About: UWF was created in 2000 to support civil society organisations from Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus working with women. Core goals of the Fund are:
- To promote human rights and freedom by empowering civil society.
- To build a coherent and cohesive movement of women’s organisations in order to strengthen civil society.
- To promote the participation of women in the political, economic, and social life of the country where they operate.
- To draw public attention on issues related to gender inequality and diversity.
Geographical focus: Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus only.
Themes: The Fund sponsors projects aiming at:
- Enhancing women’s economic powers.
Potential activities: campaigns to raise awareness about women’s discrimination in their working environment, set up of social enterprises led by women, campaigns to raise awareness of women’s poverty
- Strengthening the roles of women’s association in the region and empower them as political actors.
Potential activities: advocacy campaigns, lobbying, informational campaigns, roudtables and workshops involving representatives of political parties and officials.
- Raising awareness of gender equality in the general public.
Potential activities: talk-shows, publications, TV debates, social advertisement campaigns, public events such as performances, shows, exhibitions etc.
Types of grants:
General Grants are given to projects implementing one of the core themes of the Fund (see above). Further specifications shall be given once a new call is advertised. The Fund could decide to prioritise one of the main thematic areas or to create a new topic in relation to most urgent issues related to women at the time of the call.
Grants that bring together are given to members of the associations funded by UWF. The goal of these grants is to facilitate the mobility of civil society members working in the field of women’s rights and empowerment. These grants can be requested to participate in international conference or to disseminate the results of implemented projects with other similar organisations. In order to access these grants, individuals have to clearly specify how presenting, sharing or disseminating the results of their implemented projects could further help UWF to reach its core goals.
Eligibility: UWF financially assists civil society organisations only. Potential candidates must address issues related to gender equality and women’s rights and operate in the areas of interest of the Fund. Calls are not restricted to women-led organisations although they have to demonstrate a long-term engagement with issues of women’s rights and empowerment. Priority is given to collaborative projects in order to reinforce existing networks in the region.
How to apply: Once the call is advertised, organisations must submit their proposals – written in Russian or Ukrainian – by post or personally visiting the office of the Fund in Kyiv. More information shall be made available when a new call is advertised.
Deadlines: Unsolicited applications are not accepted. Open calls are advertised in the website of the organisation, here
Additional information with regards of funding to women’s organisations working in the region could be found in the Ukrainian Women’s Portal here
