On 10 June 2025, Ukraine will launch a competition under the Help Localisation Programme (HLF), which aims to strengthen the role of local organisations in the field of humanitarian aid. This was stated by Oleksandr Novikov, Head of Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe in Ukraine, during a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine. The initiative is being implemented by the international organisation Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe with the financial support of the German Federal Foreign Office.
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The HLF programme is in line with the German government’s foreign humanitarian strategy and is based on the principles of humanity, empowerment and equal partnership. Its main goal is to change the humanitarian system by giving more autonomy to Ukrainian organisations working directly with communities.
Thanks to HLF, Ukrainian non-governmental initiatives will have access to funding without unnecessary bureaucracy, as well as the opportunity to influence decision-making in the humanitarian sector. The programme provides support for short-, medium- and long-term projects with funding ranging from EUR 100,000 to EUR 800,000. The pilot phase will last until the end of 2026.
The competition is open to organisations that adhere to humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality. Applications are selected through a transparent procedure that includes an anonymous evaluation and legal due diligence of participants. This will give equal chances to both experienced and little-known initiatives.
The organisers note that HLF is not just a grant programme, but a systemic investment in the sustainable development of local leadership in Ukraine. Details on participation, competition conditions and selection criteria are available on the programme’s website.
Read also: ‘We are here to listen to you and work as equal partners’ — HLF teamlead Gritt Richter
