Deadline: 15-Aug-23
ISAR Unity has launched a grant competition to improve the conditions of civil society activity and strengthen the institutional capacity of CSOs to increase the self-sufficiency of the public sector in Ukraine.
With the help of this competition, ISAR Unity aims to involve civil society organizations (hereinafter CSOs) in the processes of sustainable recovery of Ukraine using an approach that involves not only the restoration of the damage caused by the war, but also the solution of basic problems and the modernization of processes for the stability and sustainable development of Ukraine society.
The main goal of this competition is to select civil society organizations that have the capacity and potential to implement national and local level sustainable recovery projects. Such organizations must have the ability to communicate effectively with the public, the media, and various stakeholders, including government agencies, international organizations, and other civil society organizations.
Priorities
Within the framework of this grant competition, the following areas of activity of CSO grantees are the priorities for funding:
- Victory: initiatives aimed at developing the organizational capacity of CSOs and initiative groups that carry out activities in support of the defense forces of Ukraine, support of the international coalition, advocacy of weapons and financial support, counteraction of Russian hybrid aggression at the international level, fair trial of war criminals, punishment of Russia and compensation for victims.
- Projects under this priority may include: measures to strengthen the organizational capacity of CSOs that provide support to the Defense Forces of Ukraine, which will involve strengthening management skills, developing strategic planning, financial management, fundraising tools and other skills necessary for the effective functioning of organizations; development of informational materials, articles, press releases for placement in foreign mass media in order to attract attention and increase awareness of the international community regarding the situation in Ukraine; preparation and distribution of brochures, posters, videos, infographics aimed at explaining the situation in Ukraine; organization of conferences, seminars, round tables, discussion panels, participation of representatives of Ukraine in international public events.
- Democracy: initiatives are aimed at access to information, participation of citizens in decision making regarding reconstruction at the local level, support for the role of civil society and the development of a culture of volunteerism, freedom of speech and the development of independent media.
- Projects under this priority may include, for example, the organization of trainings, seminars and working groups with the aim of improving the skills of representatives of civil society organizations and local authorities in interaction, cooperation and solving common problems, holding strategic sessions, organizing forums, round tables, discussion panels and other formats that promote open dialogue, exchange of ideas and development, joint solutions, involvement of external experts or consultants to develop local policies, development strategies and analytical documents based on community needs and best practices, conducting surveys, consultations and other formats of community involvement to collect information about their needs, problems and priorities, creating community maps, etc.
- Economy: support for initiatives aimed at the development of a favorable legal environment for small and medium-sized businesses, development of economic freedom and entrepreneurship among the population, support for relocated businesses.
- Projects under this priority may include, for example, the development and promotion of legislative initiatives; conducting trainings, seminars and educational events aimed at increasing the level of economic freedom and entrepreneurship among the population; provision of advisory support to businesses that are relocating or have already relocated and are going to expand their activities; establishment of partnership relations with foreign organizations, governments and international financial institutions for the purpose of sharing experience, attracting investments and supporting the development of small and medium-sized businesses.
- Security: within the framework of this priority, it is planned to support one organization with experience in conducting successful fundraising campaigns, which will develop and conduct a broad international campaign aimed at collecting funds for the installation of armored street shelters in Ukrainian cities.
- The project within the framework of this priority should provide for the development of a detailed campaign plan, including a strategy for attracting donors, a communication strategy and the distribution of roles and responsibilities, conducting a broad international communication campaign with the aim of attracting the attention of the international community to the problem and the need to arrange armored street shelters, the development of a convenient system to collect funds using electronic platforms, bank transfers or other available methods.
- National Identity: initiatives aimed at strengthening national identity through culture, nonformal education, youth work and media literacy, which aim to preserve, support and develop cultural values, traditions and heritage in order to form a sense of belonging and unite citizens around common values and ideas. These initiatives aim to change the consciousness and behavior of citizens, strengthening their connection with national culture, identity and shared values.
- Projects under this priority may include, for example, the organization of cultural events such as festivals, exhibitions, conferences and other events dedicated to national history, culture and traditions, the introduction of non-formal educational programs, courses, seminars, lectures and educational campaigns aimed at increasing national consciousness among citizens, in particular among young people; production and distribution of educational content for social networks, etc.
- Development of Communities and Networking: initiatives are aimed at developing a culture of partnership (around common goals, based on common values), restoration of continuity of heritage with the diaspora, support of the veteran movement.
- Projects under this priority may include, for example, the organization of forums, meetings and conferences that contribute to strengthening cooperation and exchange of experience between different sectors. Such events can involve representatives of public organizations, government bodies, businesses and other stakeholders to discuss common goals and develop cooperation strategies. Exchange of experience, internships and training programs between different sectors can also be introduced.
- Additional priority:
- Support of Central Executive Government Bodies in the Recovery Process Through Partnership with CSOs: initiatives are aimed at comprehensive recovery of various spheres of public governance, which include a comprehensive overall assessment of the damage caused and the development of an action plan for the recovery of the sphere. Such initiatives should be developed and submitted for participation in the competition in partnership with the CSO and include an approach to assessing the damage caused not only to the material base, but also to the processes and services provided in the field. It is important to note that specific projects within the framework of this priority can be developed and adapted according to the needs and context of each individual sphere of public administration.
- All supported CSOs will also be offered participation in educational activities, experience sharing programs, networking support activities to achieve common goals in the field of sustainable recovery. Also, the organization can independently include organizational capacity development measures in the project proposal.
Funding Information
- The budget of one project can range from UAH 500,000 to UAH 5 million. The maximum period of project implementation is 24 months.
Eligibility Criteria
- To participate in the competition, applications prepared in accordance with the requirements of this “Invitation” are accepted from organizations that meet the following criteria:
- organizations that are officially registered in accordance with the Law of Ukraine “On Public Associations” or in accordance with the Law of Ukraine “On Charitable Activities and Charitable Organizations”;
- organizations that are included in the “Register of Non-Profit Organizations” and have the corresponding sign of non-profit;
- organizations that have proven experience in implementing development projects at the national and local level.
- Applications from organizations that do not meet the specified requirements will not be considered.
For more information, visit ISAR Unity.