ГРАНТИ ЄВРОПЕЙСЬКОГО ФОНДУ РОЗВИТКУ ДЕМОКРАТІЇ ДЛЯ УКРАЇНИ

Abstract

The article examines the grant opportunities of the European Endowment for Democracy for Ukraine. It is emphasized that this grant institution makes a significant contribution to supporting projects that focus on strengthening democratic values, democracy and the rule of law in Ukraine. It is emphasized that Ukrainian civil society organizations, democratic initiatives, activists, independent media and journalists who contribute to the development of a pluralistic and democratic political system in Ukraine can apply for a grant from the European Endowment for Democracy. It is demonstrated that the fund is loyal to those representatives of civil society who cannot find support from other donors. The study indicates that the main priorities of the European Endowment for Democracy are: anti-corruption and accountability, independent platforms and social media, civic engagement and participation, human rights activism and monitoring, women’s civic and political participation, inclusive society, sexual orientation and gender identity, arts and culture, and youth support. It is emphasized that grant funding from the European Endowment for Democracy in the amount of 10,000 to 150,000 euros is available for both registered organizations and informal groups, for political and social movements, and for individual activists, for organizations with experience and for newly established ones. The article demonstrates that the fund’s advantage is its flexibility in providing grants in emergency cases. The algorithm of participation of potential grantees in the fund’s grant competitions is presented and it is emphasized that the fund accepts applications without any deadlines throughout the year, reviewing them 4-6 times a year; applications for emergency funding can be considered outside the usual schedule. To summarize: the grants of the European Endowment for Democracy are an autonomous and additional tool for prompt and flexible provision of financial and technical support to democratization and human rights initiatives in European countries, including Ukraine. It is emphasized that the implementation of the projects funded by the Foundation will help Ukraine strengthen democratic institutions, increase public confidence in the government, and promote sustainable development.