Грант для ГО на зміцнення регіональної координації систем підтримки ветеранів

The UVRR grant program, developed by IREX, is focused on the rehabilitation and reintegration of Ukrainian veterans through strengthening support systems, coordination mechanisms, and access to services.

The program supports initiatives aimed at:

• building the institutional capacity of veteran service systems;
• expanding access to mental health and psychosocial support services;
• creating employment and vocational training opportunities for veterans, particularly for the most vulnerable groups.

The purpose of the grant competition is to support the creation or strengthening of regional coordination mechanisms within the veteran support sector. These mechanisms are expected to connect civil society organizations, government authorities, businesses, and service providers to improve coordination, information exchange, and veterans’ access to services.

Within the grant program, eligibility is limited to organizations that meet the established qualification requirements and operate in accordance with Ukrainian legislation.

Key eligibility requirements include:

• Applicants must be legally registered in Ukraine as legal entities and operate in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Only Ukrainian organizations are eligible to apply. Organizations or individuals from the United States or other third countries are not eligible applicants.
• Project activities must be implemented exclusively in territories controlled by the Government of Ukraine.
• Applicants must hold non-profit status.

Proposed projects must:

• align with the goals and principles of the UVRR program;
• include clearly defined expected results and impact;
• comply with the established implementation timelines.

Political parties and organizations engaged in political or lobbying activities are not eligible to participate in the program.

The program also includes compliance requirements:

• organizations must not be under sanctions or undergoing liquidation procedures;
• applicants must comply with U.S. government regulations, including procurement standards and cost principles.

Applications may be submitted in either Ukrainian or English.

Eligible recipients include:

• civil society organizations;
• non-governmental organizations;
• charitable organizations and foundations;
• public associations;
• CSO consortia with clearly defined roles and budget allocations.

Within this grant program, IREX plans to award one grant with an estimated budget of up to USD 100,000, subject to the availability of funding. The expected implementation period is 12 months, with project activities anticipated to begin in July 2026.

IREX reserves the right to:

• fund all, some, or none of the submitted applications;
• modify the number of grants, funding amounts, and implementation timelines;
• decline to issue grants under this funding opportunity.

Each organization or consortium may submit only one application. Expenses incurred prior to the official grant award will not be reimbursed.

Grant funds may not be used for:

• debt repayment, penalties, or fines;
• gambling, alcohol, or political activities;
• international travel and overseas trips;
• humanitarian aid or food purchases;
• construction, reconstruction, or the purchase of land and buildings;
• loans, individual scholarships, or commercial ventures;
• activities conducted outside Ukraine;
• procurement from suppliers included on U.S. government restricted or suspended vendor lists.

Funding also cannot support expenses that are not allowable under 2 CFR 200 and FAR 31.2 regulations.

Key stages of the program include:

• competition announcement — May 11, 2026;
• submission of project proposals until May 31, 2026;
• project implementation start — July 2026;
• expected implementation period — from July 2026 through August 2027.

To participate in the grant program, applicants must submit a complete application package in accordance with the established procedures and deadlines.

Main application steps include:

1. Reviewing the application materials
   Applicants may download the full RFA text and application package through the UVRR / IREX platform.
2. Preparing the application
   The full set of required documents must be prepared in line with the program requirements and submitted electronically.
3. Submitting the application by email
   Completed applications must be sent to: tender-ua@irex.org.
   The required email subject line is: “RFA UVRR Regional Coordination”.
4. Submitting questions regarding the competition
   Any questions related to the RFA must be submitted in writing to the same email address no later than 10 days before the application deadline.
   The subject line should include: “RFA UVRR Regional Coordination”.
5. Meeting the submission deadline
   Applications must be received no later than May 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM Kyiv time.

Late or incomplete applications may not be considered for review.

Applications under the grant program will be evaluated through a scoring system covering technical quality, partnerships, sustainability, organizational capacity, and budget effectiveness.

Main evaluation criteria include:

1. Technical approach and understanding of the RFA objectives — 30 points

• clarity and realism of the proposed coordination approach;
• demonstrated understanding of coordination functions and expected outcomes;
• relevance of the geographic focus to local needs and target groups.

2. Stakeholder engagement and partnerships — 20 points

• quality of collaboration with key stakeholders;
• level of involvement of local authorities and partners;
• strength of partnership relationships.

3. Institutionalization and sustainability — 25 points

• feasibility of integrating coordination mechanisms into local systems;
• existence of a sustainability or continuation strategy;
• practicality of measures ensuring long-term operational continuity.

4. Organizational capacity and experience — 15 points

• experience in coordination and stakeholder engagement;
• cooperation with local self-government bodies;
• experience working with veteran communities.

5. Cost-effectiveness and budget — 10 points

• justification of proposed expenses;
• consistency between the budget, activities, and expected resources.

IREX may also conduct clarifications or negotiations with applicants whose proposals demonstrate strong funding potential. However, recommendation or preliminary selection does not guarantee grant funding. All applicants must demonstrate sufficient managerial and financial capacity to implement the proposed project successfully.

To participate in the grant program, applicants must prepare and submit a complete set of required documents in accordance with IREX requirements. All documents must follow the provided templates where applicable.

The mandatory application package includes:

• a project proposal using the IREX template;
• CVs or short biographies of key project staff;
• a project budget prepared in the required template;
• copies of the organization’s state registration documents;
• documents confirming non-profit status;
• the organization’s charter/statute.

Applicants may also provide supplementary documents such as:

• letters of support;
• memorandums of understanding;
• framework cooperation agreements with authorities or partners.

Organizations are advised to keep copies of all submitted documents for their records.

In the event of a positive funding decision, selected applicants will also need to submit additional documents, including:

• a protocol or official appointment order for the director or authorized signatory;
• bank account details of the organization;
• copies of internal organizational policies, including procurement and financial procedures.

Finalists may also be asked to complete an IREX due diligence review before the final approval of funding.

The main reporting requirements include:

• Periodic program reports — submitted during project implementation and describing project progress, identified challenges, mitigation measures, and planned activities for the next reporting period.
• Final program report — includes a description of achieved goals and objectives, key results, lessons learned, as well as challenges and solutions encountered during project implementation.
• Financial reports — submitted according to the schedule specified in the grant agreement. The format and frequency of reporting will depend on the grant type, project duration, and funding amount.

A detailed final financial report is a mandatory requirement under the program.

The grant program operates under established legal and administrative requirements governing grant awards, financial oversight, and project administration.

Recommendation or preliminary selection does not guarantee grant funding. All applicants must demonstrate adequate management capacity and accountability systems for the proper administration of grant resources.

Successful applicants may receive:

• a letter of intent to award a grant;
• a request to complete the Due Diligence Questionnaire;
• requests for additional supporting documentation.

After the funding support letter is issued, final negotiations with selected applicants will take place before signing the grant agreement.

Applicants who are not selected will receive written notification. However, IREX is not obligated to provide detailed feedback or explanations regarding rejection decisions.

The program is governed by the following regulations and standards:

• U.S. Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions;
• 2 CFR 200 (Subparts A–E);
• 2 CFR 600.

These regulations establish requirements related to grant administration, financial oversight, procurement, and allowable use of funds.