With the recent ousting of President Viktor Yanukovych, Ukrainian civil society faces new and increasing threats of war, human rights violations, as well as economic and political instability. Growing media attention on the current situation in Ukraine also draws interest from institutional donors in funding local NGOs working on human rights, civil society development, peace and democracy, and good governance. This resource guide provides resources and tips to help Ukrainian NGOs identify sources of funding for their work.
US Foundations:
Between 2011 and 2013, US Foundations alone provided over $5 million in grants to NGOs working on various issues in Ukraine, including: economic development, children and youth, religion, civil society development, business/industry development, among many more. Funding from the US is likely to increase substantially in the upcoming months as interested donors begin channeling resources in support of Ukrainian organizations. Below are the top 3 US Foundations providing grants to Ukraine:
1. Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation works to fulfill its mission of supporting efforts that promote a just, equitable and sustainable society. With total assets of over $2 billion in 2013, the Foundation makes grants to NGOs working in Western Former Soviet Union on civil society, including the strengthening of philanthropy and the development of community foundations.
Based in the US with regional/local foundations for Europe located in Spain and Norway, the Coca Cola Foundation supports initiatives worldwide working on water stewardship, healthy and active lifestyles, and education. In Africa, Europe, Latin America, North America and the Pacific, the Foundation also supports education and student scholarship, as well as HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness programs.
A philanthropic investment fund created by eBay founder, Pierre Omidyar, Omidyar Network Fund supports economic and social change through the following initiatives: Consumer Internet & Mobile, Entrepreneurship, Financial Inclusion, Government Transparency, and Property Rights. In 2011, before the Ukrainian revolution, the Fund supported a local NGO working on human rights, governance and public policy.
Tools and resources:
Founded in 2000, the Ukrainian Women’s Fund is an international charity working to support civil society organizations, particularly women’s organizations, working on equality, justice and the realization of human rights. The Ukrainian Women’s Fund is not a grantmaking entity; however, it provides financial information and advice to NGOs working on women’s issues in Ukraine, Moldova, and Belarus.
Ukrainian Philanthropists Forum
Ukraine’s first professional association of charitable foundations and organizations and founded in 2004, this forum provides information and publications of fundraising, charity rules, and a monthly newsletter to subscribed members.
Foundation Center Interactive Map of Direct Grants by U.S. Grantmakers made to Non- U.S. Recipients
Using the US Foundation Center’s Interactive Map of Direct Grants to Non-US recipients, NGOs can identify like-minded organizations as well information and contact details of US foundations interested in funding similar issues in Ukraine.
The latest funding opportunities in Ukraine on FundsforNGOs
Learn the secrets behind Grant Fundraising for Women’s and Girls Issues in FundsforNGOs Webinar
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