Culture Helps: Solidarity

The project supports cultural and art professionals from Ukraine to maintain their ability to work and stay resilient during the war.

It is co-funded by the European Union under the Creative Europe program and implemented by the European Cultural Foundation in partnership with Insha Osvita, zusa, and the VETERANKA movement.

The goal is to support initiatives helping people overcome social and emotional difficulties of displacement and return through art, dialogue, and co-creation.

Application submission requirements

• Applications must be submitted in English and include a completed application form and detailed budget.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of submission.

Applicant and organisational eligibility

• The call is open to individuals and organisations (public, private, or civil society) based in Ukraine or in countries participating in the Creative Europe programme.
• Applicants must operate in the cultural, creative, or civil society sectors.

Funding volume and call structure

• The programme includes four thematic grant calls, through which at least 60 projects will be supported.
• Within the first call, funding is planned for a minimum of 15 projects.
• The maximum grant amount is up to €7,000 per project.
• Each call has its own thematic focus aligned with the programme’s priority areas.

Eligible use of grant funds

• The grant may cover costs related to production, marketing, IT services, materials, and rental of studios or facilities.
• Funding may also be used for the purchase of equipment, particularly when necessary for project implementation or replacement of lost or damaged assets.
• Eligible expenses include expert services, legal support, operational costs, and team salaries.
• Travel and other project-related implementation costs may also be covered.

Financial principles and conditions

• All expenses must be justified, proportionate, and directly related to project implementation.
• Funding is provided within the approved budget and in accordance with the programme’s grant agreement and selection procedures.

Main objective of support

• the programme supports cultural projects that strengthen connections within communities and promote social cohesion;
• priority is given to initiatives that create opportunities for interaction, experience sharing, and trust-building through cultural activities.

Target groups that projects may address

• people who have been displaced within Ukraine or abroad due to the war;
• veterans;
• communities experiencing social fragmentation, isolation, or emotional exhaustion.

Eligible activity formats

• initiatives based on co-creation and participatory cultural practices;
• experimental artistic formats and cultural activities;
• storytelling, mobile cultural projects, and other accessible engagement formats.

Expected outcomes of supported projects

• creation of opportunities for interaction between diverse social groups;
• strengthening of belonging and social integration;
• improvement of participants’ emotional well-being through safe and inclusive cultural activities.

Main stages of the competitive selection process

• 20 February 2026 — launch of the call, opening the application submission period.
• 5 March 2026 — thematic workshop for programme participants.
• 16 April 2026 — application submission deadline, marking the closure of the call.
• Mid-June 2026 — announcement of results and selection of awarded projects.

Project implementation phase

• 1 July 2026 — start of project implementation in accordance with approved plans.
• 31 December 2026 — completion of project implementation under the grant.
• 31 January 2027 — submission of final reports, confirming project results and proper use of funds.

Additional informational and support activities

• An information online session will be held on 9 March 2026 to provide clarification on technical requirements and the application process.
• A thematic webinar is also scheduled for 6 March 2026, focusing on the thematic priorities and participation conditions of the call.

1. Review details and download the budget template at: https://culture-of-solidarity-fund.grantplatform.com/
2. Fill out the application form in English.
3. Submit via the online platform before the deadline.

• Relevance to the theme.
• Capacity of the applicant.
• Quality and integrity of the application.
• Authenticity and originality.
• Sustainability and environmental responsibility.

• Webinar "(Dis)connected communities": March 5, 2026, 15:00 (Kyiv).
• Information online session: March 9, 2026, 15:00 (Kyiv). Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/j-FoujgURGuz8_U6ykQL5Q#/registration 

Submission of final reports is scheduled by January 31, 2027.

Financial and programme restrictions

• Projects must not receive funding from other Creative Europe programmes, in order to avoid double funding.
• Applications submitted by political parties are not eligible for consideration.

Restrictions on supported activities

• Purely humanitarian initiatives or individual requests intended solely to cover living expenses are not eligible for funding.
• Projects must align with the programme’s objectives and contribute to tangible outcomes within the relevant sectors.