Askold and Dir Fund
A Norwegian-Swedish fund administered by ISAR Ednannia: grants for CSOs on recovery, advocacy, media and organisational development.
About the fund
The Norwegian-Swedish Askold and Dir Fund was presented in Kyiv on 13 March 2025. It operates under the Strong Civil Society of Ukraine - a Driver Towards Reforms and Democracy project, implemented by ISAR Ednannia with funding from Norway and Sweden through Norad and Sida.
The Fund aims to strengthen the capacity of civil society organisations to promote inclusive and sustainable recovery and to advance democratic governance reforms. It is named after the legendary Kyivan princes of Varangian origin, honouring the long-standing ties between Ukraine and Scandinavia.
The Fund provides grants for organisational development, recovery, advocacy, research and media campaigns, as well as training and networking. Its calls include 'Towards Life: Communities in Action', a programme for media CSOs and the 'Get Ready!' call strengthening CSO preparedness for war-related emergencies.
Focus areas
- Inclusive and sustainable community recovery
- Democratic governance reforms
- Institutional and organisational development of CSOs
- Advocacy and research
- Media campaigns and information resilience
- CSO preparedness for emergencies
Interesting facts
The Fund was presented in Kyiv on 13 March 2025.
Funded by Norway and Sweden (Norad and Sida) and administered by ISAR Ednannia.
The 'Get Ready!' call offers CSOs grants of 400,000 to 1,000,000 UAH.
How to apply
Registered Ukrainian CSOs (public and charitable organisations) can apply. All of the Fund's calls are published on the ISAR Ednannia website under 'Ongoing grant competitions'.
Need help with your application?
Call matching, consultation or turnkey application writing - from our team.
Similar donors
ISAR Ednannia
One of Ukraine's largest resource centres and re-granting organisations: institutional and project support for civil society organisations nationwide.
International Renaissance Foundation
Ukraine's oldest private grant-maker (since 1990), part of the Open Society network: democracy, human rights, EU integration, civil society.
East Europe Foundation
Community development, local self-government, recovery and support for IDPs through grant competitions.
Found an inaccuracy? Report an error