Peremoha Mini-Grants Program

The Peace Corps Volunteer Alliance for Ukraine is launching an initiative based on discretion and the existing partnerships of former volunteers to support the work of Ukrainian partners directly on the ground. The program is designed as a streamlined funding tool aimed at strengthening an international network of individuals, agencies, and organizations, promoting self-reliance and independence, and strengthening ties through the implementation of the universally recognized values of the Peace Corps community. Special attention is given to initiatives that involve the direct participation of the local population and are aimed at addressing urgent needs during crisis situations.

Participants of the program must demonstrate an organic connection between the international applicant and the local implementer, relying on previous personal or professional cooperation experience. An important requirement is the ability of the proposed initiatives not only to respond to urgent challenges but also to provide a sustainable, long-term effect for the target audience, forming the basis for the further independent development of the supported groups and initiatives.

1. Applicant's connection: The applicant must be exclusively a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV), a Response Volunteer, or a participant in the virtual program. They are responsible for submitting the application and the report.
2. Connection with the Ukrainian partner: The applicant must detail their direct (personal/professional experience) or indirect (through a US organization) connection with the Ukrainian partner.
3. Requirements for the partner: The Ukrainian partner can be a registered NGO, a small/social enterprise (with socially beneficial activities), a school/college/university, or an unregistered volunteer group with a leader. Government agencies cannot receive grants.
4. Location: The Ukrainian partner must be located in territory controlled by the Government of Ukraine.
5. Finances: The partner must be able to receive funds through a US dollar (USD) bank account, specifically through Wise, or through a PayPal account. The financial institution cannot be under US sanctions.

Grants are awarded in amounts up to 1,500 USD and are paid in US currency. The entire grant amount must be fully utilized within six months from the moment it is transferred.

• Eligible direct costs:

  • Goods for project implementation (e.g., shelter furniture, medical supplies/equipment for local clinics, generators for backup power for municipal facilities, training costs, coffee/tea, and supplies).
  • Goods for distribution to people in need (e.g., food, hygiene products, equipment for people who have no other way to obtain it).
  • Compensation for work by Ukrainians for direct project implementation (payment to trainers, project management staff, drivers for transporting humanitarian aid).

• Eligible indirect costs: up to 25% of grant funds can be used for indirect/general operational expenses of Ukrainian non-profit organizations or social enterprises implementing projects within the funding priorities (e.g., office rent, utilities).

• Ineligible costs:

  • Military equipment (body armor, tactical gear, night vision devices/drones, ammunition, etc.). Note: Medical supplies for the Armed Forces of Ukraine are permitted.
  • Providing assistance to individuals or households unless it is part of a broader program (e.g., you cannot simply buy food for one family).
  • Any activity prohibited by US or Ukrainian law.
  • Expenses in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine due to US sanctions.
  • Transfers to accounts in sanctioned banks.

The program prioritizes projects that assist IDPs, veterans, people with disabilities, women, children, the elderly, and Roma across four focus areas:

• Direct humanitarian aid: Medicines, food security, heating/energy devices, winterization materials, items for shelters.
• Psychosocial well-being and youth development: After-school programs, arts/cultural events, sports, mutual support for families and youth.
• Building local livelihoods: Skills training, professional workshops, provision of small assets to create economic opportunities.
• Community stabilization and social cohesion: IDP integration, civic engagement, preserving traditions, improving living conditions, and increasing the capacity of volunteer groups.

• October 3, 2026 (06:59 Kyiv time): Deadline for submitting online grant applications.
• By October 23, 2026: Final decisions on applications will be made by the Grant Committee and the Board of Directors.
• Within 2 weeks after signing the agreement: Receipt of funds to the account after the Alliance receives the signed agreement and the partner's bank details.
• Within 6 months: Period for full project implementation, utilization of funds, and submission of the final report

• The applicant is directly a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (or a Response Volunteer/virtual program participant).
• The application must be submitted online through the Peace Corps Volunteer Alliance system.
• The application must be completed exclusively in English.
• The application must detail the connection with the Ukrainian partner (history of cooperation).
• One applicant can submit no more than one application per grant period.

• To what extent the project aligns with the funding priorities (humanitarian aid, psychosocial support, etc.), in particular, reaching vulnerable populations.
• The project must be initiated and led by the local community to address its priority tasks.
• The presence of clearly defined goals and objectives, a realistic action plan and timeline, as well as a Ukrainian partner capable of implementing it.
• A complete, realistic, and justified budget that corresponds to the planned activities and does not contradict the RFP rules.
• The presence of a matching contribution from the community and the maximum use of locally available resources and materials.
• The readiness and ability of the community to sustain the project results and cover ongoing expenses in the future.
• A small number of additional points are awarded to new applicants (former volunteers) and new Ukrainian partners.

• According to the announcement, an online application is submitted, which must contain a description of the connection with the partner, a plan, and a budget.
• If the connection with the Ukrainian partner is indirect (through a US organization), that American organization must provide a written testimony (one paragraph long) regarding the quality work of the Ukrainian partner before the deadline.

• Deadline: Grant recipients must submit a final report within 6 months of the date of funding disbursement to the email address grants@allianceforukraine.org.
• Report content: A written description of the use of funds, an itemized description of expenses, the approximate number of people reached, and photos of goods or services paid for by the grant.
• Photos: The Alliance plans to publish photos on blogs and social media. If it is necessary to blur people's faces, a note must be made in the report.
• Changes in expenses: If, after receiving the grant, there is a need to use the funds for other purposes (for example, instead of first aid kits, buying sewing machines for volunteers), the applicant must send a written explanation and request to grants@allianceforukraine.org as soon as possible.

• An applicant has the right to submit no more than one application during the current grant period.
• A mandatory requirement is the targeted use of funds. If there is a need to change the direction of expenses from what was in the initial application, the applicant is obliged to provide a written explanation in advance and obtain approval from the organizers.
• It is strictly prohibited to use grant funds for any activity that contradicts current US or Ukrainian legislation.
• Due to US sanctions, grant funds cannot be transferred to accounts in sanctioned financial institutions, nor can they be used to implement projects in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
• Grant funds are not intended for direct financial assistance or compensation to individuals or households outside of broader charitable activities.
• Government agencies are completely denied the right to receive grant funding under this program. Educational institutions can receive grants only provided that the proposed activities are supplementary and do not replace the main functions funded by the Government of Ukraine.
• Members of the Grant Committee and the Board of Directors have the right to submit their own applications for grants, however, they are automatically excluded from any participation in the evaluation of applications and making decisions regarding funding.