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.
GRANT COMPETITIONS
Grant competition KNOWLEDGE IN ACTION: Strengthening CSOs' Research Capacities aims to support the research and analytical activities of civil society organizations (CSOs) to enhance their role in reform processes and recovery efforts and to advance democracy and the sustainability of social processes in Ukraine during wartime.
The grant competition includes two lots:
- Lot 1. Researching to support reforms, recovery, democratic development, and create an enabling environment for civil society.
- Lot 2. Strengthening the institutional capacity of CSOs in the fields of research and analysis.
Funding amount: from 300,000 to 600,000 UAH.
Applications under this grant competition will be accepted every two months.
The first application round deadline is May 20, 2025.
Grant competition on Advocacy Support to Strengthen the Role and Impact of Civil Society aims to effectively influence decision-making processes, policy development, and the sustainable development of democratic institutions through the implementation of advocacy campaigns at the local and national levels.
Grant competition includes two lots:
Lot 1. Improving the Legal Environment for Civil Society – supports initiatives aimed at enhancing the legal environment for civil society operations to ensure the effective and sustainable work of CSOs, volunteer groups, and other civic initiatives.
Lot 2. Institutional Support for CSOs Engaged in Advocacy in the Fields of Recovery, Democracy Building, and Reform Support – aims to strengthen the sustainability of CSOs that, through advocacy, promote democratic values and practices, participate in recovery and reform implementation processes, defend human rights, and work in other socially significant areas.
Application submission for this grant competition takes place in three rounds:
- April 14, 2025
- December 2025 – the exact date will be announced with the launch of the second wave
- October 2026 – the exact date will be announced with the launch of the third wave
Here is the detailed information on the supported projects in the first wave of the grant competition.
Grant competition on Information Support for Democracy and Resilience of Ukraine aims to support media projects that highlight the role of civil society in democratic processes and contribute to Ukraine’s resilience during wartime.
Call for proposals includes two lots:
- Promotion of Ukrainian civil society in Ukraine and abroad.
- Support for preserving democracy and Ukraine’s resilience during wartime.
Projects under both lots may target:
- Ukrainian audiences.
- International audiences (primarily in European countries).
- Both Ukrainian and international audiences simultaneously.
Application submission for this grant competition takes place in three rounds:
- March 5, 2025
- February 2026 – the exact date will be announced with the launch of the second round
- January 2027 – the exact date will be announced with the launch of the third round
Approximately 10 organizations will be supported in each round.
Project duration – up to 12 months.
Here is the detailed information on the supported projects in the first wave of the grant competition.
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.
Results of the Organizational Development Grant Competition:
March 2025
In March 2025, the independent Selection Committee reviewed 126 project applications, of which 46 CSOs were awarded grants.
April 2025
In April 2025, 62 project proposals were reviewed by an independent Selection Committee, of which 30 received a positive decision.
View the list of winners.
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.
- Rivne Takmed: A comprehensive project will be developed to support professionals accompanying veterans in their training as instructors of basic military training. In addition, the organization will finalize its development, communication, and fundraising strategy and create a website.
- Institute of Social Initiatives: The organization will strengthen its institutional capacity to support veterans, enhancing its ability to implement future projects effectively. Additionally, an advisory body will be established within the Lviv City Council to advocate for the rights and interests of veterans.
- Resource Center 'Lisova Polyana': The information campaign is expected to help shift public attitudes toward veterans, emphasizing that they are not only in need of support but can also serve as skilled professionals, mentors, organizers, and community leaders.
- Development of Ukrainian Business Sector: The project aims to change the level of trust in veterans and attitudes towards stereotypes about them.
- Center for Support and Protection of Veterans, Persons with Disabilities and Internally Displaced Persons: A strategic plan and a communication strategy will be developed to guide the organization’s long-term vision and strengthen its public outreach.
- Power of the Community: A dedicated space called 'Hart' will be equipped to support veterans and their family members, furnished and actively used for meetings, as well as classes for both children and parents.
- Dnipro Regional Union of War, Combat, and Security Forces Veterans: The organisation will develop a comprehensive communication strategy and create a website to enhance visibility and engagement. Based on research, the organisation will formulate recommendations to improve local veteran service programs. A draft roadmap for supporting veterans in the community will also be developed.
- Qaytarma Crimea: The organisation will develop a strategic plan and fundraising strategy.
- Vinnytsia Social Center: The organisation will develop key documents, including the organizational strategy, operational plan 2025–2026, and strategic plan through 2028. A report presenting the research findings will be published. Based on these findings, recommendations will be submitted to the Vinnytsia Regional Military Administration to revise existing procedures and policies for working with veterans and their families.
ACTIVITIES
Results of ISAR Ednannia's Foresight Event: Elections, Democracy, and Ukrainian Resilience
During the foresight event on the Looking into the Future of Ukrainian Democracy, organized by ISAR Ednannia with the support of 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, key presentations took place outlining the future challenges for Ukrainian democracy.
One of the speakers, Yevhen Hlibovytsky, a long-term strategy expert, Director of the Frontier Institute, and member of the Supervisory Board of Suspilne, delivered a reflection on the short-term directions for civil society development on Joint Leadership Actions for Preserving the Country.
“First Post-War Elections are a Prerequisite for Resetting the State — and This Topic Should not be Stigmatized”: Initial Results of ISAR Ednannia’s Foresight Event
The foresight was a collaborative space for around 80 participants − representatives of civil society, government bodies, think tanks, and international partners. Together, they analyzed the country's current state, discussed possible scenarios for democratic development during and after the war, and developed practical recommendations for civil society's action shortly.
Particular attention was paid to the issue of the first post-war elections. Olha Aivazovska, an expert on electoral processes and Chair of the Board of the Civil Network OPORA, who has been actively engaged in electoral reform in Ukraine and internationally since 2002, emphasized:
“The first post-war elections are a prerequisite for resetting the state. There must be a transition of power — a peaceful handover of power. And the only mechanism ever invented for this is elections. The price of a mistake in elections is a failed state. If you do not reach your goal, you lose your statehood.”
Foresight Event on the Looking into the Future of Ukrainian Democracy Kicked Off in Truskavets
On April 29, the foresight event on the Looking into the Future of Ukrainian Democracy began in Truskavets, organized by ISAR Ednannia with the support of 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.
The foresight brought together around 80 participants — civil society representatives, government authorities, donor organizations, experts, and activists. Over two days, they will analyze the current state of democracy in Ukraine, explore possible scenarios for its development, and develop practical recommendations for civil society.
ISAR Ednannia Held a Strategic Discussion on Ukraine – Scandinavia: Bound Through 13 Centuries
On March 13, a strategic discussion on Ukraine – Scandinavia: Bound Through Thirteen Centuries and the launch event of the Norwegian-Swedish Askold and Dir Fund took place in Kyiv, bringing together diplomats, politicians, prominent cultural figures, representatives of civil society, historians, and experts.
The event aimed to deepen the partnership between Ukraine and Scandinavian countries for democracy and civil society development, emphasizing that a stable and democratic Ukraine is a key factor for security in Europe.
- More
- Speech by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Norway in Ukraine, H. E. Helene Sand Andresen
Outcomes of the Forum Aftermath: What Do We Need to (with)STAND?
At the end of January 2025, thought leaders, experts, and civil society representatives gathered at the Forum Aftermath: What Do We Need to (with)Stand? to discuss the key challenges, trends, and development scenarios facing Ukraine and the civil sector.
This was more than an event—it was a space for deep analysis, networking, ideas exchange, and effort synchronization. Participants jointly sought adaptive solutions, aligned their visions, and coordinated the informational landscape for future action in a complex socio-political context.
The report on the Forum Aftermath’s outcomes outlines the key findings, strategic directions, and concrete proposals that will serve as a basis to continue the work of civil society organizations. Its purpose is to document ideas and serve as a guide for coordinating efforts between civil society, local and national authorities, donors, and active citizens.
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.
