Ukraine is launching the Help Localisation Facility Programme (HLF) to strengthen the role of local organisations in the humanitarian aid sector. The initiative, implemented by the international organisation Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe with the financial support of the German Federal Foreign Office, and in partnership with civil society actors will officially start on 10 June 2025.
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The HLF programme is part of the German government’s global humanitarian aid strategy and is being implemented in Ukraine with a focus on supporting local leadership, empowering communities and promoting the principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality. It aims to create a level playing field for local organisations, ensure their active participation in decision-making on the HLF and strengthen their role in the humanitarian response system.
By December 2026, the pilot phase of the programme will fund at least 18 projects in various formats: short-, medium- and long-term grants. Funding amounts range from €100,000 to €800,000, depending on the duration of the initiative.
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The approach to the selection of local organisations is based on transparency and inclusiveness. Applications will be reviewed anonymously, which guarantees a fair assessment and gives both experienced and new organisations a chance to receive support. The key requirement is that the applicant’s activities adhere to humanitarian principles and are locally registered.
In addition to financial assistance, the programme also aims to change the very paradigm of humanitarian support in Ukraine by focusing on trusting local communities, supporting their organisational capacity and building sustainable partnerships within civil society.
Detailed conditions of participation, selection criteria and application procedure are available on the official website of the initiative.
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