“Bridges of Solidarity with Ukraine” Contest

The “Social Capital” program of the International Renaissance Foundation launches a call to support projects focused on Ukrainian communities abroad maintaining ties with Ukraine.

The initiative aims to expand international solidarity with Ukraine in intellectual, academic, and cultural spheres.

Ukrainian communities abroad are seen as active environments of cultural, educational, and civic engagement that:

• act as bridges between Ukraine and host societies;
• implement cultural, educational, volunteer, and other initiatives;
• promote knowledge about Ukraine internationally.

The call supports projects that not only represent Ukraine globally but also strengthen the role of Ukrainian communities as partners in international cooperation.

Objective of the call:

• Maintain and strengthen connections between Ukrainian communities abroad and Ukraine.
• Enhance their role in shaping international understanding of Ukraine.
• Increase support for Ukraine among foreign audiences.

• Eligible applicants include NGOs, unions, associations, and other entities registered in government-controlled territories of Ukraine.
• Applicants must have non-profit or charitable status in accordance with Ukrainian legislation.
• Only Ukrainian organizations can receive grants.
• Projects are expected to be implemented in partnership with international organizations, including Ukrainian communities abroad.

Total budget: UAH 15,500,000.

Recommended grant size: UAH 800,000 – 1,000,000.

Maximum grant: UAH 1,250,000.

Approximately 10–12 projects will be supported.

Project duration: up to 12 months, expected start — September 2026.

Eligible costs:

• Directly related to project implementation.
• Incurred within the project period.
• Meet principles of cost-effectiveness and justification.
• Properly documented and supported.

Ineligible costs:

• Proposal preparation or organization setup.
• Debt repayment or currency loss compensation.
• Direct funding to public authorities.
• Political/religious activities or discriminatory practices.
• Profit-oriented activities.
• Construction, renovation, equipment or vehicle purchases.
• Humanitarian or military aid.
• Sub-granting to third parties.

Additional conditions:

• Grantees are responsible for monitoring, reporting, and communication of results.
• Reporting must follow donor-defined formats.
• The fund does not support political, religious, business, or public sector entities.
• Decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

Projects should focus on cultural, artistic, educational, and awareness-raising activities, as well as advocacy and support for economic resilience of Ukrainians.

The core objective is to strengthen connections between Ukrainian communities abroad and Ukraine and promote knowledge about Ukraine globally.

Key priority areas:

• Engagement with Ukrainian diasporas and communities abroad, including their participation in cultural and intellectual life.
• Projects targeting diverse audiences and sectors
  (educational, academic, artistic, research, and civic).
• Initiatives implemented through partnerships between Ukrainian and international organizations, with clear roles and long-term cooperation.
• Projects with co-financing or institutional support from international partners.
• Activities focused on countries hosting large Ukrainian communities formed after 2022.

• Application deadline: April 15, 2026 (until 15:00 Kyiv time).
• Competition closing date: April 15, 2026.
• Important: proposals submitted after 15:00 (April 13, 2026) via the website will not be considered.
• Announcement of results: June 15, 2026.
• Deadline for additional inquiries: until April 9, 2026.

Implementation phase:

• Project duration — up to 12 months.
• Expected project start — September 2026.

1. Register the project proposal (application form with attachments) on the International Renaissance Foundation website using the “Electronic Competition” system.
2. Upload all required documents in accepted formats: .doc, .docs, .xls, .xlsx, or .pdf.
3. Ensure that each file does not exceed 8 MB.
4. Submit the application before the deadline — late submissions will not be considered
   (including those submitted after 15:00 Kyiv time on April 13, 2026).
5. Submit proposals only through the designated system — applications sent via other methods will not be reviewed.

• Alignment of the submitted proposal with the goals and priorities of the competition;
• clarity of cooperation logic between Ukrainian and international partners;
• expected impact on strengthening international solidarity with Ukraine;
• comprehensiveness of approaches to working with new diasporas and foreign audiences;
• prior experience of the applicant and partners in similar activities;
• feasibility of the implementation plan;
• sustainability of results after the end of funding.

• Partner description;
• letters of support;
• activity programs;
• co-financing proof (if available).

Results announcement: June 15, 2026.

Grantees are required to submit reports in the format defined by the donor (International Renaissance Foundation).

Project costs are considered eligible only if they:

• are properly justified and clear;
• are correctly documented;
• are supported by financial and accounting documentation.

Reporting is essential to confirm proper use of funds and compliance with program requirements.