The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted a resolution that radically expands the capabilities of communities in developing the social sector. The Government amended the basic CMU Resolution No. 40 dated 17 January 2025, which regulates the procedure of providing financial assistance in the form of small grants for social services to families with children and to children.

The programme previously operated as a pilot project in only 10 regions and the capital (covering 130 communities). Now, thanks to the amendments, the Small Grants Programme is officially scaled up to cover all communities in Ukraine, and the maximum funding per project has been increased from USD 60,000 to USD 65,000.

The Ministry of Social Policy reports that, since Resolution No. 40 came into force, social services have already reached nearly 57,000 people. Expanding the regulatory framework will enable the non-governmental sector to assist a much larger number of families.

What does Resolution No. 40 regulate, and what new services have been added?

Resolution No. 40 of the Cabinet of Ministers sets out clear rules: state and international funds are channelled to develop the social services system directly in communities. This is a tool that helps local governments to fulfil their responsibilities without placing a burden on the local budget.

The Government has added four new categories to the list of services funded by grants: the reintegration of families from occupied territories and after deportation; emergency crisis intervention; respite care (temporary respite for parents of children with disabilities); and day care for children with disabilities, with no restrictions on sub-groups.

The community is the beneficiary, but not the direct recipient of the funds:

• Grant recipients: NGOs (civil society organisations, charitable foundations) listed in the Register of Service Providers.
• Condition: A formal partnership with the local authorities is mandatory.
• Benefits for the community: Funding for the arrangement of premises, the purchase of equipment, and the remuneration of specialists without placing a burden on the local budget.

What should communities do?

It is recommended to analyse needs, identify partners amongst civil society organisations, and prepare memoranda of understanding.

The project is implemented with the support of the UK Government (the SPIRIT programme), the Ministry of Social Policy, the Social Protection Fund for People with Disabilities and UNICEF; the national administrator is ISAR Unity NGO.