Norway provides direct funding to Ukrainian civil society organisations

'Ukrainian civil society plays crucial roles in uniting the country and strengthening resistance against Russia's attacks. Through such organisations, Ukrainians take direct part in the rebuilding of their country. Civil society organisations are also central to the work on governance reforms such as strengthening freedom of expression and the fight against corruption. By supporting local organisations, we also strengthen the Ukrainian people's self-defence', says Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

In April, Norad, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, announced funding through a new grant scheme for civil society in Ukraine. The first grants awarded under the scheme are now being announced. Additional grants will be awarded early next year. The funding period will cover four years and NOK 70 million has been set aside for disbursements in 2024. Norad received a total of 69 applications in the call for proposals.

The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) will also contribute with an allocation to the two Ukrainian proposals that have now been awarded and will join as an equal donor together with Norad.

'Civil society is highly regarded in Ukraine and are essential first-line responders within local communities. Voluntary organisations help those who have been forced to flee and become displaced, as well as children, young people and veterans of the war. They are also key drivers for democratic reform and the fight against corruption', says Jorun Nossum, Department Director for the Nansen Programme in Norad.

The civilian component of the Nansen Support Program is Norway's largest aid programme, but this is the first time funding has been allocated directly to Ukrainian organisations through the programme. Since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, civil society has been a driving force in Ukraine's development. Today, there are more than 20,000 civil society organisations in the country and 80 per cent of Ukrainians have actively volunteered since the invasion of Crimea in 2014.

The Norwegian Helsinki Committee is one of the first organisations to be awarded funding. Funding has been awarded their proposed program in partnership with the Ukrainian Center for Civil Liberties.

'I have worked in law for many years and I know that if you cannot put your faith in international mechanisms, you can always put your faith in people. We are used to thinking in terms of states and inter-state organisations. However, ordinary people have much more influence than they realise. The role of civil society is absolutely crucial in these challenging times', says Oleksandra Matviichuk. She is the Chair of the Center for Civil Liberties and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate 2022.

'The fact that we are now supporting Ukrainian organisations directly is both important and right. A vibrant civil society is the foundation of democracy and important for Ukraine being able to decide on its own future', says Foreign Minister Eide.

Additional awards will be announced early 2025.

Norad is now announcing allocations awarded to the following applicants:

• The International Renaissance Foundation (IRF) is one of the largest civil society organisations in Ukraine and conducts extensive re-granting to local organisations. er Another Ukrainian organisation, the East Europe Foundation, will mainly offer training programmes to civil society. Together, they will reach over 100 local civil society organisations in war zones in eastern Ukraine. They will place particular emphasis on measures to help veterans of the war, those who have been forced to flee their homes and young people.

• The Initiative Center to Support Social Action, often referred to as "Ednannia", which means unity in Ukrainian, is an organisation that acts as a resource centre for civil society in Ukraine. They intend to reach more than 500 local organisations throughout Ukraine through smaller grants and training, networking and mentorship programmes to ensure inclusive rebuilding and democratic reform.
• The Norwegian Helsinki Committee has been awarded funding for a program together with the Nobel Peace Prize winner from 2022, the Ukrainian Human Rights Organisation Center for Civil Liberties, and the initiative plans to strengthen a network of local Ukrainian organisations in their work to monitor and report on the human rights situation, detect corruption and promote democratic and inclusive reforms at a local level.