Danish-Ukrainian Grants 2026: Overview of Current Programs

Denmark is one of the world’s largest donors per capita. Yet most Danish grant programmes remain far less known than Horizon Europe or US foundations, even though they are genuinely accessible to Ukrainian organisations, researchers, and artists. This overview “Danish-Ukrainian grants” covers 8 programmes with fixed deadlines in 2026.

The programmes are divided into two groups. The first includes those where a Ukrainian organisation or individual applies directly. The second covers programmes where a Danish partner is required or a Danish organisation acts as the formal applicant, with Ukraine as a mandatory or advantaged party.

The nearest deadline is 29 June 2026 (NEFCO, open exclusively to Ukrainian companies). There is also an urgent opportunity for arts organisations with a Danish partner – deadline 2 June.

Group A: direct applications (Danish-Ukrainian grants)

LEGO Foundation Fellowship 2026

LEGO Foundation / SSRC | Deadline: 31 July 2026

A global research fellowship for early- and mid-career scientists whose work relates to child development: education, psychology, public health, humanitarian research, and child psychology in conflict and crisis settings. Funding: up to $300,000 over three years. Up to 10 fellowships awarded worldwide.

For Ukraine, this is one of the most direct entry points: the theme of “children in armed conflict” directly addresses the Ukrainian context, and the programme actively encourages applicants from diverse geographies. Requirements: a PhD degree received within the past 10 years, and a position at a university or research organisation.

NEFCO: Technical Assistance Framework for Green Recovery of Ukraine

NEFCO / Sida | Deadline: 29 June 2026

Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO) has issued a request for proposals to build a pool of qualified consultants to help Ukrainian municipalities prepare and implement green recovery infrastructure projects. The programme is financed by Sida. Total consultancy budget: up to €5,000,000. Individual assignments range from €50,000 to €500,000. The framework agreement runs for up to six years.

The target audience is Ukrainian engineering, environmental, and consulting firms with a track record in community-level work. The programme was created exclusively for Ukraine: it is looking for firms with confirmed experience in municipal infrastructure preparation.

Danish Arts Foundation: Curatorial Research Programme

Statens Kunstfond (Danish Arts Foundation) | Deadline: 24 September 2026

The programme funds research trips to Denmark for curators, art critics, gallery directors, and other professionals in contemporary visual arts. It covers short visits of 3–7 days: meetings with artists, gallery visits, and building long-term ties with the Danish art scene. The grant covers travel and accommodation costs only.

Ukrainian curators and art critics apply directly. Alternatively, a Danish institution may apply on behalf of a foreign curator if it is organising and hosting the visit.

Villum Investigator 2026

Villum Foundation | Deadline: 20 August 2026

Long-term support for experienced researchers in the technical and natural sciences to pursue ambitious independent ideas. Up to DKK 30,000,000 (approximately €4,000,000) over six years. Open to scientists from anywhere in the world, but the work must take place at a Danish university or the geological survey institution GEUS. Relocation to Denmark is a firm requirement.

For a Ukrainian researcher, this is an opportunity to secure both substantial funding and a stable base in Denmark for six years. Requirement: an active research record of at least 10 years.

Group B: participation through a partner or as co-applicant (Danish-Ukrainian grants)

In these programmes, the applicant or primary grant recipient is a Danish organisation. But Ukrainian participation is either a mandatory condition or provides a concrete financial advantage. Each entry below specifies what role the Ukrainian party plays.

Danish Arts Foundation: Performing Arts – International Activities

Statens Kunstfond | Deadline: 1 October 2026

Support for international projects in performing arts: tours, residencies, co-productions, and networking aimed at long-term international partnerships. Up to DKK 100,000 (approximately €13,400). The applicant is a Danish theatre, performing arts group, or independent artist.

Ukrainian theatre groups and artists participate as project partners. If you already have contact with a Danish company or organiser, this is a direct route to a jointly funded project.

CISU: Civil Society Fund (Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

CISU / MFA Denmark | Deadlines: 26 August 2026 (small and large projects) and 9 September 2026 (small programmes)

The fund supports civil society projects by Danish NGOs working in developing countries. Ukraine is on the list of eligible partner countries. Grant sizes: small projects up to DKK 150,000; large projects up to DKK 700,000; small programmes up to DKK 4,000,000.

The applicant must be a Danish NGO with approved statutes and at least 25–50 paying members. The Ukrainian organisation enters as the local partner – this is a required element for most types of support. If you have regular contacts with Danish NGOs working in human rights, democratic development, or environmental issues, it is worth initiating a conversation about a joint project.

EUopSTART: support for Danish organisations writing Horizon Europe applications

Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science | Deadlines: 26 August 2026 and 4 November 2026

EUopSTART reimburses Danish companies, universities, and research organisations for up to 50% of their costs in preparing Horizon Europe applications. The applicant and grant recipient is exclusively a Danish organisation. But these funds cover the preparation of a Horizon Europe application, which may include a Ukrainian organisation as a consortium partner.

The practical value for Ukraine: if you are looking for a Danish partner for a joint Horizon Europe project, EUopSTART is a direct financial incentive for the Danish side to cover the costs of writing the application. This lowers the barrier to entry for the Danish organisation and makes you a more attractive potential partner.

Novo Nordisk Foundation: grants for nutrition and cardiometabolic disease research

Novo Nordisk Foundation | Deadline: 8 September 2026, 13:00

Grants for basic and clinical research in nutrition and the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases. Projects run for up to three years. The main applicant must hold a position at a Danish university, hospital, or non-profit research organisation (at least 50% affiliation). Standard grant size: up to DKK 4,000,000.

Here there is a concrete advantage for Ukraine: if the team includes an international co-applicant (including from Ukraine), the maximum grant rises to DKK 5,000,000 – DKK 1,000,000 more. This is a direct financial incentive for a Danish researcher to seek a Ukrainian project partner. If your laboratory works in cardiology, nutritional science, or clinical research – it is worth initiating contact with Danish colleagues before August.

Summary table: Danish-Ukrainian grants 2026