The competition targets CSOs that have been systematically active for at least two years in the following areas:
- Strategic reforms and democratic governance.
- Protection of human rights and documentation of war crimes.
- Security and defense.
The support aims to ensure continuity of operations and strengthen the institutional capacity of organizations that already have established internal processes but need additional resources to maintain their pace of work and development. Grant funds may cover expenses directly related to:
- Operational activities and service delivery.
- Office maintenance and administrative staff salaries.
- Purchase of necessary equipment.
- Organizational development and other costs that directly enhance CSO capacity.
Within this grant competition, at least 10 organizations across Ukraine are expected to receive support. ISAR Ednannia reserves the right not to select any applications if requirements are not met, or to increase the number of supported organizations if there is sufficient need and resources.
COMPETITION PRIORITIES
This competition prioritizes organizations that work systematically in areas critically important for preserving democracy, protecting human rights, and supporting national security during wartime—sectors where key reforms are impossible or significantly hindered without active civil society participation.
Support for reforms and democracy. Preference will be given to organizations engaged in the design, implementation, and promotion of systemic reforms at the national level. Supported initiatives include analytical, advocacy, and monitoring efforts aimed at adopting and implementing policies that have a decisive impact on Ukraine’s democratic development. Special attention will be paid to projects implemented in partnership with relevant coalitions, government bodies, or international stakeholders.
Security and defense sector. Support may be provided to organizations that, within their civil mandate, work to strengthen the capacity of the security sector. Priority areas include security policy analysis and development; creation and implementation of models of cooperation between civil society and security forces; countering hybrid threats (including disinformation, cyberattacks, and breaches of information security); and innovative solutions in logistics, management, or defense support that do not require access to classified information. Projects involving state secrets or requiring access to classified data cannot be supported.
Human rights protection and documentation of war crimes. Priority will be given to initiatives that document and counter violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, including war crimes; crimes against the environment, cultural heritage, religious or ethnic communities; and cases of sexual violence, torture, or deportations. Supported projects should contribute to holding perpetrators legally accountable at the national or international level and strengthen mechanisms for protecting human rights in Ukraine.
Other areas. Projects outside these focus areas may be supported in exceptional cases if the initiative has strategic importance, high impact potential, and a clear link to the competition’s goals.
MANDATORY COMPONENT: ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Each application must include at least one organizational development activity relevant to the organization’s current needs. Examples include:
- Developing a fundraising or audience engagement strategy.
- Creating a business plan or financial sustainability model for the grantee organization.
- Digital transformation or an audit of internal processes.
- Improving policies on HR, finance, or data management, as well as other internal policies and procedures.
- Enhancing the organization’s analytical or communication capacity.
This component must be an integral part of the project and contribute to strengthening the organization’s resilience in the medium term.
Additionally, applicants may conduct an organizational audit (similar to the previously used NUPAS) to assess management and operational capacity and identify development priorities. Such an audit involves a detailed analysis of key aspects of operations, including organizational structure, governance, financial processes, internal policies, and operational systems. It helps identify strengths that drive effectiveness as well as gaps that require improvement. The audit provides strategic recommendations that may include updating policies, optimizing workflows, or enhancing staff skills. Audit results can serve as an additional advantage when seeking direct funding from international donors and partners by demonstrating a high level of organizational capacity and governance.
ELIGIBILITY
Project proposals prepared in accordance with this Call for Applications will be accepted from experienced and capable applicants who meet the following criteria:
- 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 included in the Register of Non-Profit Organizations with the appropriate non-profit status (codes 0032, 0036, 0038, 0039).
- Organizations that have worked in the priority areas described above for at least two years.
Applications from organizations that do not meet these criteria will not be considered.
Organizations that pass the preliminary selection by the Evaluation Committee must undergo a CSO verification (due diligence) process to confirm their capacity.
FUNDING SIZE AND BUDGET REQUIREMENTS
Most supported projects are expected to have budgets ranging from 1,000,000 to 2,500,000 UAH. This amount may be adjusted by the Evaluation Committee depending on the expected project duration and planned activities.
APPLICATION AND IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE
Applications will be accepted twice a year. The first application round is open until 23:59 on October 22, 2025.
The anticipated project duration is up to 12 months, with projects expected to begin no earlier than one month after the application deadline.
For full details, please refer to the official Call for Grant Applications.
