Call for Applications: Professional Development Competition (Russia)

Deadline: 01-Oct-2026

The Professional Development Competition, organized by the Vladimir Potanin Charitable Foundation, provides grants to Russian specialists and eligible organizations to support professional development, institutional capacity, human resource development, and knowledge sharing. Individual winners can receive up to 300,000 rubles for professional development programs, while eligible legal entities can receive up to 1 million rubles for projects, with a total competition grant fund of 100 million rubles. What Is the Professional Development Competition? The Professional Development Competition is a cross-program initiative of the Vladimir Potanin Charitable Foundation designed to strengthen both individual professional competencies and the long-term sustainability of Russian organizations. The competition supports professionals and organizations working in areas connected with: Eligible legal entities can receive grants of up to: 1 million rubles Organizational grants support projects focused on: Human resource development Knowledge sharing Institutional development Professional capacity building Innovative organizational approaches Organizations should demonstrate how the proposed project will strengthen their long-term capacity and social impact. Total Grant Fund The total grant fund available through the competition is: 100 million rubles This funding is distributed among successful individual and organizational applicants according to the applicable competition tracks and selection requirements. Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility depends on the specific competition track

The competition is intended for Russian specialists and eligible Russian organizations operating in relevant fields. Other specialists meeting the requirements of the relevant competition track

Eligibility for Individuals

Individual applicants must meet the requirements applicable to their specific professional category and competition track. Eligible professionals may include specialists working in: Museums Non-profit organizations Sports Philanthropy Higher education University faculty members and managers may be eligible where they are involved in full-time master’s and specialized higher education programs, subject to the specific track requirements. Applicants should carefully verify the professional experience and institutional requirements for the relevant track before applying.

Eligibility for Organizations

Organizations applying for institutional grants must meet the competition’s organizational requirements. Have been registered and operating for at least six months before the application deadline Meet the requirements of the applicable competition track The competition may apply additional requirements depending on whether the applicant is a museum, non-profit organization, university, or another eligible institution. Geographic Eligibility The competition is focused on applicants based in the Russian Federation. Both individual applicants and participating organizations must meet the applicable Russia-based eligibility requirements. Organizations must also satisfy the minimum operating period requirement of six months before the application deadline. How the Funding Works The competition has two primary forms of support. Individual Support

Maximum: 300,000 rubles

Purpose: Professional development programs for eligible specialists.

Organizational Support

Maximum: 1 million rubles

Purpose: Projects focused on human resource development, institutional development, and knowledge sharing.

Applicants should select the appropriate competition track based on their professional status or organizational profile. How to Apply Applicants should follow the application requirements for their specific competition track.

Step 1: Identify the Appropriate Track

Determine which category best matches your professional or organizational profile.

Possible areas include:

Museum professionals and organizations Sports and philanthropy non-profit professionals University faculty and managers Other categories specified in the competition

Step 2: Check Eligibility

Confirm that you meet the relevant requirements for: Individual applicants should clearly explain what professional development they want to undertake and how it will strengthen their professional competencies. Organizations should identify the institutional challenge they intend to address and explain how the proposed project will improve human resources, knowledge sharing, or organizational sustainability.

Step 4: Develop the Proposal

A strong proposal should clearly connect:

Current need → Proposed development activity → Expected skills or institutional improvements → Long-term impact Applicants should explain why the proposed activity is relevant and what concrete results are expected.

Step 5: Prepare the Application

Provide all information and supporting documentation required under the relevant competition track. Applicants should ensure that their information is accurate and consistent with their professional or organizational status.

Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline

Submit the completed application through the designated competition process before the applicable deadline. Because requirements may differ between tracks, applicants should review the current official competition rules carefully before submitting. How to Strengthen Your Application A strong application should demonstrate a clear connection between professional development and broader social or institutional impact. Proposing professional development without clear objectives Describing organizational activities without explaining institutional impact Providing vague expected outcomes Failing to connect the proposed project with human resource development or knowledge sharing Submitting an application without checking the current track-specific requirements Key Funding Facts

Competition: Professional Development Competition

Organizer: Vladimir Potanin Charitable Foundation

Launch: 2023

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