East Europe Foundation announces the first seven civil society organizations (CSOs) selected as winners of the grant competition implemented under the third phase of the “Capable and Resistant” program.

The organizations have received grants for projects that provide services to people affected by the war, particularly vulnerable groups of civilians, including women, internally displaced persons (IDPs), older people, persons with disabilities, veterans, family members of servicemembers, representatives of ethnic minorities, LGBTQI+ communities, children, and others.

A total of 180 applications were submitted by CSOs. Below is the list of seven winners, along with brief descriptions of their projects:

Charitable Foundation “Citizen” with the project “Support for Families of Veterans with Disabilities. Recovery and Rehabilitation”

The project aims to support veterans with disabilities and those who have sustained severe injuries by providing comprehensive rehabilitation services.

As part of the project, the foundation will organize a 21-day rehabilitation course at the NGO “Agape Ukraine” for 30 veterans with traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, amputations, and other severe conditions. Individual consultations for family members will also be provided to strengthen their capacity to deliver effective home care and support during rehabilitation.

Project geography: Boratyn village, Volyn oblast.

Vinnytsia Non-governmental Organization “Informational and Educational Center “VIS” with the project “FemBusinessLab. Strengthening Women’s Economic Capacity in Times of Uncertainty”

The project focuses on enhancing the economic capacity and financial independence of women in the Vinnytsia region who have been affected by the war and face the consequences of displacement, instability, and limited access to resources.

Its goal is to develop women’s entrepreneurial potential through training, mentoring, psychological support, and strengthening the organization’s institutional capacity. Activities include business schools, study tours, workshops, individual consultations, motivational events, and psychological support. Expected outcomes include improved skills, the creation of a professional community, increased self-reliance, and sustainable organizational development.

Project geography: Vinnytsia oblast.

Fund “Vilni” Public Organization with the project “Path to Recovery: Psychosocial Support for Veterans and Their Families in Ivano-Frankivsk Region”

The project aims to strengthen emotional resilience, overcome social isolation, restore internal resources, and reinforce supportive family ties among servicemembers’ families. It also includes an advocacy component through awareness-raising and educational lectures in communities to reduce stigma, foster understanding of veterans’ experiences, and support their reintegration.

The “Path to Recovery” program combines group psychological support, peer support meetings, and restorative camps in the Carpathian natural environment, including workshops, art therapy, shared activities, and psychological practices. Activities will be implemented at the “Vilni” community space in Kosiv and will cover several communities in the region.

Project geography: Ivano-Frankivsk oblast.

NGO “Triangle” with the project “Triangle of Support: Rights, Recovery, Resilience”

The project aims to improve legal awareness, psychological support, and overall well-being of veterans, family members of veterans and servicemembers, and internally displaced persons in Kolomyia and Tlumach communities (Ivano-Frankivsk region) and Uzhhorod community (Zakarpattia region).

It will provide accessible legal aid, regular psychological support, and psychosocial rehabilitation activities to strengthen resilience and support successful community integration. Activities include legal consultations, information sessions, psychological support events, recovery retreats, involvement of a fundraising expert, procurement of a power station for uninterrupted operations, and communication of project results.

Project geography: Ivano-Frankivsk and Zakarpattia oblasts.

NGO “DOSVITA” with the project “Comprehensive Psychosocial Support for Veterans and Their Families through Inclusive Recovery Retreats in the Carpathians”

The project supports veterans with disabilities, former prisoners of war, and their families who are experiencing the consequences of trauma, emotional exhaustion, social isolation, and difficulties in restoring family relationships.

It includes three inclusive four-day recovery retreats for 54 participants, ensuring accessibility and professional support from certified psychologists and facilitators. The program combines psychosocial support, nature-based therapy, art therapy, body-based stabilization techniques, and a cultural integration component, including visits to natural and cultural sites, learning about regional traditions, safe interaction with animals, and sound-based practices.

Project geography: Zakarpattia and Ivano-Frankivsk oblasts.

Khmilnitska districts NGO “PRAVO” with the project “Strong Together: A Space for Support and Development”

The project aims to establish a comprehensive system of legal, psychological, and psychosocial support within the Khmilnytskyi urban community for internally displaced persons and local residents affected by the war, as well as to expand their participation in community life through the operation of a safe, inclusive space and the organization of educational, cultural, and local history events.

As part of the project, legal and psychological consultations will be provided, trainings will be held for IDPs and local residents, creative workshops for adults and a children’s creative club will be organized, “living library” events will be held, intellectual quizzes, and chamber concerts, as well as develop and implement historical and local history programs. During the warmer months, a cycling club is planned as a form of shared active leisure and community engagement. All activities will take place in a safe, inclusive space open to IDPs and local residents, with special attention given to those affected by the war and vulnerable populations.

Project location: Vinnytsia Oblast.

Charitable Organization “Charitable Foundation ‘I Am Mariupol’” with the project “Career Opportunities and Employment as a Tool for Social Integration and Rehabilitation of IDPs”

The project aims to increase economic independence and social integration of highly vulnerable IDPs, including women, veterans, youth, and older people, in the cities of Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, and Kropyvnytskyi.

It will provide HR consultations to develop employment and career planning skills, organize retraining and reskilling programs, and offer psychological support to unemployed individuals to reduce stress and improve their integration into the labor market. These efforts are expected to reduce social tension and enhance community competitiveness.

Project geography: Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, and Kirovohrad oblasts.

These organizations have just begun implementing initiatives to support people affected by the full-scale invasion.

The “Capable and Resistant” program is implemented by East Europe Foundation with financial support from Switzerland.