Grants to Promote the English Language

The Explore New Horizons, Aspire and Navigate Changes through English (ENHANCE) grant program is implemented by the British Council as part of its global Empowerment program. The program aims to develop the English language skills and life skills of young Ukrainians and to support their resilience, confidence, and self-actualization through creative project-based activities.

The ENHANCE grant programme is open to a broad range of applicants with the relevant experience and capacity to implement projects in Ukraine.

Key eligibility and participation requirements include:

• individuals, groups, and organisations based in Ukraine or the United Kingdom are eligible to apply;
• joint applications and partnership initiatives are welcomed;
• applicants must have experience working with Ukrainian youth in English language learning or education and be able to demonstrate this experience;
• applications from organisations and individuals with experience in providing psychosocial support are encouraged.

The selection process will also take into account:

• the diversity of applicants;
• project implementation approaches;
• the target audience of the project;
• geographical coverage.

Key funding information:

• maximum grant amount: up to GBP 15,000;
• funding is awarded to the best project proposals selected through the competitive evaluation process.

The ENHANCE grant programme supports projects that promote English language learning, life skills development, and greater opportunities for young people, particularly those from vulnerable communities.

Supported activities include:

• implementing creative projects that contribute to youth development;
• educational initiatives combining English language learning with life skills development;
• innovative activities that help young people communicate with one another and with the wider world;
• projects aimed at building resilience, self-realisation, and confidence among young people;
• initiatives supporting young people who have been displaced, affected by conflict, or come from socially disadvantaged or isolated communities.

The programme views English as a tool for promoting rights, expanding opportunities, and achieving positive change for vulnerable groups.

The programme roadmap outlines the key stages of the grant process, from the launch of the call to project completion and final reporting.

Key milestones:

• 25 June 2026 – application period opens;
• until 1 July 2026 – deadline for submitting grant-related questions (responses will be provided by 5 July 2026);
• 26 July 2026, 18:00 (Kyiv time) – application submission deadline;
• by 10 August 2026 – completion of the selection process;
• by 15 August 2026 – applicants are notified of the results;
• by 1 September 2026 – grant agreements are signed;
• by the end of March 2027 – project implementation is completed;
• by the end of April 2027 – final project reports must be submitted.

Applications for the grant programme must be submitted by email in accordance with the programme requirements.

Application process:

1. Prepare the required application documents.
2. Send the documents to ep_team@britishcouncil.org.ua.
3. Use “ENHANCE” as the email subject line.
4. Submit the application no later than 26 July 2026, 18:00 (Kyiv time).

Application requirements include:

• proposals may be submitted in Ukrainian or English;
• applicants should provide a clear description of the project objectives, activities, implementation plan, and budget;
• proposals should demonstrate how English language learning and creative activities will contribute to developing young people's life skills;
• applicants should provide evidence of their experience and capacity to deliver the proposed project.

Key evaluation criteria include:

• demonstrated experience working with Ukrainian youth in English language learning or education projects;
• a project focused on vulnerable groups in Ukraine with whom the applicant has relevant experience;
• an educational approach combining English language learning with creative activities, imagination, self-development, and life skills;
• preference for projects reaching a large number of beneficiaries;
• integration of the principles of equality, diversity, gender equality, and inclusion;
• compliance with all mandatory programme requirements;
• the realism of the project proposal, including a well-justified implementation schedule and budget;
• the creativity of the project and its relevance to the needs of Ukrainian youth;
• the project's potential for long-term impact and clearly defined results;
• the applicant's qualifications, proven experience, and capacity to successfully implement the project.

Under the grant programme, successful applicants are required to comply with monitoring and reporting requirements throughout project implementation.

Key reporting requirements include:

• monthly progress reports on project implementation;
• preparation of a final project impact report;
• submission of a financial report in accordance with the programme requirements;
• successful applicants will receive additional guidance on the preparation and submission of the required reporting documents.

The final project report must be submitted by the end of April 2027.

Participants in the grant programme are required to comply with the British Council's legal requirements and policies governing project implementation, safeguarding, and personal data protection.

Key legal and regulatory requirements include:

• the British Council may propose minor amendments to the project proposal or adjust the project scope before the grant agreement is signed;
• successful applicants are required to submit documents for programme monitoring and evaluation, including progress and financial reports;
• projects must adhere to the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion;
• if a project involves participants under the age of 18, the applicant must have a valid child safeguarding policy and submit a copy with the application;
• successful applicants must complete safeguarding training, comply with the British Council's safeguarding policy and code of conduct, and carry out risk assessments before each activity.

Regarding personal data protection, the British Council complies with UK legislation and other applicable laws that meet internationally recognised standards. Applicants have the right to access their personal data, request the correction of inaccurate information, and lodge a complaint with the relevant data protection authority where appropriate.