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. Between 500,000 and 1 million UAH can be granted by the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation for project implementation. Additionally, participants may apply for co-financing from ISAR Ednannia ranging from 100,000 to 1 million UAH, depending on the budget category. Support includes organizational development for veteran and pro-veteran CSOs, activities focused on researching the needs of veterans and their families, advocacy for their rights, and events supporting recovery and reintegration into active community life.
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.
The Varto: Ednannia 2.0 competition is implemented by the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, co-funded by Askold and Dir Fund as a part of the Strong Civil Society of Ukraine − a Driver towards Reforms and Democracy project, implemented by ISAR Ednannia, funded by Norway and Sweden.
