Deadline: 30-Jun-25
A new funding opportunity has been announced to promote youth engagement in public service and to strengthen academic integrity within higher education institutions across Ukraine. Civil society organizations are invited to submit project proposals under two distinct thematic areas with funding support of up to USD 50,000 per project and a maximum implementation period of eight months.
The first thematic area focuses on advancing academic integrity in higher education. Selected CSOs will work alongside a maximum of ten universities to support the application of newly adopted methodological recommendations aimed at fostering integrity and transparency in academic settings. This includes providing tailored technical support, conducting training sessions, and developing practical tools to help each institution implement these recommendations effectively. CSOs are also expected to closely monitor the implementation process, gather feedback, and help universities build internal capacity to detect and prevent academic misconduct. Moreover, a communication strategy must be developed to raise awareness both within and outside university settings about the importance of academic integrity and to showcase the institutions’ progress.
The second thematic area supports youth participation in local self-governance. Partnering with 15 local self-governments, CSOs will assist in launching internship programs tailored for young individuals interested in public service careers. These programs will be supported by structured training and methodology provided by key national institutions. The goal is to help local governments build and implement effective youth internship programs, from planning and recruitment to execution and evaluation. CSOs will provide hands-on mentoring, communication outreach, and facilitate experience-sharing across participating municipalities. The broader objective is to empower young people to contribute to democratic governance and civic engagement, while strengthening institutional mechanisms within local governments to sustain youth involvement.
Applications are welcome from all regions of Ukraine under government control. CSOs or consortia must demonstrate operational capacity in the proposed implementation areas. Projects must adhere to strict financial guidelines and be transparent, cost-effective, and well-documented.
Funding can be used for staff salaries, consultative services, supplies, communication materials, event-related services, and domestic travel. However, expenses related to international travel, construction, political or religious activities, and profit-making initiatives are not eligible.
Only non-profit organizations registered in Ukraine are eligible to apply. For Lot 1, applicants must have at least five years of registration and two years of national-level project implementation experience in transparency and anti-corruption. For Lot 2, applicants need at least three years of experience in youth engagement and work with local governments across various regions.
This funding initiative offers a strategic platform to build youth leadership and strengthen institutional integrity — both essential pillars for inclusive and accountable development.
For more information, visit UNDP.