Briefly
Program description
The competition aims to support civil society organizations working in the following areas:
- identity;
- culture;
- resilience;
- empowerment.
The goal is to strengthen existing initiatives, foster long-term change, and promote the agency and resilience of society. Particular attention is given to projects with a clear theory of change, innovative approaches, and an impact on target audiences.
Main Information
Eligibility
Who can apply:
- non-profit civil society organizations and charitable foundations;
- organizations officially registered under Ukrainian law;
- included in the Register of Non-Profit Institutions and Organizations;
- registered in the state register within territory controlled by Ukraine at the time of application;
- operating in the areas of Identity, Culture, Resilience, or Capacity.
Additional requirements:
- willingness to sign the Grant Agreement;
- commitment to comply with its terms and the Foundation’s Code of Ethics.
Financing
Funding within the grant program provides different grant sizes depending on the lot, along with clear eligibility rules for expenses.
Grant size:
- Lot 1 (Identity): from UAH 750,000 to 3,000,000
- Lot 2 (Culture): from UAH 1,500,000 to 4,000,000
- Lot 3 (Resilience): from UAH 750,000 to 2,500,000
- Lot 4 (Capacity): from UAH 750,000 to 2,500,000
It is specified that one organization may submit only one application.
Eligible costs:
- directly related to project implementation;
- aligned with efficiency principles, including “best value for money”;
- incurred within the project period;
- properly justified and supported by financial documentation.
Ineligible costs (examples):
- political or religious activities;
- charitable donations or contributions;
- expenses for alcohol, tobacco, gifts, or penalties;
- repayment of debts or prior obligations;
- taxes, fines, or loan interest;
- personal-use goods or services;
- costs incurred before application submission (unless agreed);
- any expenses prohibited by law or foundation policies.
Projects that conflict with the Foundation’s ethical code are also not supported.
Supported Activities
The grant program supports projects across four lots, each with its own thematic focus and types of activities.
Lot 1: Identity
Focused on projects addressing Ukrainian identity.
Supported activities:
- research, surveys, and analysis;
- creation of educational and cultural products;
- initiatives fostering dialogue and social interaction;
- projects on reframing history and narratives;
- development of digital and modern communication formats.
Lot 2: Culture
Aims to strengthen the cultural sector and human capital.
Supported activities:
- education and skills development programs;
- cultural and artistic projects;
- cross-sector initiatives (culture, education, public health);
- audience development and engagement;
- projects promoting social cohesion.
Lot 3: Resilience
Focused on enhancing societal resilience and recovery.
Supported activities:
- rehabilitation, adaptation, and mental health programs;
- services for veterans and their families;
- educational and safety initiatives for civilians;
- institutional development of social services;
- projects integrating war-related experiences into peaceful life.
Lot 4: Capacity
Aims to strengthen organizational and leadership capacity.
Supported activities:
- development of individual and leadership capacity;
- organizational management and strategic development;
- community and ecosystem strengthening;
- support for reforms and public policy;
- initiatives promoting philanthropy culture.
Roadmap
Key milestones and dates:
- Application deadline: May 17, 2026, by 24:00 (Kyiv time).
- Notification of results: no later than July 15, 2026 (via individual email).
Project implementation:
- Implementation period: from August 1, 2026 to January 31, 2028.
- Project duration: from 3 to 18 months.
How to Apply
Application steps:
- Review of documents:
- applicants are advised to review the Declaration of awareness of the Code of Ethics and absence of conflict of interest in advance;
- Preparation of the required document package;
- Submission of the application:
- documents must be sent via email to grants@omozhnyafoundation.org;
- the subject line should include: “Organization Name_VK_2026_1”;
- Meeting the deadline:
- final submission deadline — May 17, 2026, by 24:00 (Kyiv time).
Additional notes:
- Reviewing the declaration is part of the application process;
- if selected, signing this declaration becomes a mandatory requirement before signing the grant agreement.
Evaluation Criteria
The evaluation of grant applications consists of several stages, including an initial screening and a detailed expert assessment.
Initial screening:
Applications are first checked for compliance with key requirements:
- alignment with program priorities;
- submission within the deadline;
- proper formatting according to requirements;
- applicant’s eligibility;
- submission of a complete set of documents;
- compliance with budget limits.
Applications that do not meet these requirements may not be considered.
Evaluation process:
Applications are reviewed by a dedicated committee formed by the Foundation, involving both internal representatives and external experts relevant to each program area.
Evaluation criteria:
- alignment with competition conditions and the ethical code;
- feasibility of project implementation;
- clarity, measurability, and quality of expected results;
- proven capacity of the applicant (experience, team, partners);
- logic, cost-effectiveness, and justification of the proposed budget.
Required Documents
Mandatory checklist:
- grant application in .doc/.docx format, signed with the head’s electronic signature;
- budget in .xls or .xlsx format;
- up-to-date extract from the state register;
- organization’s statute;
- extract from the non-profit register;
- annual program report (if available);
- CVs or short bios of key team members/experts;
- consent to personal data processing, signed by the head of the organization.
All documents must be submitted in the required formats and comply with the competition requirements.
Updates / Announcements
As part of the grant program, an informational session has been announced for potential applicants.
Key information:
- An online session will be held to answer questions about the competition;
- the tentative date is April 27;
- participation details will be published on the Foundation’s website and social media.
Additional notes:
- applicants are encouraged to follow updates on official channels;
- after the session, answers to frequently asked questions will be published online.
Reporting and Compliance
Reporting requirements are a mandatory part of participation in the grant program and are confirmed upon application submission.
Key requirements:
- By applying, organizations confirm their readiness to comply with reporting obligations.
- Grantees are required to submit:
- at least one interim report;
- one final narrative and financial report.
Reporting details:
- The specific conditions, format, and frequency of reporting are defined in the Grant Agreement;
- these requirements depend on the duration and specifics of the project.
Legal Terms
The legal framework of the grant program defines the agreement process, funding conditions, and obligations of the parties.
Key provisions:
- After approval, a Grant Agreement is signed between the Foundation and the grantee;
- funding is provided in the national currency of Ukraine (UAH);
- by applying, the organization confirms its readiness to comply with reporting requirements (interim and final reports).
Reporting regulation:
- the format, frequency, and conditions of reporting are defined in the agreement;
- requirements depend on the project’s duration and specifics.
Important notes:
- participation in the competition or consultations does not create any financial or contractual obligations for the Foundation;
- costs related to application preparation are not reimbursed;
- the Foundation may request additional clarifications;
- funding decisions are final, and no individual feedback on rejections is provided.