Open for applications until 13 February
Overview
Swedish support for Ukraine is not solely based on governmental decisions and actions. It is founded on the broad and strong will of the Swedish people to support the Ukrainian population. Numerous non-governmental actors within Swedish society make important voluntary contributions to Ukraine.
The Government wishes to recognize, encourage, and support this remarkable engagement through an annual award – the Swedish Government’s Award for Voluntary Swedish Efforts in Support of Ukraine. The award was presented for the first time in September 2025. The Swedish Institute (SI) has been commissioned by the Government to announce and administer the award.
Voluntary contributions are defined here as initiatives carried out without formal assignments or direction from the state. That is, actions taken by companies, voluntary organisations, municipalities, higher education institutions, and private individuals in Sweden to support Ukraine.
Important to note: Award funds may only be used for civilian purposes. No military activities. Individuals or organisations engaged in both civilian and military activities may, of course, apply, but only for the civilian part of their operations.
Awards to both individuals and organisations
The award is presented annually in two recipient categories:
- An individual or group of individuals (registered residents in Sweden) receives an award diploma and up to SEK 200,000 to continue or develop their contribution for target groups in Ukraine. Self-nomination or nomination of another person is accepted – please note that the individual in question must accept the nomination.
- An organisation (based in Sweden – not governmental authorities, except for universities and higher education institutions) receives an award diploma and a financial grant of approximately SEK 1.8 million to continue, scale up, or further develop its contribution in Ukraine. An organisation may only nominate itself.
Target groups for nominations
The primary target groups for nominations and applications are:
- Civil society organisations
- Companies
- Municipalities and regions
- Universities and higher education institutions
- Private individuals or groups
Governmental authorities cannot be nominated – with the exception of universities and higher education institutions.
Selection criteria
Nominations are assessed according to a range of quality criteria designed to highlight contributions with both impact for Ukraine and inspirational value for Swedish engagement.
Criteria for organisations:
- Effect and impact – demonstrable outcomes and tangible benefits for Ukraine
- Collaboration and engagement – inclusive working methods and broad participation
- Sustainable efforts – long-term impact, local anchoring, and sustainable structure
- Future – potential for further development or scaling up of the contribution
- Inspirational – the contribution can motivate other Swedish actors to take action
Criteria for individuals (or groups of individuals):
- Impact and results – clear benefits for Ukraine
- Collaboration and engagement – inclusive and cooperative approach
- Courage – acting despite challenges or risks
- Future – potential for further development of the contribution
- Inspirational – role model qualities, engagement that inspires others
Important information
- Both individuals/groups and organisations must describe how the funds will be used to continue or develop the contribution. The award concerns both a contribution already carried out and its continuation or further development.
- Award funds may only be used for civilian purposes. No military activities. Individuals or organisations engaged in both may apply, but only for the civilian part of their operations.
- Recipients of the award are expected to report results and how the funds have been used, as well as share photographs and other materials illustrating their work. (SI and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs may wish to use these photographs in their communications.)
- Any tax on award funds received by an individual is handled by said individual.
- The award is intended for contributions with demonstrable results and tangible benefits for Ukraine. Such contributions are often carried out in Ukraine. This does not exclude contributions carried out in Sweden or third countries that also have demonstrable results and tangible benefits for Ukraine. Such nominations and applications are therefore also welcome. In all cases, a Ukrainian partner must provide a reference.
Award ceremony
At a ceremony in Stockholm during May or June 2026, a government representative will present the awards in both categories in the presence of the jury, recipients, and specially invited guests.
Diplomas
In addition to the award sum, recipients also receive a diploma, created by the artist Tamara Rogozina. See more about her work at: tamararogozina.com.
How do I nominate?
Read more and submit your nomination via the links below. Do not forget to inform the person you have nominated that they have been nominated by you.