Psychosocial and Emergency Support for LGBTQIA+ Activists and CSOs (Ukraine)

Deadline: 31-Dec-2026

The FIER·ES Programme, implemented by ERIM, provides psychosocial support and emergency assistance to LGBTQIA+ activists, civil society members, journalists, artists, lawyers, researchers, and organizations in Ukraine. The program offers up to EUR 500 for mental health and wellbeing support and up to EUR 2,300 in emergency funding for legal aid, security measures, medical expenses, and relocation assistance.

Program Overview

The FIER·ES Programme is designed to strengthen the resilience, safety, wellbeing, and operational capacity of LGBTQIA+ activists and organizations working to promote human rights, equality, inclusion, and dignity in Ukraine.

The initiative is implemented by ERIM, an international non-governmental organization that supports civil society, independent media, human rights, and democratic participation.

The program responds to the growing challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ rights defenders by providing both psychosocial assistance and emergency support for individuals and organizations exposed to risks because of their advocacy and human rights work.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Support the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ activists.
• Prevent stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion.
• Strengthen civil society organizations working on LGBTQIA+ rights.
• Improve safety and protection for vulnerable activists and organizations.
• Provide emergency assistance in response to urgent threats or crises.
• Promote inclusion, equality, and human rights.
• Enhance the resilience of LGBTQIA+ communities in Ukraine.

Areas of Support

The program focuses on:

• Psychosocial support.
• Mental health and wellbeing.
• Stress and burnout prevention.
• LGBTQIA+ rights advocacy.
• Civil society strengthening.
• Legal assistance.
• Physical security.
• Digital security.
• Medical support.
• Relocation assistance.
• Human rights protection.
• Community resilience.
• Organizational sustainability.

Types of Support Available

Psychosocial Support Component

This component supports individuals experiencing mental health challenges related to their involvement in advocacy, activism, journalism, legal work, research, or civil society engagement.

Support may include:

• Individual counselling sessions.
• Group therapy sessions.
• Mental health consultations.
• Wellbeing activities.
• Stress management support.
• Burnout prevention services.
• Relaxation and recovery activities.

Funding Available

• Up to EUR 500 per beneficiary.
• Approximately 15 sessions may be supported depending on costs and needs.
• Activities may be implemented over a period of up to 10 months.

Delivery Method

Support may be provided through:

• Service providers contracted by ERIM.
• Direct grants awarded to beneficiaries.

Emergency Assistance Component

This component provides contingency funding for urgent situations affecting LGBTQIA+ activists and organizations.

The funding helps individuals and organizations respond to threats, emergencies, and security-related challenges arising from their advocacy and human rights work.

Funding Available

• Up to EUR 2,300 per individual or organization.
• Activities may be implemented over a period of up to 12 months.

Eligible Emergency Expenses

Funding may support:

• Legal assistance.
• Court-related costs.
• Physical security measures.
• Digital security tools and services.
• Medical expenses.
• Emergency relocation within Ukraine.
• International relocation when necessary for safety reasons.
• Other urgent protection-related needs.

Processing Timeline

Applicants should note that:

• The minimum period between application submission and support delivery is approximately three weeks.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Individuals

The program welcomes applications from:

• LGBTQIA+ activists.
• Journalists.
• Artists.
• Lawyers.
• Scientists and researchers.
• Civil society staff members.
• Human rights defenders.
• Community organizers.
• Active citizens engaged in LGBTQIA+ advocacy.

Eligible Organizations

Eligible organizations include:

• LGBTQIA+ rights organizations.
• Civil society organizations.
• Community initiatives promoting LGBTQIA+ rights.
• Human rights organizations working on inclusion and equality.

Priority Groups

Special consideration may be given to applicants facing additional vulnerabilities, including:

• Women.
• Trans persons.
• Intersex persons.
• Older individuals.
• Rural and remote community members.
• Migrants.
• Ethnic minorities.
• Persons with disabilities.
• Individuals with limited financial resources.

Ineligible Applicants

The following are not eligible:

• Political organizations.
• Religious organizations.
• Individuals with current political party affiliations.
• Individuals with extensive past involvement in political parties.

Why This Program Matters

LGBTQIA+ activists and organizations frequently face discrimination, harassment, security risks, psychological stress, and financial challenges while carrying out human rights work.

The FIER·ES Programme helps address these challenges by:

• Supporting mental health and emotional wellbeing.
• Strengthening activist resilience.
• Improving personal and organizational safety.
• Protecting vulnerable rights defenders.
• Ensuring continuity of advocacy and human rights activities.
• Building stronger and more sustainable LGBTQIA+ civil society networks.

How to Apply

Step 1: Identify the Appropriate Support Category

Determine whether you require:

• Psychosocial support.
• Emergency assistance.
• Both forms of support, where applicable.

Step 2: Confirm Eligibility

Review all eligibility requirements to ensure you qualify as an individual applicant or organization.

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Information

Gather information related to:

• Your advocacy or organizational work.
• The challenges or risks being addressed.
• Requested activities and support needs.
• Expected outcomes of the assistance.

Step 4: Complete the Application

Submit the required application materials through the designated program process.

Step 5: Await Assessment

Applications will be reviewed according to program priorities, urgency, eligibility, and available resources.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly explain the need for support.
• Demonstrate how the issue affects your advocacy or organizational work.
• Provide specific information about risks, challenges, or wellbeing concerns.
• Present realistic budgets and timelines.
• Show how the support will strengthen resilience, safety, or effectiveness.
• Include all required documentation and supporting information.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete applications.
• Providing insufficient justification for requested support.
• Requesting activities unrelated to LGBTQIA+ rights work.
• Omitting information about risks or vulnerabilities.
• Applying under an ineligible category.
• Failing to explain how funding will be used.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FIER·ES Programme?

The FIER·ES Programme is an ERIM initiative that provides psychosocial support and emergency assistance to LGBTQIA+ activists and organizations in Ukraine.

How much funding is available for psychosocial support?

Beneficiaries may receive support valued at up to EUR 500.

How much emergency funding is available?

Eligible applicants may receive emergency grants of up to EUR 2,300.

Who can apply for psychosocial support?

Activists, journalists, artists, lawyers, scientists, civil society staff, and other individuals involved in LGBTQIA+ rights advocacy may apply.

What can emergency grants be used for?

Funding may support legal aid, security measures, medical expenses, relocation costs, and other urgent protection-related needs.

Are organizations eligible to apply?

Yes. LGBTQIA+ rights organizations and civil society organizations working on inclusion and human rights are eligible.

How long does it take to receive support?

Applicants should expect a minimum processing period of approximately three weeks between application and support delivery.

Conclusion

The FIER·ES Programme provides critical support for LGBTQIA+ activists, civil society members, and organizations working to advance equality and human rights in Ukraine. Through psychosocial assistance, emergency protection funding, legal support, security measures, and wellbeing services, the program strengthens resilience, safeguards vulnerable communities, and enables continued advocacy for inclusion, dignity, and equal rights.

For more information, visit Public Space.