IREX is pleased to announce an Annual Program Statement (APS) to solicit applications for funding. IREX is seeking concept papers first and then full applications to collaborate in the context of its Ukraine Rapid Response Fund (URRF) program to address immediate needs and enhance the resilience of Ukraine’s government, civil society, and civilian population amidst Russia’s invasion and potential occupation and in support of Ukraine’s national system of resilience.

IREX will provide awards for this activity with a funding range of 20,000 to 250,000 USD for a period of performance December 1, 2024 - May 31, 2025, or shorter depending on the grant proposal needs.

Competition for this APS will be open for six months. Concept papers will be reviewed on a rolling basis. During the November 2024 – January 2025 application period only short-term projects (2 months) will be accepted. Reviews will be held quarterly and must be submitted by the following dates to be included in that quarter’s review:  

Closing Date for Submission                   Review Date                                     Date of Notification 
September 30, 2024                                       October 10, 2024                             October 25, 2024
November 30, 2024                                        December 10, 2024                         December 20, 2024
January 31, 2025                                             February 10, 2025                           February 25, 2025

IREX reserves the right to close this APS once available funding is no longer sufficient to fund new awards. IREX may choose to fully fund or incrementally fund the selected application(s). IREX will notify applicants of its decision within at least 30 days after the close of the review period via email (please see above chart for exact dates for each review period). The number of awards and amount of available funding is subject to change and IREX reserves the right to have no awards because of this APS. Please note that IREX anticipates awarding the majority of the funding during the first two rounds of review in November 2024 and January 2025. IREX will consider only one project from the organization for the entire period of validity of this competition.

This APS is seeking applicants to propose creative and effective approaches to design and implement activities to address immediate critical needs and enhance the resilience of Ukraine’s government, civil society, civilian population, and veterans, as outlined in the Section I.

Please see full information in the following Annual Program Statement

Annual Program Statement Information

Funding Opportunity Number: FY25-APS-IREX-URRF

Announcement Type: Annual Program Statement

Email: Email the team at:  tender-ua@irex.org  Subject line: URRF Grant-FY25-APS-IREX-URRF

Information: Submit questions on an ongoing basis by 15th of each closing date submission, to: tender-ua@irex.org Subject line: URRF Grant_FY25-APS-IREX-URRF

Issuance Date: August 20, 2024

Question Due: Questions are due two weeks before the end of each closing date submission.  Please note that IREX does not accept any questions concerning this APS except to resolve technical issues.

Answers: IREX will share responses to questions in writing one week before the close of each submission period.

Closing Date for Submission: Concept notes will be reviewed bimonthly and are due by September 30, 2024; November 30, 2024; January 31, 2025.

Anticipated Grant Start Date: The projects/applications approved during each quarterly cycle are expected to start no earlier than 75 days after the submission date.

SECTION I: FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. DESCRIPTION OF THE UKRAINE RAPID RESPONSE FUND (URRF) PROGRAM

The URRF program is implemented by the International Research and Exchange Board (IREX) in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that began on February 24, 2022. The program is designed to address immediate critical needs and enhance the resilience of Ukraine’s government, civil society, civilian population, and veterans.

The expected duration of IREX’s support or the period of performance is November 20, 2024 - May 31, 2025. Overall project duration may vary depending on the program's needs and funding availability. The amount of funding awarded and the timeline for implementation will be largely based on the specifics of the project approved. Ukraine Rapid Response Fund Program/IREX reserves the right to fund any or none of the application submitted. 

Through this competition, sub-awardee, if selected, will receive funding to implement their project to design and implement activities to address immediate critical needs and enhance the resilience of Ukraine’s government, civil society, civilian population, and veterans.

All proposed projects MUST be in line with URRF’s overarching goal of advancing Ukraine's resilience or addressing an immediate need created by the Russian invasion. In order to be accepted by the URRF selection committee, your proposed project MUST have a direct link to conditions caused by the ongoing war. The proposed activities within your project must be meaningful and measurable. 

URRF strongly encourages to submit projects that will focus on addressing needs of the veterans and vulnerable groups, including women, people with disabilities, LGBTQI.  

Applications related to the provision of medicine and specific medical equipment, food products, humanitarian aid, disposable goods, support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Territorial Defense Forces and other military structures and institutions, scientific research, activities outside of Ukraine and individual scholarships, as well as organizations that have affiliation with elected officials, political parties, or religious groups WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. One organization or a consortium of organizations could submit one proposal for consideration. IREX will be involved in every stage of the sub-award implementation

The proposed projects need to contribute to the overall goal of the Ukraine Rapid Response Fund Program and align with one or more objectives and the activities listed below.

Goal: The overall goal of the Ukraine Rapid Response Fund Program (URRF) is to address immediate needs and enhance the resilience of Ukraine’s government, civil society, and civilian population amidst Russia’s invasion.

Component 1: Rapid measures to mitigate combat impacts on civilians, civil society, and government institutions.

Proposed activities may include:

• Distribution of personal protective equipment and supplies to first responders, civilian shelters and others.
• Implement projects to address immediate needs and supply resources that help Ukraine’s citizens and institutions emerge from the conflict better prepared for recovery, including initiatives focused on mitigating electricity shortages.
• Implement projects aimed at addressing critical environmental damages arising from war and combat actions. These projects may include improving air/land/water quality, developing relevant legal frameworks and emergency response plans, informational campaigns and other related initiatives.
• Support actors that directly tasked with crisis emergency response, such as the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, medical professionals, workers of energy industry and other first responders (including procurement of life saving and other critical equipment).
• Training in first aid and psychosocial first aid.
• Transportation assistance for vulnerable populations (support of the evacuation efforts).
• Activities to mitigate school disruptions.
• Supporting the initiatives of the President and First Lady of Ukraine with the focus on Veteran rehabilitation and reintegration.
• Improving Ukraine’s system for providing prostheses to veterans and civilians who have lost limbs because of the war.
• Other activities focused on relevant rapid measures

Component 2: Safe, effective communication on resilience among key stakeholders to mitigate closed environment risks.

Proposed activities may include:

• Rapid assessment of redundant, safe communication requirements of key partners in government and civil society.
• Procurement, distribution and maintenance of safe communication technology like satellite phone networks, power banks for charging, mesh internet systems equipment, and others.
• Training in digital security curricula.
• Evaluations and recommendations from experts and digital security consultants, including for redundant and contingency communication systems.
• Other activities focused on ensuring safe and effective communication among key stakeholders

Component 3: Dissemination of conflict-related guidance to Ukrainian citizens supports effective public response.

Proposed activities may be focused on:

• Disseminate conflict-related guidance and information to diverse mass audiences, especially marginalized groups.
• Procure and distribute equipment to boost coverage of Ukrainian TV and radio channels.
• Distribute printed media (billboard, leaflets, posters) to amplify key messages as needed, especially in the event electronic dissemination becomes difficult.
• Other activities supporting dissemination of conflict-related guidance to Ukrainian citizens to support effective public response

Concept notes are expected to be submitted in accordance with the components. Applicants may respond to just one activity or to as many of the activities as are relevant. Addressing more than one activity will not make an application more competitive.

Expenditures that are directed, either directly or indirectly, towards assisting the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Territorial Defense Units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and other Defense Forces are prohibited.  

B. ADMINISTRATION OF AWARD

Awards will be administered in accordance with 2 CFR 200 Unified Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audits and the U.S. Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions.

Applicants may obtain copies of the referenced material at the following websites:

• 2 CFR 200 Unified Administrative Requirements Subpart A through E apply: http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl
• Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions: https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/U.S.-Department-of-State-Standard-Terms-and-Conditions-10-21-2020-508.pdf

SECTION II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Estimated Funding Level

IREX expects to award more than one subaward to a non-profit organization (NGO)/consortium of NGOs selected through an open call for proposals. 

Available subaward budget for one project is USD 20,000 – USD 250,000.

This annual program statement does not commit IREX to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a concept note not funded or contracted for the services or supplies described herein. IREX reserves the right to fund any or none of the projects submitted. Further, IREX reserves the right to make no awards as a result of this APS.

B. Anticipated Start Date of this Subaward and Performance Period

The expected duration of IREX’s support and the period of performance is November 20, 2024 to May 31, 2025, or shorter depending on the grant proposal needs. 

C. Award Type

Ukraine Rapid Response Fund/IREX reserves the right to fund any or none of the application submitted. 

Types of Awards: 

Fixed Amount Awards (FAAs): These subawards are benchmark, milestone, or deliverable driven and require no financial reporting. 

Cost Reimbursable Subawards: These Subawards are issued as cost reimbursable (may allow for advance and reconciliation or cost reimbursable). A cost reimbursable agreement is based on actual project expenditures incurred during the performance period, up to an agreed amount. 

The number of awards and amount of available funding is subject to change. Negotiation with Ukraine Rapid Response Fund/IREX may result in changes to the budget ceiling. 

SECTION III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Types of Entities That May Apply

Applicants Eligibility Criteria:

• Be a non-profit organization officially registered in Ukraine for at least 18 months prior to application submission. 
• Funding will be granted to those Ukrainian NGOs that are registered in accordance and working in compliance with Ukrainian laws on the territory of Ukraine.
• NGOs and their members cannot represent or be affiliated with any political party or with appointed or elected officials.
• NGOs and their members cannot represent or be affiliated with any religious institutions and organizations.
• U.S. or other third-country organizations and individuals are not eligible to apply for this award.
• Must meet the project’s objective and principles.
• Must contain expected outcomes and results consistent with and linked to the project objective “Rapid, flexible means to help civilians and key civil society groups avoid the worst impacts of combat operations.”
• The applicant is not a debarred organization.
• Applications must be submitted in Ukrainian or English.
• Project dates may not exceed the date listed in the APS.  
• Has or is willing to obtain a Unique Entity ID (UEI). 
• Active or past collaborations between the NGO and the government of Ukraine are beneficial.
• Policies such as procurement policy, gender equality and social inclusion, prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse etc. will be beneficial.

The applicant / application must meet all the following qualifications requirements:

• Have positive NGO work experience, including experience of successfully implementing donor-funded projects.
• Have proven experience of cooperation and coordination with Ukrainian government institutions on national and/or local level (of relevant for the proposed activity).
• Have a clear vision of project implementation and be focused on sustainable and long-term project results.
• Have proven experience of successfully implemented projects that included equipment purchases, contracting vendors (if relevant for the proposed activity).
• Experience of successfully implemented projects for veterans, their families and/or mental health professionals will be an advantage (if relevant for the proposed activity).
• Have proven experience of event management (if relevant got the proposed activity).
• Have sufficient human and operational resources to complete all project activities. 
• Be able to work within a certain time frame.

B. Potential New Partners

Ukraine Rapid Response Fund/IREX strongly encourages applications from potential new partners.

C. Cost Share Requirements

Cost share is not required.

SECTION IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. Application Process

IREX will review proposals using a two-stage process. Applicants must first submit a concept paper of no more than 3 pages to IREX before submitting a full proposal. Concept papers must meet the identified needs of this solicitation. Please note the following:

Do not submit a full proposal unless requested by IREX. Only upon receipt of positive feedback on the concept paper is the applicant requested to develop a full proposal for consideration, using the criteria below.

The concept paper must be submitted in accordance with the instructions in SECTIONS IV B below.

B. Concept Paper

In the first stage, all interested applicants are required to submit a short technical concept paper no longer than 3 pages that is specific, complete and concise. The concept paper should demonstrate the applicant’s capabilities and expertise with respect to achieving the goals of this program. The instructions for developing the concept paper should take into account the instructions listed below.

Concept papers will be reviewed in terms of responsiveness to the APS, appropriateness of subject matter, and creativity. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their proposed work will contribute objectives of URRF IREX described in Section I and address immediate needs and enhance the resilience of Ukraine’s government, civil society, and civilian population amidst Russia’s invasion and in support of Ukraine’s national system of resilience. All activities outlined in the concept notes must take place within the territory of Ukraine.

Concept Paper Instructions

The concept paper must be submitted in Arial 11 pt. font and must include page numbers. Each page must be marked with the APS title and number.

DOWNLOAD CONCEPT NOTES TEMPLATE WITH DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS HERE:

Concept Note

IREX will contact selected applicants to request a full proposal based on the information provided in the concept paper.

C. Application Process

If a concept paper is approved, IREX will contact applicants and provide instructions and templates to complete an application.

Do not submit a full proposal unless requested by IREX. Only upon receipt of positive feedback on the concept paper is the applicant requested to put together a full proposal for IREX consideration, based on instructions provided by IREX.

SECTION V. CONCEPT PAPER REVIEW INFORMATION

A. Evaluation Criteria for Concept Paper

Concept papers will be reviewed in terms of responsiveness to the APS, experience of the organization and team composition, reasonableness of the budget, logical and structured approach (goal, objectives, activities are correctly described), expected impact on beneficiaries. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their proposed work will contribute to the objectives of URRF described in Section I.

IREX does not commit to providing feedback on any application or organization, nor does it guarantee to specify the reasons for any decision made based on the outcomes of the selection process.

SECTION VI. PROJECT CONTACTS

Submit your concept note and questions via email to tender-ua@irex.org and a subject line “URRF Grant_FY25-APS-IREX-URRF” You must use the subject line “URRF Grant” to be considered.

Any prospective applicant desiring an explanation or interpretation of this APS must request it in writing two weeks before the end of each review period. Oral explanations or instructions given before award of a subaward will not be binding. Any information given to a prospective applicant concerning this APS will be furnished promptly to all other prospective applicants as an amendment of this APS, if that information is necessary in submitting applications or if the lack of it would be prejudicial to any other prospective applicants.

SECTION VII. OTHER INFORMATION

Issuance of this APS does not constitute an award or commitment on the part of IREX, nor does it commit the Ukraine Rapid Response Fund program/IREX to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application.

IREX reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted. Further, IREX reserves the right to make no awards as a result of this APS.