Purpose of the Competition
The purpose of this competition is to support the establishment and development of cooperation platforms that bring together civil society organizations and other stakeholders to jointly address pressing issues within communities and achieve concrete, practical results and changes.
The competition has a regional or interregional focus and supports initiatives operating at the level of oblasts (regions) or multiple regions.
A cooperation platform is an integrated working format that must include at least one large-scale public open event (such as a regional mini-forum, conference, or other cross-sectoral event). It may also include, where relevant, a series of smaller interconnected activities linked to the main event, such as communities of practice meetings, thematic or training sessions, consultations, preparatory activities, or coordination meetings among CSOs.
The format and structure of each platform are defined by the intended changes and results rather than by the type of activities implemented. Within this competition, both standalone public events and accompanying activities that ensure meaningful collaboration among participants are eligible for support.
At the same time, it is essential that the activities are not limited to event delivery alone but are aimed at achieving tangible outcomes, including:
- strengthening the organizational capacity of CSOs through the introduction of new approaches, management practices, or partnership models;
- enhancing cooperation between CSOs, public authorities, and other stakeholders to influence decisions, policies, and public services;
- developing joint solutions, recommendations, or initiatives addressing community recovery challenges;
- strengthening the role of civil society in decision-making processes and democratic governance.
Platforms should ensure sustainable impact beyond individual events and deliver practical results in the form of new or strengthened partnerships, joint solutions, recommendations, tools, or collaboration models that continue to be used after the project ends.
PRIORITIES OF THE COMPETITION
Priority 1. Platforms for Strengthening CSO Capacity
This priority supports cooperation platforms that help civil society and charitable organizations strengthen their institutional capacity through joint work, knowledge exchange, and the introduction of new approaches to their activities.
Platforms under this priority may bring together CSOs around themes related to organizational resilience, governance, partnerships, financial sustainability, strategic planning, community engagement, or other aspects of institutional development.
It is important that such platforms go beyond training sessions or experience-sharing activities and are instead focused on achieving practical improvements in the operations of participating organizations.
Priority 2. Cooperation Platforms for Recovery
This priority supports cooperation platforms that bring together CSOs, local self-government bodies, businesses, and other stakeholders to jointly address community recovery challenges.
Platforms under this priority should create a space for aligning solutions, coordinating actions, and developing a shared vision for recovery at the local or regional level.
The focus of these platforms is on practical recovery-related issues, including social services, education, healthcare, employment, integration of vulnerable groups, development of local services, and other relevant areas for communities. It is essential that platform activities are not limited to discussing needs but are directed toward developing and implementing concrete solutions.
Priority 3. Advocacy Platforms
This priority supports cooperation platforms that bring together CSOs and other stakeholders to develop common positions, formulate solutions, and influence policies and decision-making processes at the local, regional, or national levels.
Platforms under this priority should promote the systematic participation of civil society in policy development and improvement, as well as strengthen accountability and transparency in decision-making processes.
The focus is on specific policy or regulatory issues requiring change or improvement, particularly in the areas of recovery, social policy, education, healthcare, local development, human rights, and other relevant sectors. It is important that platform activities are directed not only at discussing problems but also at achieving tangible policy impact.
Eligibility of Applicants
Within this competition, project proposals prepared in accordance with the requirements of this “Call for Proposals” will be accepted from experienced and capable applicants, including:
- Organizations officially registered under the Laws of Ukraine “On Public Associations,” “On Charitable Activities and Charitable Organizations,” or “On Associations of Local Self-Government Bodies,” and listed in the Register of Non-Profit Institutions and Organizations with appropriate non-profit status codes (0032, 0036, 0038, 0039);
- Organizations that have been working in the areas specified under the “Priorities” section for at least one year.
Grant Size
Maximum grant amount: up to 1,000,000 UAH
Application Process
The competition operates on a rolling basis (open call). Submitted applications are reviewed and evaluated continuously upon receipt.
The application deadline is 31 August.
🔗 Detailed competition guidelines and application form:Call_for_Proposals_Local_Forums_2026.pdf
