Grant for public organizations

What is a grant for public organizations?

A grant for non-governmental organisations is a non-refundable financial assistance provided by the state, international foundations, charities or private donors to non-profit organisations for the implementation of socially important projects. This funding tool allows CSOs (civil society organisations) to develop their initiatives in the areas of education, culture, human rights, environmental protection, support for vulnerable groups, etc.

The main purpose of grant support is to promote active citizenship, develop local communities, implement reforms and overcome social challenges. Grants typically cover the costs of organising events, training, public awareness, analytical activities, purchasing equipment and developing innovative services. Some programmes also cover the costs of salaries for project team members, logistics, or renting a venue for events.

Who can apply

Grants for civil society organisations are open to all:

• Public organization (PO) registered in accordance with the procedure established by law.
• Charitable foundations.
• Public unions.
• Other non-profit organisations whose activities meet the conditions of a particular competition.

Often, an additional requirement is experience in project implementation or a partner network. In some cases, even newly established organisations can participate if they offer a clear and realistic idea that can benefit the community. It is also important to comply with the requirements for transparent financial reporting and openness to monitoring results.

What you need to participate in the grant programme

Successful participation in a grant competition requires a well-prepared project application that includes

1. Description of the problem and project objectives - what exactly the organisation plans to solve or improve.
2. Action plan - what actions will be taken to achieve the goals.
3. Budget - a detailed estimate with an explanation of each cost item.
4. Project team - who will be responsible for implementation, what competencies they have.
5. Expected results - how the situation will change after the project is implemented.
6. Risk assessment - potential difficulties and ways to overcome them.
7. Information campaign - how the organisation will inform the target audience about the project and its results.

Many donors also require copies of constituent documents, a certificate from the Unified State Register, letters of support from partners or local authorities, as well as examples of past projects.

What areas are grants available for?

Depending on the source of funding and the terms of the competition, grants can cover the following areas:

• Education and public awareness - support for projects that raise public awareness, promote non-formal education, organise trainings, courses, and information campaigns.
• Human rights protection and support for democratic processes - funding for initiatives aimed at human rights monitoring, advocacy, legal aid, and the development of democratic institutions.
• Environmental initiatives - programmes to preserve nature, raise environmental awareness, manage waste and combat climate change.
• Social services and support for vulnerable groups - assistance to people with disabilities, internally displaced persons, the elderly, and children in difficult life circumstances.
• Media and countering disinformation - support for independent journalism, fact-checking, media literacy, and the fight against propaganda and fakes.
• Institutional development of civil society organisations - strengthening the capacity of organisations: strategic planning, staff training, improvement of internal processes.
• Building partnerships and developing local communities - projects that unite communities, promote dialogue between the authorities and the public, and support local initiatives.
• Innovative solutions in the field of digital transformation - development of digital services, IT products, applications for civil society and strengthening of digital competencies.

Each grant for PO has its own topic, so you should choose the programme that best suits your organisation's mission and goals.

Tips for a successful application

Carefully study the terms of the competition and the requirements for applicants.

Clearly state the problem and goal of the project - the application should be logical and convincing.

Submit a realistic budget with reasonable costs.

Emphasise the sustainability of the results - what will remain after the project is completed.

Include letters of recommendation or success stories from previous initiatives.

Ensure consistency between the problem, objectives, activities, and expected impact.

Check the application for technical errors, inconsistencies or missing documents.

Frequently asked questions about issue a grant for public organizations