As announced earlier, on September 13, 2021 the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine launched the online “E-Contest” section of the Vzaemo.Diia platform. The new system will allow users to search for project funding contests available for CSOs from the Ministries. Next year, funding contests from the regional state administrations will also be added to the site.
The adopted amendments introduced to the Cabinet Decree No. 1049 set up procedures, and specifically:
- Introduce standardised rules for holding online contests for public funding opportunities;
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Introduce standardised application forms for all contests (project description, budget and report);
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Enable automatic verification of the applicant’s information;
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Ensure contestants can participate in online presentation of the submitted projects and allowing individuals and CSOs to monitor the contest process;
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Evaluate projects using an electronic digital signature and based on automatic counting of votes;
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Allow individuals to participate in the evaluation of the submitted projects.
The Deputy Minister of the Youth and Sport announced the first online contest for youth and child CSOs in the amount of UAH 19,5 mln (about EUR 621.000) as well as a contest for patriotic education in the amount of UAH 9 mln (about EUR 286.000). Other institutions to announce online contests based on public funding are the Ministry of Social Policy for UAH 90 mln (about EUR 2.866.000) and the Ministry for Veteran Affairs in the amount of UAH 3 mln (about EUR 955.000). In 2022 regional state administrations will also post contests on the platform.
The online platform is a great opportunity for all the national, regional and local CSOs to take part in contests based on public funding. The electronic procedure ensures standardised processes, and a more transparent, quick and inclusive distribution of funds.