CIVIC Grants for the Protection of Civilians

The grant competition is organized by the Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) to support local initiatives aimed at improving the protection of civilians. Civil society organizations working in designated communities in the Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions are invited to apply. Priority is given to projects that address the needs of a specific community and are implemented in partnership with local authorities and other entities responsible for security. Funding is provided for practical solutions that will help improve the safety of the civilian population.

The CIVIC grant programme invites non-governmental non-profit organizations with appropriate legal and financial status and a proven record of successful past activities to apply.

Key eligibility requirements include:

• applicants must have an appropriate legal and financial status;
• a demonstrated history of successful organizational performance is required;
• proposed projects must be implemented within the designated geographic areas of the call.

The programme covers the following communities:

• Kharkiv Oblast: Barvinkivska, Kehychivska, Savynska, and Kunievska communities;
• Dnipropetrovsk Oblast: Mohylivska, Novooleksandrivska, Sursko-Lytovska, and Solonianska communities.

Under the CIVIC grant programme, funding is available for up to eight projects, with a maximum grant amount of up to USD 15,000 per project. The expected project duration is up to 6 months.

Key funding conditions include:

• applications should contain a complete description of the planned activities and a detailed budget, as funding decisions may be made based on the initial submission;
• the programme reserves the right to request additional information, clarifications, or revisions to the project description or budget;
• applicant co-financing is not required.

For projects involving the purchase of assets, such as shelter equipment or warning systems, cooperation with local authorities is expected. Such projects should be supported by letters of commitment confirming that the purchased assets will be accepted and maintained by the relevant local authority after project completion.

The grant programme supports projects under two thematic areas focused on strengthening civilian protection and improving public access to reliable safety information.

Theme 1. Strengthening the Physical Protection of Civilians
Eligible activities may include:

• installing or improving early warning systems and developing alternative methods for informing communities;
• equipping and improving the accessibility of shelters, particularly for persons with disabilities, people with reduced mobility, and families with children;
• identifying the needs of vulnerable groups and preparing evacuation support measures;
• developing and improving emergency preparedness and response plans in cooperation with local authorities and civil protection stakeholders.

Theme 2. Ensuring Public Access to Reliable Information on Threats and Safety Measures
The programme may support:

• information and training activities on first aid, mine safety, emergency response, and public safety;
• training for community leaders and local authorities on identifying disinformation and assessing security risks;
• establishing and maintaining communication channels for the dissemination of verified safety information, including evacuation guidance;
• awareness campaigns targeting vulnerable population groups;
• improving access to safety information by providing Internet connectivity in shelters;
• developing maps of shelter locations and distributing related information;
• preparing and disseminating practical guidance on sheltering and personal safety during emergencies.

• Applications will be accepted until August 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (Kyiv time).
• Project duration: up to 6 months.

To apply for the grant programme, applicants are required to complete three sequential steps:

• download and complete the budget template;
• complete the application form;
• attach the completed budget form to Section 15 of the application form before submitting the application.

Priority is given to:

• locally driven initiatives;
• projects aligned with community priorities;
• projects implemented in partnership with local authorities and relevant safety organizations.

• Completed Budget Form.
• Completed Application Form.
• Letters of support from relevant local authorities confirming cooperation with the community.

The organization must:

• be officially registered in Ukraine and hold nonprofit status;
• have no conflict of interest;
• agree that CIVIC may present the project to partners and donors;
• agree that CIVIC may promote the project;
• submit no more than two project proposals.