Despite the challenges of war, young people in Donetsk region remain a driving force for change. To support ambitious ideas and provide activists with effective tools for development, the Ukrainian Youth Foundation (UYF), together with the Department of Family, Youth, and Mass Events of National Patriotic Education of the Donetsk Regional State Administration, held a large-scale online meeting.
The event was part of the UYF's nationwide information campaign, which aims to open doors for young people to grant funding and project design. The campaign is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and funded by the Government of Denmark.
Sixty-seven representatives of local government departments and activists from civil society organizations took part in the dialogue. These are people who work directly with young people at the grassroots level and are ready to implement changes in their communities.
Representatives of the Ukrainian Youth Fund have prepared a detailed “guide” to the world of grants for participants:
- Current competitions: Presentation of priority areas for funding for the current year.
- Algorithm of actions: Step-by-step instructions on how to register, fill out an application, and avoid common mistakes.
- Requirements and criteria: Clear explanation of who is eligible for support and which projects have the best chance of success.
In addition to the theoretical part, participants received professional advice and practical tips from UMF experts. Direct communication allowed them to clarify most of their questions regarding the preparation of project documentation, which is critically important for beginners in the field of grant writing.
The knowledge gained will serve as a foundation for the creation of new youth centers, social hubs, and patriotic initiatives in communities in the Donetsk region. This will not only help build a sustainable and safe environment, but also ensure the psychological and emotional well-being of every teenager and young person. By promoting self-realization and increasing economic capacity, we are paving the way for the financial independence of young people, which will ultimately serve as a catalyst for expanding their participation in public life and directly influencing the reconstruction of their native region.