The International Renaissance Foundation, in collaboration with East Europe Foundation, has announced a large-scale support program for civil society organizations in Ukraine. This initiative is funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. The program will cover over 100 organizations operating in the eastern regions of Ukraine, focusing on veterans, forcibly displaced persons, and youth.

“Ukraine has consistently demonstrated that a robust civil society is the cornerstone of democratic development and stability, especially during the most challenging times,” said Oleksandr Sushko, Director of the International Renaissance Foundation. “Today, as the country fights for its freedom and integrates into the EU, civil society needs even more support to remain a driving force for change. We are launching this initiative in cooperation with East Europe Foundation to equip organizations with new tools, knowledge, and resources to aid in the country’s recovery, implement reforms, and build a sustainable future.”

This initiative marks the first time Norway is providing direct support to Ukrainian civil society organizations. The program includes grant support for local CSOs, public sector research, online courses, experience-sharing events, expanded networking and cooperation between CSOs, a training program to enhance the institutional capacity of organizations, and other activities.

“We are pleased to partner with the International Renaissance Foundation to support Ukrainian civil society organizations at this critical time. Our role in this program is to train and enhance the capacity of 100 CSOs, enabling them to face wartime challenges, strengthen their potential, and ensure proper aid to those in need,” said Victor Liakh, President of East Europe Foundation.

Additionally, within the framework of civil society sector support, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) has allocated funding to ISAR Ednannia, the Norwegian Healthcare Research Committee, and the Center for Civil Liberties.