: a model for environmentally safe community renewal” project invites territorial communities in Ukraine to participate in a competitive selection process focused on sustainable recovery, environmental assessment, and climate-resilient reconstruction. Supported by the International Renaissance Foundation, the initiative helps communities address war-related environmental challenges through data-based planning, water security solutions, waste management strategies, and green infrastructure development.

The selected pilot community will receive free expert support, including environmental diagnostics, water quality testing, digital risk mapping, sustainability planning, investment project development, and training for local stakeholders. The project aims to help communities move from emergency response toward environmentally responsible and long-term restoration.

About the ReBuild Smart Project

The Public Association “Enough to Poison Kryvyi Rih,” with support from the International Renaissance Foundation, has launched the “ReBuild Smart: a model for environmentally safe community renewal” project in Ukraine.

The initiative is designed to help territorial communities rebuild after the impacts of the full-scale war by integrating environmental assessments, risk analysis, and sustainable development approaches into local recovery planning.

The project supports communities in creating environmentally responsible restoration strategies based on:

• Environmental data collection.
• Risk assessment.
• Sustainable infrastructure planning.
• Community participation.
• Evidence-based decision-making.

Why the Project Matters

The war in Ukraine has created significant environmental challenges for local communities, including:

• Water supply and water quality problems.
• Increased environmental risks.
• Large-scale demolition waste accumulation.
• Damage to natural resources and infrastructure.
• Challenges in planning safe reconstruction.

The ReBuild Smart project helps communities transition from immediate crisis response toward structured recovery based on environmental information and long-term sustainability principles.

Project Objectives

The initiative aims to:

• Improve environmental safety during community recovery.
• Assess environmental risks using scientific methods.
• Strengthen water security.
• Develop sustainable waste management approaches.
• Promote green infrastructure solutions.
• Support local restoration planning.
• Increase citizen participation in environmental decisions.
• Provide communities with tools for attracting future investment.

Support Available for the Selected Community

The selected pilot community will receive free technical and expert assistance from the project team.

Support activities include:

Environmental Diagnostics and Assessment

Experts will conduct:

• Environmental field assessments.
• Identification of major environmental challenges.
• Analysis of local environmental conditions.
• Recommendations for sustainable recovery actions.

Water Quality Testing

The project will provide:

• Laboratory testing of water quality.
• Assessment of water-related risks.
• Identification of possible solutions for improving water security.

Testing will be conducted at multiple locations to provide a detailed understanding of local conditions.

Digital Environmental Risk Mapping

The selected community will receive:

• A digital environmental risk map.
• Identification of vulnerable areas.
• Data-based information to support recovery planning.

The map will help local authorities understand environmental threats and prioritize restoration activities.

Community Environmental Sustainability Passport

The project will develop a Community Environmental Sustainability Passport containing:

• Environmental assessment results.
• Key risks and challenges.
• Recommended solutions.
• Sustainability planning guidance.

This document will support local decision-making and future restoration programs.

Environmental Investment Project Development

The project will prepare a portfolio of four to six environmental investment project concept notes.

These concepts will focus on:

• Water security.
• Waste management.
• Green infrastructure.

Each concept note will include:

• Technical descriptions.
• Project objectives.
• Estimated budgets.
• Implementation recommendations.

The documents are intended to help communities apply for future funding opportunities from international donors and development organizations.

Training and Capacity Building

Community representatives, utility workers, and local leaders will participate in strategic training sessions.

Training topics will include:

• Risk-based recovery planning.
• Environmental management.
• Community engagement.
• Sustainable reconstruction approaches.
• Using environmental tools in restoration programs.

The training aims to strengthen local capacity for managing recovery processes.

Who Is Eligible?

The competition is open to:

• Local government authorities.
• Territorial communities located in:
  • Kryvyi Rih district of Dnipropetrovsk region.
  • Adjacent northern territories of Kherson region.

Eligible communities should demonstrate interest and readiness to integrate environmental approaches into recovery planning.

Community Responsibilities

Selected communities are expected to:

• Support environmental data collection.
• Participate in field assessment activities.
• Sign a Letter of Support or Memorandum.
• Establish an intersectoral working group.
• Nominate representatives for training sessions.
• Cooperate with project experts.
• Consider integrating the Environmental Toolkit and Sustainability Passport into their Comprehensive Restoration Program.

How the Selection Process Works

Communities interested in participating should:

1. Review project requirements and eligibility conditions.
2. Prepare information about their community and environmental challenges.
3. Demonstrate willingness to participate in assessments and training.
4. Submit the required application materials.
5. Participate in the competitive selection process.

The selected community will then receive technical assistance throughout the project implementation period.

Expected Outcomes of the Project

The project is expected to help communities achieve:

• Better understanding of environmental risks.
• Improved environmental planning.
• Stronger water security strategies.
• Sustainable waste management solutions.
• Access to investment-ready environmental projects.
• Increased community participation.
• Stronger institutional capacity for recovery.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Communities applying should avoid:

• Applying without local government support.
• Failing to identify environmental priorities.
• Not involving relevant community stakeholders.
• Ignoring the need for intersectoral cooperation.
• Treating environmental planning as separate from recovery programs.
• Providing incomplete application information.

Tips for stronger participation:

• Clearly describe existing environmental challenges.
• Demonstrate commitment from local authorities.
• Involve utilities, experts, and community representatives.
• Prepare a clear plan for using project results after completion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the ReBuild Smart project?
It is an initiative supporting environmentally safe community renewal in Ukraine through environmental assessment, risk mapping, sustainability planning, and recovery support.

Who launched the project?
The project was launched by the Public Association “Enough to Poison Kryvyi Rih” with support from the International Renaissance Foundation.

Who can participate?
Local government authorities and territorial communities from eligible areas of Dnipropetrovsk and Kherson regions can apply.

What support will the selected community receive?
The selected community will receive free expert support, including environmental assessments, water testing, digital risk mapping, sustainability planning, and training.

Will the project provide funding directly to communities?
The initiative mainly provides technical assistance, environmental analysis, project development support, and tools to help communities attract future investment.

What are the main focus areas of the project?
The project focuses on water security, waste management, green infrastructure, environmental safety, and sustainable recovery planning.

Why is environmental data important for recovery?
Environmental data helps communities identify risks, prioritize investments, and design safer and more sustainable reconstruction strategies.

Conclusion

The ReBuild Smart project provides Ukrainian communities with practical tools and expert support to build environmentally safe and sustainable recovery plans. By combining environmental diagnostics, digital risk mapping, investment preparation, and community participation, the initiative helps communities move toward resilient reconstruction and long-term environmental security.