Empowered to Influence-3: grants of up to NOK 150,000 for civil society and charitable organisations and universities for human rights work and capacity building, apply by 19 November

The Kyiv Human Rights Hub, in partnership with the Center for Civil Liberties and the Norwegian Helsinki Committee, has launched the Empowered to Influence-3 small grants competition. This initiative is managed under the project Ukraine: Strengthening Democracy through Civil Society, aiming to enhance the operational sustainability, advocacy capacity, and human rights impact of Ukrainian civil society actors.

The funding scheme offers support under two distinct allocations: Lot 1 provides grants of up to NOK 70,000, while Lot 2 offers up to NOK 150,000. Project applications must be submitted by 19 November 2026, with selected projects slated for implementation in 2027.

What is funded

Every proposed initiative must address strictly one thematic area defined by the call. These areas include the promotion of human rights and prevention of discrimination, institutional capacity development of human rights NGOs and regional networks, regional civic education, or advocacy initiatives tied to regional and national human rights agendas.

Eligible activities cover psychosocial and legal support for victims of war, excluding direct humanitarian relief. Funding also accommodates independent monitoring of peaceful gatherings, trials, and public administration actions, as well as public awareness campaigns, media initiatives, democratic governance policy development, and the establishment of civic engagement clubs in youth spaces and educational institutions.

Who can apply

The competition is open to Ukrainian non-governmental organizations, charitable organizations, and higher education institutions. The project focuses on strengthening civil society as a driver of democratic change and a partner in public policy formation, especially under wartime pressures and institutional challenges.

Priorities within the broader initiative include the protection of women’s rights, rights of LGBTQ+ persons, anti-corruption advocacy, and investigative journalism. Projects must address the needs of local or regional communities, with specific attention to internally displaced persons and marginalized groups demonstrating close community ties.

Conditions and requirements

Funding is distributed via two tiers: Lot 1 allows requests up to NOK 70,000, and Lot 2 provides up to NOK 150,000. Applicants addressing the thematic direction of advocacy related to human rights agendas are encouraged to form consortiums, as priority is given to partnered proposals.

The programme enforces strict financial and activity exclusions. Ineligible expenses include actions capable of causing civil unrest, discriminatory activities, administrative or criminal fines, tasks already financed by alternative sources, severance payments for unfair dismissals, and the recovery of funds lost to fraud, corruption, or theft.

How to apply

Applicants must prepare and submit their grant proposals in accordance with the competition guidelines before the final cut-off time at 23:59 on 19 November 2026. Submissions must adhere strictly to a single thematic focus, as multi-thematic applications do not meet the core competition requirements.

Practical tip. If you intend to submit a proposal under the advocacy thematic stream, establish a documented partnership with another civil society organization prior to finalizing your application. The selection criteria give direct priority to collaborative advocacy efforts, which can significantly enhance the strength of your submission.

Applications are submitted on the donor’s page: hrhub.kyiv.ua.