Swedish-Ukrainian Grants 2026: open programmes for NGOs, researchers, and businesses

Sweden is one of the largest bilateral donors to Ukraine’s recovery: in 2025 alone, Sida directed hundreds of millions of Swedish kronor to support Ukraine through dozens of programs and partner organizations. Some of these programs are open for direct applications from Ukrainian NGOs, researchers, and businesses. Among the programs are grants for NGOs in social services and youth work, support for human rights defenders, research fellowships, a business support program, and support for international advocacy. Some programs allow direct applications from Ukrainian organizations. Others require a Swedish applicant organization, with Ukraine as a partner or ultimate beneficiary. This distinction Swedish-Ukrainian Grants is noted separately for each program.

Grants Where Ukrainian Organizations Apply Directly (Swedish-Ukrainian Grants)

PFRU: Preventing Burnout Among Social Service Workers

Chemonics / PFRU (Sida-supported program) | Deadline: June 17, 2026

The PFRU (Partnership for a Strong Ukraine) program supports the wellbeing, resilience, and professional competence of social workers and resource center staff. The competition seeks NGOs capable of developing and implementing solutions to reduce burnout, improve mental health, and retain personnel in the social services system.

PFRU: Education and Reintegration of Youth from Temporarily Occupied Territories

Chemonics / PFRU (Sida-supported program) | Deadline: June 25, 2026

This competition supports projects in education and youth work for those who have been displaced from temporarily occupied territories. The focus is on ensuring access to learning, social reintegration, and psychological support for youth who have experienced displacement.

ISAR Ednannia: “Advocacy Without Borders” (Sida)

ISAR Ednannia / Sida funding | Deadline: rolling

This competition supports Ukrainian NGOs engaged in international advocacy activities: lobbying, participation in international forums, and influencing the decisions of foreign governments and international organizations in support of Ukraine. The program is funded by Sida through ISAR Ednannia.

Civil Rights Defenders: Emergency Fund (Stockholm)

Civil Rights Defenders | Deadline: no deadline, rolling crisis basis

The Swedish human rights organization Civil Rights Defenders provides emergency financial support to human rights defenders and independent journalists in Ukraine who are at risk. The fund covers urgent expenses — security, evacuation, legal assistance — and accepts applications on a rolling crisis basis with no deadline.

Programs for Researchers and Academic Institutions (Swedish-Ukrainian Grants)

Horizon Europe: Research Infrastructures Supporting Ukraine’s ERA Integration

European Commission / Horizon Europe | Call: HORIZON-INFRA-2026-DEV-01-05 | Deadline: June 16, 2026

This call supports projects that facilitate the integration of Ukrainian research infrastructures into the European Research Area (ERA). Ukrainian research institutions may apply directly as consortium participants — through Ukraine’s associated status in Horizon Europe. Although the program is funded by the European Commission, Sweden is among the key member states and ERA donors.

Vetenskapsrådet: Grant for Hosting a Visiting Researcher from Ukraine (Infectious Diseases)

Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet) | Deadline: September 29, 2026 (rolling)

This grant funds Swedish universities and research organizations wishing to host a leading researcher from Ukraine in the field of infectious diseases. Grant amount: 2,000,000 SEK for 12 months. Formally, the applicant is a Swedish institution — but the ultimate beneficiary is the Ukrainian researcher, who receives a salary and the opportunity to continue their work in Sweden.

Researcher requirements: current employment and active research in Ukraine, not previously established in Sweden. Applications accepted on a rolling basis from April 1 to September 29, 2026. If you have contacts with Swedish scientists in medicine or natural sciences, this is a direct opportunity to arrange a research stay.

Programs for Business (Swedish-Ukrainian Grants)

Swedfund Business Accelerator

Swedfund / Business Sweden | Deadline: rolling (open)

A new instrument from the Swedish development finance institution Swedfund: financial and strategic support for Swedish SMEs seeking to establish or expand commercial partnerships in Ukraine. Covers up to 49% of project costs. The program is implemented by Business Sweden through their presence in Kyiv.

Requirements for Ukrainian companies: must be a registered private enterprise and willing to partner with a Swedish SME. A written partnership agreement is a mandatory condition of the application. The Swedish company submits the application, but Swedfund requires a confirmed Ukrainian partner. For Ukrainian companies, this is an opportunity to attract Swedish technology and capital for recovery and growth.

Vinnova: Planning Grant for International Proposal 2026

Vinnova (Swedish Innovation Agency) | Status: second deadline — check the website for updates

The program funds Swedish organizations to prepare international grant applications (for Horizon Europe and other programs). Ukraine is designated as a priority partner in this instrument. If you have a Swedish partner and a joint project, reach out to Vinnova now.

Summary Table: Sweden–Ukraine grants 2026