RFPs: Effective Communities to Support Persons with Disabilities (Ukraine)

The Trauma Rehabilitation for Ukraine (TRUE) Project is offering grants to Ukrainian civil society organizations to strengthen community-based rehabilitation, inclusion, and support systems for persons with disabilities. The programme provides grants of up to UAH 700,000 for projects that improve accessibility, empower persons with disabilities, build local partnerships, and develop sustainable community support solutions.

Program Overview

The Trauma Rehabilitation for Ukraine (TRUE) Project has launched the Empowered Communities for Persons with Disabilities Sub-Grant Program to support Ukrainian civil society organizations working to improve the lives of persons with disabilities.

The programme focuses on strengthening local capacity, expanding rehabilitation opportunities, improving social inclusion, and developing community-based solutions through cooperation between civil society, local authorities, and community stakeholders.

The initiative supports projects that create long-term improvements in:

Disability inclusion.
Rehabilitation services.
Accessibility.
Community participation.
Independent living.
Social support systems.

About the Trauma Rehabilitation for Ukraine (TRUE) Project

The TRUE project is implemented by a consortium consisting of:

Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute.
Patients of Ukraine Charitable Foundation.
Protez Hub Charitable Foundation.
All-Ukrainian Association of Physical Therapists.
Ukrainian Society of Speech and Language Therapy.

The project is supported by Switzerland through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

The programme aims to strengthen trauma rehabilitation systems and improve support mechanisms for people affected by war, injuries, disabilities, and rehabilitation needs.

Grant Objectives

The Empowered Communities for Persons with Disabilities programme aims to:

Strengthen local civil society organizations.
Improve support services for persons with disabilities.
Increase access to rehabilitation and community resources.
Promote inclusive communities.
Improve cooperation between organizations and local governments.
Reduce stigma related to disability.
Support independence and self-confidence among persons with disabilities.

Key Focus Areas

Disability Support and Rehabilitation

Projects should improve:

Access to rehabilitation services.
Community-based care.
Support systems for persons with disabilities.
Information about available services.
Opportunities for independent living.

Community Inclusion and Accessibility

Supported initiatives may focus on:

Removing barriers for persons with disabilities.
Creating accessible community environments.
Improving participation in community activities.
Promoting equal opportunities.

Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

Projects should encourage:

Self-efficacy.
Independence.
Leadership participation.
Decision-making involvement.
Active community engagement.

Reducing Stigma and Promoting Awareness

Activities may include:

Awareness campaigns.
Educational activities.
Community communication initiatives.
Promotion of inclusive attitudes.

Organizational Capacity Development

The programme also supports strengthening civil society organizations through:

Financial management improvement.
Project management skills.
Fundraising capacity.
Monitoring and evaluation systems.
Reporting practices.
Advocacy skills.
Partnership development.

Why This Grant Matters

The war in Ukraine has increased the need for accessible rehabilitation and community support services for:

Persons with disabilities.
Veterans.
People requiring rehabilitation.
Vulnerable community members.

The programme helps communities:

Develop sustainable support models.
Improve access to essential services.
Strengthen local partnerships.
Promote dignity and inclusion.
Increase participation of persons with disabilities in society.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants are civil society organizations that meet the following requirements:

Legally registered in Ukraine by 31 December 2024 or earlier.
Have non-profit status.
Are not registered in temporarily occupied territories.
Work with persons with disabilities, rehabilitation groups, veterans, vulnerable populations, or communities.
Have relevant project experience.
Have organizational and financial capacity.
Can reach at least 300 persons with disabilities.
Involve persons with disabilities and community representatives in implementation or monitoring.

Applicants must follow principles of:

Non-discrimination.
Transparency.
Accountability.
Integrity.

Geographic Focus

Projects must be implemented in Ukraine, excluding temporarily occupied territories.

Priority will be given to projects implemented in or directly benefiting the following territorial communities:

Odesa.
Chornomorska.
Podilsk.
Artsyz.
Chernivtsi.
Kitsmansk.
Khotyn.
Storozhynetsk.

Applications from other regions of Ukraine are also eligible.

Applicants must clearly explain:

The target community.
Local disability-related challenges.
How activities will benefit persons with disabilities.
How rehabilitation and inclusion needs will be addressed.

Funding Information

Maximum grant amount:

UAH 700,000

The final grant amount will depend on:

Project scope.
Budget feasibility.
Available funding.
Evaluation results.

Project duration:

Start date: 1 September 2026
Maximum implementation period: 6 months

Eligible Activities and Expenses

Funding may support:

Human Resources

Eligible costs include:

Salaries for project staff.
Fees for experts.
Trainers.
Facilitators.
Consultants.

Training and Community Activities

Funding may cover:

Training sessions.
Workshops.
Consultations.
Community meetings.
Awareness events.

Accessibility and Support Solutions

Eligible expenses include:

Accessibility improvements.
Rehabilitation-related materials.
Digital products.
Communication tools.
Information resources.

Operational Project Costs

Funding may support:

Venue rental.
Technical support.
Logistics.
Travel related to project activities.
Small equipment and materials needed for implementation.

All expenses must be:

Reasonable.
Justified.
Directly connected to project activities.

How the Grant Works

The grant implementation process includes:

Civil society organizations submit applications.
Applications are evaluated based on eligibility and project quality.
Selected organizations receive grant support.
Organizations implement community-based activities.
Projects monitor outcomes and report results.

How to Apply

Applicants should:

Confirm organizational eligibility.
Identify a clear community need.
Develop a project addressing disability inclusion or rehabilitation challenges.
Explain partnerships with communities and local stakeholders.
Prepare a realistic budget.
Demonstrate expected impact.
Submit the application according to TRUE programme requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Proposing projects without clear community benefits.
Failing to involve persons with disabilities.
Submitting unrealistic budgets.
Ignoring accessibility requirements.
Not explaining sustainability after project completion.
Providing insufficient evidence of organizational capacity.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve proposals by:

Demonstrating previous disability support experience.
Including persons with disabilities in planning and monitoring.
Building partnerships with local authorities.
Explaining measurable outcomes.
Showing how activities will continue after funding ends.
Providing clear links between activities and community needs.

Expected Outcomes

Supported projects are expected to achieve:

Stronger local disability support systems.
Improved access to rehabilitation services.
Increased community inclusion.
Greater independence among persons with disabilities.
Reduced stigma.
Improved cooperation between civil society and local authorities.
Sustainable community-based solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the TRUE Empowered Communities for Persons with Disabilities Grant?

It is a sub-grant programme supporting Ukrainian civil society organizations that improve disability inclusion, rehabilitation, and community support systems.

How much funding is available?

Selected organizations can receive grants of up to UAH 700,000.

Who can apply?

Ukrainian non-profit civil society organizations with relevant experience working with persons with disabilities, rehabilitation groups, veterans, or vulnerable communities can apply.

Where can projects be implemented?

Projects can be implemented across Ukraine except temporarily occupied territories, with priority given to selected communities in Odesa, Chernivtsi, and surrounding priority areas.

How long can projects last?

Projects must start on 1 September 2026 and be completed within a maximum of six months.

What activities can funding support?

Funding can support rehabilitation activities, training, accessibility solutions, community events, awareness campaigns, staff costs, and other direct project expenses.

Must persons with disabilities participate in projects?

Yes. Applicants are expected to involve persons with disabilities and community representatives in project implementation or monitoring.

Conclusion

The Trauma Rehabilitation for Ukraine (TRUE) Grant Programme provides critical support for Ukrainian civil society organizations working to build inclusive and resilient communities. By strengthening rehabilitation services, accessibility, partnerships, and local capacity, the programme helps create sustainable solutions that improve independence, dignity, and quality of life for persons with disabilities.