Mini-grants competition to support local initiatives

The project is being implemented by the charitable organization “SSS Charitable Foundation” in partnership with CARE, with support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

The competition aims to support local initiatives that promote social cohesion, community recovery, and development. Financial and technical support will be provided.

Priority is given to sustainable, inclusive, and transparent initiatives that align with community recovery plans.

Applicants must meet defined eligibility criteria and comply with the programme principles.

Key eligibility requirements:

• Eligible applicants include Ukrainian civil society organisations or initiatives
• Unregistered initiatives must partner with a registered organisation through a memorandum
• Organisations must have non-profit status
• A separate bank account is required for project implementation
• Affiliation with political parties or religious organisations is not allowed

Additional conditions:

• Projects may include activities such as renovation, with results transferred to the community
• Applications must align with programme objectives and clearly describe expected results

Restrictions:

• Grants are not awarded to organisations operating in temporarily occupied territories or areas without functioning state authority
• Only one application per organisation is allowed

Core selection principles:

• Transparency and openness
• Local initiative
• Sustainability
• Inclusiveness (including IDPs, women, persons with disabilities)
• Alignment with community recovery plans
• Independence from political influence

Geographic scope:

• Projects are implemented in selected communities of Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv regions

The programme provides grants to support community development initiatives under clearly defined funding rules.

Key funding parameters:

• grant size: from UAH 650,000 to UAH 1,000,000;
• up to 15 initiatives per stage (25 in total across two stages);
• funding depends on scale, impact, and alignment with community development goals;
• projects must align with local strategic development plans.

Payment structure:

• 1st tranche — 40% after signing the agreement;
• 2nd tranche — 60% after:

• • using at least 30% of funds;

  • submitting narrative and financial reports;

  • providing supporting financial documents;

  • approval by the donor.

The donor may suspend or refuse the second tranche in case of violations or misuse of funds.

Budget requirements:

• at least 70% — direct costs;
• up to 30% — indirect (administrative) costs.

Eligible expenses:

• works, services, and materials for project implementation;
• equipment, inventory, and materials used within the project;
• salaries of involved experts;
• other directly related project costs.

Ineligible expenses:

• purchase of real estate, alcohol, tobacco, weapons;
• international travel;
• tax payments (with specified exceptions);
• unjustified or unrelated costs;
• expenses involving affiliated parties, debts, penalties, etc.

The programme supports initiatives aimed at social cohesion, recovery, and community development.

Key areas:

• restoration and development of community infrastructure;
• strengthening resilience and energy independence;
• economic recovery of communities;
• enhancing social cohesion and community initiatives.

Types of support:

• financial and technical assistance for project implementation;
• support for local initiatives aligned with community needs and sustainable development goals.

Eligible activities and costs:

• purchase of equipment and tools for project implementation;
• costs related to project promotion (information materials, campaigns);
• other services necessary for project implementation.

Key stages and dates:

• Offline workshops: 02 March – 05 March 2026
• Online grant writing training: 19–20 March 2026
• Online information session (with prior registration, via ZOOM)
• Application period: 01 April – 21 April 2026
• Project pitching and public voting: 27 April – 07 May 2026
• Selection committee voting: 25 May – 30 May 2026
• Announcement of winners: 01–05 June 2026

Implementation and reporting:

• Project implementation: from 03 June 2026 to 31 December 2026
• Interim reporting (for second tranche request): by 30 September 2026
• Final reporting: by 31 December 2026

Key steps:

• Fill in Annex 1 and Annex 2
• Send the application to the email address: bmz@sss-ua.org
• Include in the subject line: “BMZ microgrant application – Organisation name”
• Attach all required supporting documents

Applications must be submitted via email with all completed forms and attachments.

Applications are assessed through a two-stage evaluation process, ensuring transparency and a comprehensive review.

Stage I — public online evaluation:

• Applicants present their projects via online pitching
• Community members vote for projects
• Voting results are converted into scores:

• • 1–14% — 5 points

  • 15–29% — 10 points

  • 30–49% — 15 points

  • 50–69% — 20 points

  • 70–89% — 25 points

  • 90–100% — 30 points

Stage II — expert evaluation:

• Conducted by a selection committee
• Includes representatives of organisations, authorities, and advisory bodies
• Clarifications or interviews may be requested if needed

Selection of winners:

• Final score = sum of both stages
• Projects with the highest total score are selected

Evaluation criteria (max. 100 points):

• Project viability and success potential — 30 points
• Relevance to programme objectives — 20 points
• Budget appropriateness — 20 points
• Organisational capacity — 20 points
• Previous experience — 10 points

The assessment considers planning quality, alignment with community needs, budget justification, and applicant experience.

Required documents:

• Annex 1 — grant project application form in PDF format (properly certified)
• Annex 2 — project budget in Excel format
• Letter of support from the community

Additionally:

• Annexes and instructions for completion are available for download via provided links

All documents must be properly completed and submitted together with the application.

Online Grant Writing Training — March 19–20, 2026, online.

Stabilization Support Services will host an informational session for all interested parties, during which it will provide a detailed presentation of the grant competition and answer participants’ questions. To participate in the informational meeting, please fill out the registration form via the link; the event will take place online via the ZOOM platform.

Registered participants will receive a link to the event at the email addresses provided during registration.

Within the programme, beneficiaries are required to carry out regular (interim) and final reporting in accordance with the grant agreement.

Interim reporting:

• Narrative reports are submitted every two months
• They include:

  • implemented activities;

  • achieved results;

  • quantitative and qualitative indicators;

  • identified challenges and solutions;

  • plan for the next reporting period

• Submission of these reports is a mandatory condition for continued funding
• Financial reports are submitted every two months
• Must include supporting documents (contracts, invoices, receipts, etc.) confirming the proper use of funds
• After submitting three reports, beneficiaries may request the second tranche (up to 30%)

Final reporting:

• Upon project completion, beneficiaries submit:

  • final narrative report (results, achievements, impact);

  • final financial report (confirming full use of grant funds)

Reporting templates and detailed instructions are provided by the granting organisation.

Procurement within the programme follows defined procedures depending on the contract value.

1. Direct award:

• applied for purchases up to EUR 999.99;
• does not require comparison of offers;
• must reflect market prices;
• requires at least one quotation;
• documented via a Purchase Request.

2. Competitive procedure:

• applied for amounts from EUR 1,000 to EUR 9,999.99;
• requires at least three offers;
• includes comparison and selection of a supplier;
• requires a Purchase Request document;
• proposals must be submitted within 7 calendar days.

3. Restricted tender procedure:

• applied for purchases above EUR 10,000;
• requires public announcement (platforms or fund website);
• minimum of three tenders required;
• results are formalised in official records;
• alternative procedure possible if no competition is available.

Submission deadlines:

• one-off procurements — 30 calendar days;
• other cases — 90 to 120 calendar days.