RFAs: Second Wave of Mini-Grants for Human Rights Initiatives (Ukraine)

Kherson Human Rights House has launched the second round of its mini-grant competition, offering up to UAH 300,000 to support civil society organisations implementing human rights initiatives in the Kherson, Mykolaiv and Zaporizhzhia regions. Opportunity at a Glance

- Organiser: Kherson Human Rights House

- Opportunity type: Mini-grants for human rights projects

- Eligible regions: Kherson, Mykolaiv and Zaporizhzhia

- Eligible applicants: Civil society organisations, including charitable organisations and public associations

- Maximum grant: Up to UAH 300,000

- Application deadline: 20 October 2026 at 15:00

- Project duration: 8–12 months

- Expected starting date: January 2027

- Application email: office@khersonrights.org

About the Opportunity

- The mini-grant competition provides financial support to civil society organisations implementing initiatives connected with human rights. - Proposed projects may include educational, awareness-raising, advocacy and civic education activities. The competition also supports legal assistance for vulnerable populations, human rights research and initiatives promoting equality and preventing discrimination. - Projects must be implemented in or benefit communities within the Kherson, Mykolaiv or Zaporizhzhia regions. Funding and Benefits - Successful applicants may receive grants of up to UAH 300,000. - Projects must run for a minimum of eight months and a maximum of 12 months. Implementation is expected to begin in January 2027. - Funding must be used exclusively for costs directly connected with the approved project and incurred during the grant agreement period. Who Can Apply? - Applications are open to civil society organisations, specifically charitable organisations and public associations. - An applicant must be registered as a legal entity in Ukraine and included in the Register of Non-Profit Institutions and Organisations. - Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed projects address human rights issues and serve communities in one or more eligible regions. Restrictions Based on Legal Address - Grants cannot be awarded to organisations whose registered legal address, at the time of signing the grant agreement, is located within a temporarily occupied territory. - This restriction also applies to settlements where Ukrainian public authorities are temporarily unable to exercise their powers and locations situated along the line of contact. - Applicants should verify their organisation’s legal address against the applicable official lists before submitting an application. Eligible Activities and Priority Areas - The competition supports educational and awareness-raising activities addressing human rights. - Projects may adapt and implement original teaching materials, educational programs, manuals and other learning tools. - Funding may support civic education programs focused on equal rights and the prevention of discrimination. - Organisations may conduct public lectures, discussions and community events concerning human rights, equality and non-discrimination. - Activities may be organised in schools, other educational institutions and youth spaces. - Projects may establish or strengthen local communities working on human rights, democracy, non-discrimination and civic participation. - Funding may also support legal assistance for vulnerable groups and relevant scientific research concerning human rights. - Other activities may be considered when they have a clear and direct connection to human rights. Eligible Project Approaches - Applicants should design projects that respond to an identified human rights issue affecting communities in the eligible regions. - Projects may combine education, public engagement, advocacy, community building, research and legal support. - Activities should have clearly defined target groups, expected results and an implementation plan that can be completed within 8–12 months. - Applicants should also explain how the proposed intervention will contribute to the protection, promotion or better understanding of human rights. Ineligible Expenses - Grant funding cannot be used to purchase land, real estate or vehicles. - Capital construction, reconstruction and major repairs to premises are not eligible. - The purchase of weapons, ammunition or dual-use goods is prohibited. - Funding cannot be used to repay debts, loans, fines, penalties or other financial liabilities. - Applicants may not use the grant to establish reserves or cover exchange-rate differences. - Political and religious activities are ineligible. - Expenses unrelated to the direct implementation of the approved project cannot be included. - Costs incurred before the grant agreement is signed or after it expires will not be reimbursed. - Expenses already financed by another donor are ineligible because double funding is prohibited. Required Application Documents Applicants must submit a completed project application in Word format and a detailed project budget in Excel format.

The submission must also include:

- A copy of the organisation’s charter - A copy of its state registration certificate or an extract from the Unified State Register - A copy of the organisation’s entry in the Register of Non-Profit Institutions and Organisations - Curricula vitae of the personnel expected to participate in project implementation Applicants should ensure that all documents are complete, current and clearly labelled before submitting the application. How to Apply - Prepare the project application and budget using the required file formats. - Collect all supporting organisational and personnel documents. - Email the complete application package to office@khersonrights.org. - Use the following email subject line: “Application + Name of Organisation.” - Applications must be submitted by 20 October 2026 at 15:00. - Late or incomplete applications may not be considered. Assessment and Selection Conditions - Kherson Human Rights House will review submitted applica