Program Purpose

The Democracy Grants Program supports projects to foster the development and education of civil society in Ukraine. The program is a focused but flexible mechanism, which provides seed money for unique and sustainable projects, particularly projects that help develop the capacity and sustainability of non-governmental organizations in Ukraine. Selection of projects is based on the applicants' ability to demonstrate concrete achievements which can show an impact in a given field or community. Over 600 projects from Ukrainian NGOs have received funding through the Democracy Grants Program since July 1996. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.


Major Program Requirements

• Grants can only be given to Ukrainian NGOs (non-profit and non-governmental organizations) registered in accordance with Ukrainian law. NGOs include, but are not limited to civic organizations or associations, charitable foundations and think tanks.
• NGOs and their members cannot represent or be affiliated with a political party, or appointed or elected officials.
• Although the maximum funding available for a single grant is $24,000, the average amount of awarded grants is between $5,000 and $15,000.
• American or other third-country organizations and individuals are not eligible to apply for grants.
• General competition application must be submitted in English and Ukrainian.
• In addition to general competition, the Embassy will, from time to time, hold special regional or thematic competitions, which may have different rules regarding project eligibility. Check the US Embassy website and local media for announcements.

• Human Rights education, monitoring, and reporting: Proposals should describe follow-up activities and what segment(s) of society will be targeted.
• Rule of Law and Legal Reforms: Legal support services, public education and advocacy, judicial support, lobbying efforts and related follow-up activities.
• Economic Reforms: Promoting market economy initiatives, improving the business environment for small and medium size enterprises. Supporting better working relationships between the public and private sectors. Lobbying for taxation reform and for other issues of concern to private enterprises and entrepreneurs.
• Civil Society Development: Initiatives that will further the development, effectiveness and sustainability of the third sector.
• Electoral System Support: Voter education and elections monitoring including training and other election related issues.
• Anti-Corruption and Transparency in Government: Education and awareness campaigns.
• Anti-Trafficking: Projects to promote awareness, prevention and legal remedies.
• Ethnic, minority and women's equality: Advocacy, legal consulting and association building projects and related issues.