The Swedish-Ukrainian Polaris Programme “Supporting Multilevel Governance in Ukraine” (2024–2028), funded by the Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and implemented by SALAR International, invites hromadas to partner and cooperate in developing effective veteran policies and high-quality services for veterans and their families.

Within the Integrating Veterans’ Perspectives into Municipal Work sphere, five hromadas will receive expert support from the Polaris Programme in developing and implementing systemic solutions that respond to the actual needs of veterans and contribute to the sustainable development of local veteran policy. The support will be provided from October 2026 to June 2027.

What We Aim to Achieve

1. Strategic Planning and Integration of Veteran Policy at the Local Level

• Improved understanding of the national strategy and a stronger role for local veteran policy in hromadas.
• Deeper understanding of the methodology for developing local strategies and coordination of veteran policy strategy development in hromadas.
• Integration of veterans’ perspectives into the work of internal stakeholders in hromadas.
• Recommendations on budgeting for targeted programmes.

2. Institutional Strengthening, Capacity Development and Veteran-Centred Awareness

• Increased awareness among target groups in hromadas of the principles of respect and veteran-centred approaches to local policymaking.
• Training on communication ethics, gender-sensitive aspects of veteran policy, informing and engaging residents in reintegration processes.

3. Development of Service Infrastructure and Information Systems

• Improvement and support of information systems for veterans and their families.
• Material support for selected projects or service infrastructure facilities for veterans and the families of Ukraine’s Defenders.

Selection Criteria
Hromadas with a population of 5,000 to 100,000 are eligible to apply if they:

• demonstrate political will to improve veteran policy and have the motivation and resources to develop a local sectoral strategy;
• are ready to establish a working group with Programme experts, involving responsible staff and stakeholders engaged in providing services to veterans and their families, to work together on implementing changes.

The following may be considered an advantage during the selection process:

• active veteran groups, hromadas, associations, NGOs or a dedicated veteran space (hub);
• employed specialists providing support to veterans and demobilised persons;
• experience in implementing local initiatives or projects focused on the reintegration and support of veterans, women veterans and their families.

A Memorandum of Cooperation will be signed with the selected partner hromadas.

How to Apply?
Applications may be submitted by hromada heads, their deputies, secretaries or executive officers.

To apply, please complete the online application form via this link by 16:00 on 21 September 2026.

The selection process will take place in two stages:

1. Evaluation of submitted application forms.
2. Online interviews with representatives of shortlisted hromadas.

The selection results will be published after 10 October 2026 on the Polaris Programme website and social media channels.

If you have any questions, please contact us by email: denys.chechel@polaris.org.ua