Deadline: 15-May-2026
The Municipal Exchange Fund A4U invites proposals to support municipal partnerships between Austria and Ukraine, offering grants of €25,000–€50,000 for projects that strengthen local governance and resilience. The program aims to enhance Ukrainian municipalities’ capacity for decentralization, recovery, and European Union integration through structured knowledge exchange and joint project implementation with Austrian municipalities.
What is the Municipal Exchange Fund A4U?
The Municipal Exchange Fund A4U is a grant program designed to reinforce Ukrainian municipalities as active agents in governance, recovery, and EU integration. It addresses challenges arising from ongoing war and disruption, supporting municipalities in maintaining public services, planning for socio-economic recovery, and strengthening local self-government under resource-constrained conditions.
Program Objectives
- Strengthen Ukrainian municipalities’ institutional capacity and governance practices
- Promote inclusive, transparent, and participatory decision-making
- Support sustainable socio-economic recovery and local development
- Facilitate peer-to-peer knowledge transfer between Austrian and Ukrainian municipalities
- Advance local ownership, subsidiarity, inclusiveness, and transparency aligned with Ukraine’s State Strategy for Regional Development 2021–2027, Ukraine Plan 2024–2027, and EU accession process
Project Structure and Activities
- Partnership Model: Austrian municipalities act as Lead Partners, providing mentoring and technical expertise; Ukrainian municipalities are Project Partners and sole beneficiaries
- Collaboration Activities: Study visits, internships, mentoring, joint development of procedures, policy documents, or practical solutions
- Lead Partner Responsibilities: Project coordination, financial management, compliance with reporting, and integration of principles such as gender equality, social inclusion, conflict sensitivity, Do No Harm, and transparency
- Engagement Principle: Equal exchange of experience, with primary focus on transferring Austrian expertise to Ukrainian municipalities
Funding Details
- Total Funding: €250,000
- Individual Grants: €25,000–€50,000 per project
- Disbursement: Post-implementation upon approval of reports; pre-financing of up to 20% possible if justified
- Eligible Costs: Expert input, mentoring, travel, and other activities directly linked to project implementation
Who is Eligible?
- Austrian municipalities as Lead Partners
- Ukrainian municipalities as Project Partners and beneficiaries
- Partnerships must be jointly developed, with clear roles and responsibilities
- Activities must align with program objectives and Ukraine’s strategic development plans
How to Apply
- Form Partnership: Identify Austrian Lead Partner and Ukrainian Project Partner
- Develop Proposal: Outline objectives, activities, timeline, budget, and expected results
- Submit Application: Include justification for pre-financing (if requested), and demonstrate adherence to principles of transparency, gender equality, social inclusion, and conflict sensitivity
- Project Implementation: Engage both partners in planned activities, monitor progress, and document outcomes
- Reporting and Funding: Submit required reports for approval; funds disbursed post-implementation
Why It Matters
- Strengthens resilience and governance capacity of Ukrainian municipalities under challenging conditions
- Encourages sustainable recovery and socio-economic development
- Promotes knowledge transfer and long-term collaboration between Austrian and Ukrainian local governments
- Supports Ukraine’s decentralization and European integration objectives
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to define clear roles for Lead and Project Partners
- Submitting incomplete or non-compliant budgets
- Ignoring integration of principles such as gender equality, social inclusion, and Do No Harm
- Not aligning project objectives with Ukraine’s State Strategy for Regional Development or EU accession priorities
- Delaying submission or providing insufficient justification for pre-financing requests
FAQs
1. Who can be the Lead Partner? Austrian municipalities only.
2. Who are the beneficiaries? Ukrainian municipalities are the sole beneficiaries.
3. What activities are eligible? Study visits, internships, mentoring, joint development of procedures or policy documents.
4. Can funds be used for travel? Yes, if directly linked to project implementation activities.
5. How much funding is available per project? €25,000–€50,000.
6. When is pre-financing allowed? Up to 20%, if justified in the application.
7. How are funds disbursed? After project implementation and approval of required reports.
Conclusion
The Municipal Exchange Fund A4U provides targeted support to foster Austrian-Ukrainian municipal partnerships, strengthen governance capacity, and promote sustainable recovery in Ukraine. By enabling knowledge transfer, collaboration, and locally owned solutions, the program enhances resilience, transparency, and long-term development for Ukrainian municipalities while advancing EU integration objectives.
For more information, visit KDZ.