Grants to support people with disabilities

The "Capable Communities for Supporting Persons with Disabilities" subgrant programme is implemented within the TRUE (Trauma Rehabilitation for Ukraine) project. The project is delivered by a consortium consisting of the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) and the Patients of Ukraine Charitable Foundation, in partnership with Protez Hub, the Ukrainian Association of Physical Therapists, and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. The initiative is supported by Switzerland.

The programme aims to strengthen the capacity of local civil society organisations (CSOs) that cooperate with local authorities, community representatives, persons with disabilities, local businesses, and other stakeholders to develop practical and sustainable solutions.

Key features of the programme include:

• strengthening the institutional capacity of local CSOs;
• promoting cooperation between civil society organisations, local authorities, and communities;
• supporting inclusive approaches and practical initiatives for persons with disabilities;
• improving local support systems and access to essential services.

The programme responds to the increased need for rehabilitation, long-term support, and social reintegration caused by the full-scale war. It focuses on empowering communities to implement sustainable solutions that improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities.

Applications may be submitted by civil society organisations (CSOs) that meet the eligibility requirements and have the capacity to implement projects under the programme.

Key eligibility requirements include:

• legal registration in Ukraine no later than 31 December 2024 and non-profit status;
• no registration in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine;
• experience working at the local or regional level with persons with disabilities, people requiring rehabilitation, veterans, vulnerable groups, or communities;
• demonstrated experience in inclusion, accessibility, rehabilitation, human rights, social support, community development, or related fields;
• organisational and financial capacity to implement the proposed project within the required timeframe;
• the ability to reach at least 300 persons with disabilities through the project;
• involvement of persons with disabilities, their representatives, local leaders, or community representatives in project implementation or monitoring;
• adherence to the principles of non-discrimination, transparency, accountability, and integrity.

Applicants are also encouraged to ensure meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in project design, implementation, monitoring, and feedback mechanisms.

Under the 2026 call, up to four grants are planned to be awarded. Each organisation may submit only one full application.

The maximum grant amount is UAH 700,000. The final grant amount will depend on the project scope, the justification of the proposed budget, available funding, and the evaluation results.

Eligible costs may include:

• salaries or fees for the project team and external experts;
• organisation of events, training sessions, consultations, and community activities;
• venue rental, technical support, materials, and logistics;
• communication activities, travel, and other costs directly related to project implementation;
• small-scale equipment or materials, subject to justification and approval.

All project costs must be reasonable, justified, and compliant with the grant requirements.

Ineligible costs include:

• political or religious activities;
• repayment of debts, fines, penalties, or interest;
• purchase of real estate;
• expenses unrelated to the objectives of the call;
• luxury items, discriminatory activities, and any expenditures prohibited by applicable legislation.

The grant programme supports projects aimed at strengthening local capacity and improving support for persons with disabilities. The list of activities is indicative, and applicants may propose additional activities provided they are aligned with the objectives of the call.

Supported activities and project types include:

• strengthening local capacity through the development of support models, training, mentoring, and partnerships between CSOs, local authorities, and other community stakeholders;
• improving access to services by adapting or developing local services, establishing navigation and counselling mechanisms, introducing digital or offline solutions, and enhancing accessibility and mobility;
• empowering persons with disabilities through practical life-skills development, peer-support models, communication skills training, initiatives promoting participation in community life, and the establishment of local initiative groups;
• strengthening cooperation with local authorities and communities, including joint planning, coordination, advocacy activities, development of local recommendations, and dialogue initiatives;
• communication and awareness-raising initiatives designed to reduce stigma, implement public information campaigns, promote inclusive communication, and highlight success stories.

In addition to project funding, selected organisations will receive organisational capacity development support. Following a needs assessment, they may receive targeted training, mentoring, or technical assistance in financial management, fundraising, project management, monitoring and reporting, communication, advocacy, and cooperation with local authorities.

The programme roadmap outlines the main stages of the call, including application submission, information support, and project implementation.

Key milestones:

• 16 July 2026, 18:00 (Kyiv time) – deadline for registration for the information session.
• 17 July 2026, 14:00 (Kyiv time) – information session.
• 19 July 2026, 18:00 (Kyiv time) – deadline for submitting questions regarding the call.
• 3 August 2026, 18:00 (Kyiv time) – deadline for submitting the complete application package.

Following the selection process:

• the expected project start date is 1 September 2026;
• supported projects are expected to last up to six months, with all activities completed within the implementation period.

Applications are evaluated using a 100-point scoring system based on predefined assessment criteria. The selection process focuses on the quality of the project proposal, the justification of the budget, and the applicant's capacity to implement the project.

Evaluation criteria:

• Relevance to the call objectives, innovation, and feasibility of the implementation plan – 40 points.
• Budget justification and cost-effectiveness – 30 points.
• Institutional capacity and demonstrated previous experience – 30 points.

The evaluation process includes the following stages:

• submission and registration of complete applications;
• technical eligibility review to verify compliance with the call requirements;
• assessment of eligible applications by the Selection Committee, which may request additional information or invite applicants to present their projects if necessary;
• compliance and risk assessment for conditionally selected applications;
• final decision and signing of the subgrant agreement. Before the agreement is signed, applicants may be asked to revise their application, budget, or work plan.

As part of the grant programme, an information session is organised for prospective applicants to provide information about the call.

Key updates:

• registration for the information session is open until 16 July 2026, 18:00 (Kyiv time);
• the information session will take place on 17 July 2026 at 14:00 (Kyiv time) for prospective applicants.

Under the grant programme, grant recipients are expected to ensure monitoring, evaluation, and reporting throughout the implementation of supported projects.

Key requirements include:

• monitoring project implementation;
• evaluating project results;
• preparing and submitting reports in accordance with the programme requirements.

Before the grant agreement is signed, a compliance and risk assessment is carried out. During this process, the Organiser may request additional documents or clarifications as part of the eligibility review, application assessment, risk assessment, and contract preparation.

Under the grant programme, applicants confirm their commitment to integrity principles, compliance with applicable legislation, and the programme requirements throughout project preparation and implementation.

Key legal requirements include:

• taking all necessary measures to prevent corruption;
• having no personal, financial, or other relationships with project staff that could create a conflict of interest;
• refraining from incitement to violence, hatred, or any form of discrimination;
• not being subject to national or international sanctions;
• ensuring that their activities do not harm the integrity, reputation, or objectives of the TRUE project;
• complying with applicable legislation and the grant requirements.

Where there is a justified suspicion of misconduct, applicants or other interested parties may report concerns through the Swiss TPH Tell-Us System or by email at grants@patients.org.ua.