Grant Competition for CSO Partnerships

The grant programme is implemented by IER under the project “Resilience and Engagement for Ukraine”, aimed at strengthening civil society in the context of war and EU integration.

Key characteristics:

• The project is funded by the European Union and focuses on enhancing Ukraine’s resilience.
• It supports civil society capacity and addresses the impacts of the war.

Objective of the call:

• Support for partnerships between CSOs, think tanks, academia, and media.
• Development of analytical and communication products for monitoring, analysis, and promotion of reforms related to EU integration.

Implementation features:

• Cooperation with universities, including involvement of students and researchers.
• Partnerships are expected to strengthen analytical and thematic capacity.

Priorities:

• Strengthening CSO institutional capacity in advocacy and reform communication.
• Developing partnerships between CSOs, academia, media, and other organizations.

Who can participate:

• Eligible applicants are civil society organizations (CSOs) registered in accordance with applicable legislation.

Partnership requirements:

• A partnership is defined as a consortium of at least 2 organizations (optimally 3).
• Partners may include CSOs, think tanks, media, and academic institutions.
• Cooperation must be formalized through agreements or memoranda.
• Funding is provided only to the lead applicant.

Additional notes:

• Cooperation with universities is encouraged, including involvement of students and academic staff.
• Partnerships are expected to strengthen the analytical and thematic capacity of the project.

Programme parameters:

• Expected project duration — 12 months.
• Total budget — UAH 3,600,000.
• Minimum grant — UAH 600,000; expected — UAH 900,000.

Within the programme, eligible and ineligible funding areas are clearly defined.

Supported activities:

• Conducting analytical research and producing analytical outputs (reports, policy briefs, etc.).
• Advocacy activities to promote reforms and engage stakeholders.
• Organization of public events (roundtables, discussions, consultations).
• Communication and awareness-raising activities (content, social media, video).
• Development of training and methodological materials.
• Capacity-building activities (trainings, mentoring, exchange of experience).
• Strengthening partnerships and collaboration with experts.

Ineligible activities:

• Activities of a political or partisan nature.
• Commercial or profit-oriented activities.
• Charity not directly related to the programme objectives.
• Infrastructure projects or real estate acquisition.
• Unjustified procurement not linked to project activities.
• Individual grants or scholarships (unless explicitly allowed).
• Double funding from other sources.
• Activities violating EU principles (human rights, non-discrimination, transparency).
• Any costs not compliant with Ukrainian law or EU rules.

Within the programme, supported activities and project types are aligned with Ukraine’s EU integration priorities.

Main activity types:

• Strengthening CSO capacity in advocacy, monitoring, and communication of reforms.
• Development of partnerships among CSOs, think tanks, media, and academia.
• Preparation of analytical outputs (reports, policy briefs, advocacy materials).
• Organization of public discussions and communication activities.

Priority thematic areas:

• Digital transformation and media (including platform regulation and data protection).
• Transport policy (energy integration, infrastructure development).
• Entrepreneurship and industrial policy (economic integration with the EU).
• Customs union (harmonization of customs procedures and rules).

Expected results:

• Increased public awareness of reforms.
• Establishment of sustainable partnerships and production of high-quality analytical outputs.
• Strengthened capacity of regional CSOs to communicate reforms.

Within the programme, a clear roadmap for the call and project selection process is defined.

Key milestones:

• Information session — May 6, 2026 at 14:00 (online).
• Application deadline — June 1, 2026.
• Grant committee meeting — June 17, 2026.
• Announcement of winners — June 22, 2026.
• Project start — July 1, 2026.

Step 1. Prepare documents:

• Prepare the application package: application form (Word), budget (Excel), project matrix, and supporting documents (PDF/Word).
• All documents must be submitted as separate files.

Step 2. Submit the application (mandatory via two channels):

1. By email to: eu@ier.kyiv.ua

   • Required subject line: “Resilience through Partnership” call.

   • If files are large, a file-sharing link may be provided.

2. Via the online platform: http://grant.ier.com.ua

Step 3. Submission validation:

• The application is considered valid only if submitted through both channels simultaneously.
• Submission via only one channel (e.g., email only) leads to rejection.

Step 5. Results:

• Results are communicated publicly and via email.
• Reasons for rejection are not disclosed.

Additional note:

• No individual consultations are provided; a general online session is available for applicants.

Key criteria:

• Alignment of the proposal with the objectives of the call.
• Applicant’s experience in analytical work.
• Effectiveness and feasibility of proposed activities.
• Sustainability of results.
• Budget justification and cost-effectiveness.
• Financial and operational capacity of the applicant.

Required documents and annexes:

• Application form (Annex A).
• Project budget (Annex B).
• Project matrix (Annex C).
• Call guidelines (Annex D).
• Template of guarantee letter (Annex E).
• CSO partnership description (Annex F).

Key requirements:

• All annexes are part of a single application package (submitted together).
• Applicants must carefully review the guidelines, which include requirements for budgeting, eligibility, and document completion.
• A project team CV is a mandatory document.

• Answers to the questions received will be announced during an online information session to be held on May 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
• Register at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/kQ7kqET33Y

Within the programme, requirements for transparency, communication, and reporting are defined.

Key requirements:

• Applicants must ensure a transparent budget and efficient use of resources.
• Regular communication and visibility of project activities in implementation regions is required.
• At least two communication channels must be used (e.g., Facebook, Telegram, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, website).

Additional notes:

• Communication should cover all key stages of project implementation.
• Visibility and outreach are considered part of reporting obligations.

Key provisions:

• Applications are reviewed by the Grant Committee.
• The committee may provide recommendations for project improvement.
• Final decisions are made after project presentations and defense.

Legal aspects:

• Decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
• Results are communicated publicly and via email to applicants.
• Reasons for rejection are not disclosed.