The Norwegian-Swedish Askold and Dir Fund, operating under the Strong Civil Society of Ukraine – a Driver Towards Reforms and Democracy Project, implemented by ISAR Ednannia and funded by Norway and Sweden.
Askold and Dir Fund represents a strategic investment by our Scandinavian partners in building a strong and resilient civil society in Ukraine.
NEW ACTIVITIES
Grant competition for organizational development launched for civil society organizations (CSOs) as part of the Civil Society Home ecosystem of support and development implemented within the Strong Civil Society of Ukraine – A Driver of Reforms and Democracy Project with financial support from Norway and Sweden.
The Varto: Ednannia 2.0 grant competition for civil society organizations is implemented by ISAR Ednannia in partnership with the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine. CSOs can receive up to 2 million UAH for projects aimed at helping veterans gain new professional skills and become more competitive in the labor market.
The winners of the Varto: Ednannia 2.0 competition have been announced – nine CSOs will receive funding from ISAR Ednannia for organizational development.
ABOUT THE FUND
Why Askold and Dir?
Askold and Dir were the legendary first Kyivan princes of Viking origin who laid the foundation of our statehood and introduced Kyiv to the international stage. By naming the Fund in their honor, we pay tribute to the deep and enduring ties between Ukraine and the Scandinavian nations.
What will the Askold and Dir Fund do?
The Norwegian-Swedish Askold and Dir Fund will strengthen civil society organizations (CSOs) dedicated to Ukrainian recovery and advancing democratic processes.
What Does the Askold and Dir Fund Offers for CSOs?
- Grants for institutional capacity building.
- Grants for projects focused on recovery, advocacy, research, and media campaigns.
- Training through workshops, webinars, and special educational programs.
- Support and networking opportunities.
Grant Opportunities for CSOs of the Askold and Dir Fund:
- Over 900 grants for organizational development – enhancing the capacity, effectiveness, and impact of Ukrainian CSOs.
- Around 75 grants for recovery – supporting local initiatives to improve infrastructure, services, social cohesion, environmental sustainability, and support gender-sensitive planning.
- 30 media grants – promoting civil society activities through information campaigns in Ukraine and abroad.
- Nearly 75 advocacy grants – supporting analytical research, public campaigns, policy development, and reform monitoring.
- More than 60 research grants – assessing situation analysis, reform assessment, and the development of new initiatives for civil society.
Training programs and events that will support the Askold and Dir Fund:
- Civil Society Development Forum – the key annual event for civil society, organized by ISAR Ednannia during the last 13 years, which will receive financial support from the Fund starting in 2025.
- Training sessions and webinars – expert-led sessions on project management, fundraising, advocacy, and leadership to help CSOs work more effectively.
- Democracy Boot Camps – intensive programs for civil society leaders aiming to drive democratic change in Ukraine.
Civil Society Home
The Norwegian-Swedish Askold and Dir Fund will support the activities of ISAR Ednannia’s Civil Society Home, which includes:
- Civil Society Development Platform Marketplace – a platform that helps CSOs find reliable service providers to strengthen their capacity.
- Analytical Library – an innovative online platform featuring research, reports, and methodological recommendations for Ukraine’s civil society sector.
Scandinavian support will help make Ukraine stronger and more democratic.
