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.
ONGOING GRANT COMPETITIONS
COMPLETED GRANT COMPETITIONS
ACTIVITIES
Join the Expedition of ISAR Ednannia in Your City!
Expedition – Ednannia is a nationwide roadshow where we travel to regions to meet organizations and communities in person, present current grant opportunities, and hear your ideas. More.
Joining Forces for Ukraine’s Recovery: ISAR Ednannia’s Side Event at URC-2025 in Rome
On July 9, ISAR Ednannia led the official Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 (URC-2025) side event on Joining Forces: Government, Civil Society and Business for Resilient Public Policy in Ukraine’s Recovery. More
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. More
“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, discussed the perspectives on post-war elections. More
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. More
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. More
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.
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. More
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.
