Deadline: 26-Jan-2026
The WFP–FAO Micro-Grant Program, implemented in partnership with Southern Development Strategy (SDS), supports war-affected households and entrepreneurs in Ukraine to restore and expand crop and livestock businesses. The program provides micro-grants of up to USD 1,500, mandatory business training, and ongoing mentorship to strengthen agricultural livelihoods in frontline communities of the Kherson region.
Program Overview
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the NGO Southern Development Strategy (SDS), are implementing a targeted micro-grant and capacity-building program for local agricultural producers in war-affected areas of Ukraine.
The initiative focuses on helping households and small entrepreneurs restart, stabilize, or scale crop and livestock production while strengthening resilience, business skills, and income generation.
Program Objectives
The program is designed to support war-affected households to launch or expand agricultural businesses, improve entrepreneurial and business planning skills, provide practical tools for business optimization and sustainability, strengthen livelihoods in frontline and severely affected communities, and contribute to the recovery and resilience of local agricultural systems.
What the Program Offers
Micro-Grant Funding
Grants of up to USD 1,500 per selected participant. Funds may be used to restore, improve, or expand crop or livestock activities.
Mandatory Specialized Training
In-person training conducted in Mykolaiv covering practical business and agricultural topics.
Ongoing Mentorship and Advisory Support
Participants receive expert guidance on business planning and financial management, taxes and accounting, logistics and supply chains, production planning, and sales and market access.
Geographic Coverage
The program operates in the Kherson region, specifically within the Velikooleksandrivska community and the Vysokopilska community. Only applicants residing and operating in these locations are eligible.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include individuals or individual entrepreneurs directly affected by the war who are motivated and capable of starting, restoring, or scaling agricultural activities in crop or livestock production.
Applicants must permanently reside in one of the target communities, be able to attend mandatory training in Mykolaiv, be willing to develop and submit a business plan, and must not have received FAO or WFP agricultural grants in the previous six months.
General Eligibility and Compliance Criteria
Applicants must be legally registered in Ukraine, not be in liquidation or bankruptcy, have no outstanding tax debts, comply with Ukrainian labor laws, have no ongoing criminal, corruption, or fraud proceedings, and be able to provide financial documentation related to budgets and use of funds.
Ineligible Activities
Grant funding cannot be used for weapons or ammunition production, alcohol or tobacco manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, environmentally harmful activities, or any activities prohibited under Ukrainian law or United Nations regulations.
How the Program Works
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Application Submission – Eligible individuals submit required documentation and initial business information.
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Eligibility Screening – Applications are reviewed against technical and compliance criteria.
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Training Participation – Selected applicants attend mandatory training in Mykolaiv.
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Business Plan Development – Participants refine and submit a viable business plan.
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Grant Disbursement – Approved participants receive micro-grant funding.
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Mentorship and Monitoring – Ongoing advisory support ensures effective use of funds.
Why This Program Matters
The program supports economic recovery in war-affected regions, strengthens food security and local agricultural production, empowers households to rebuild sustainable livelihoods, combines financial assistance with skills development, and reinforces resilience in frontline agricultural communities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying without meeting geographic eligibility, submitting incomplete documentation, presenting weak or unrealistic business plans, proposing prohibited activities, or being unable to attend mandatory training.
Tips for a Strong Application
Clearly explain how the war affected your agricultural activity, present a simple and realistic business plan, demonstrate how the grant will improve productivity or income, commit to training and mentorship participation, and align activities with local agricultural needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum grant amount?
Up to USD 1,500 per approved participant.
Is training mandatory to receive the grant?
Yes. Participation in specialized training in Mykolaiv is required.
Can I apply if I previously received FAO or WFP support?
No, if you received agricultural grants from FAO or WFP in the last six months.
Are cooperatives or companies eligible?
No. The program targets individuals and individual entrepreneurs only.
Can the grant be used for both livestock and crop production?
Yes. Both crop and livestock activities are eligible.
Is prior business experience required?
No, but applicants must demonstrate motivation and capacity to manage an agricultural business.
Conclusion
The WFP–FAO Micro-Grant Program delivers targeted funding, skills training, and mentorship to help war-affected farmers and producers rebuild resilient agricultural livelihoods. By combining financial support with practical capacity-building, the program plays a critical role in restoring local economies and strengthening food systems in Ukraine’s most affected communities.
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