How can public service become genuinely open to those who defended the country? IREX’s Veteran Reintegration Programme is launching a grant competition for civil society organisations ready to address this question systematically. Specifically, the project aims not at one-off employment support but at building sustainable pathways for veterans into state bodies and local self-government authorities (LSAs).
The programme is funded by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by IREX in Ukraine. If your organisation has experience working with government institutions and is ready to operate across multiple regions, this is an opportunity worth examining closely. Furthermore, to stay up to date on similar NGO calls, we recommend exploring our “Grant Guide 2026”.
| Grant Amount up to $150,000 |
Deadline 15 April 2026 |
Project Period May 2026 – August 2027 |
Organiser IREX / UVRR |
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Purpose and Context of the Call
Despite the growing number of veterans in Ukraine, systematic mechanisms for their integration into the civil service and LSAs remain underdeveloped. Consequently, civil servants often lack the knowledge and skills to work alongside veterans as colleagues. Moreover, veterans themselves frequently do not know how or where to apply for public sector positions.
This competition is designed to change that situation at a structural level. Specifically, IREX is seeking a partner organisation to develop and implement practical, scalable tools for a two-way process: preparing civil servants, and creating real entry pathways for veterans. The project is implemented under the UVRR (Ukraine Veteran Reintegration and Rehabilitation Program), funded by the U.S. Department of State.
What the Project Involves
The winning organisation must implement three interconnected areas of work:
Training Civil Servants and Building a Trainer Pool
Developing and delivering training for civil servants on working with veterans as colleagues. Additionally, preparing internal trainers to ensure the programme can be scaled sustainably after the project concludes.
Organising Internships for Veterans
Designing and running internship programmes for veterans within state bodies and LSAs. Furthermore, these placements must provide genuine practical experience that improves veterans’ competitiveness in public sector hiring processes.
Cooperation with NAUCS to Institutionalise Adaptation Tools
Working with the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service (NAUCS) to institutionalise the developed adaptation tools. In essence, the goal is to ensure results remain embedded in the system and continue to function after the project ends.
Who Can Apply
The competition is open to non-profit organisations (NGOs, charitable foundations) that meet the following criteria:
Organisations with experience in veteran communities or civil service training are particularly encouraged to apply. Notably, IREX’s track record in Ukraine shows that precisely these types of partnerships deliver the greatest systemic impact. We also recommend reading our guide “International Grant Partnerships: Where to Find Partners and How to Formalise Agreements” when planning your team.
Grant Parameters
| Maximum Budget $150,000 |
Project Period May 2026 – August 2027 |
Geography Pilot or several regions |
Number of Grants 1 grant |
How to Apply for IREX grants
Applications must be submitted by email by 15 April 2026, 23:59.
Submission Details
Email: tender-ua@irex.org
Subject line: UVRR RFA Creating Pathways for Veterans Engagement in Public Service
Full competition documentation is available at the official IREX link. Additionally, before preparing your application, we recommend reading our article “Grant Budgeting Made Simple: A Financial Guide for 2026” to build a strong budget.
Application deadline: 15 April 2026, 23:59
Project start: no earlier than May 2026
Project end: August 2027
Submit to: tender-ua@irex.org
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