For over 15 years, ISAR Ednannia laid the foundation for sustainable philanthropy in Ukraine. We support and empower communities to act and mobilize their resources through Community Foundations.
Community Foundations are charitable organizations that pool local resources to support and grow initiatives that improve community life. Supporting such foundations is an investment in the Ukrainian future rooted in civic initiative and self-reliance. Since 2014, we have been building the National Network of Local Philanthropy Development, which today operates as an autonomous and self-sustaining organization. With 22 Community Foundations, the Network is strengthening social capital and a culture of giving to ensure sustainable community development across Ukraine.
Why Local Philanthropy and Community Foundations Matter?
- Sustainability: When large international projects end, it is local initiatives and grassroots organizations that continue to work daily to support and develop communities.
- Relevance: Community Foundations know communities best. They regularly assess local needs and involve residents, businesses, and local authorities in solving problems and creating tailored context-specific solutions.
- Resource Mobilization: Our support model requires Community Foundations to contribute at least 20% in co-funding for development projects. This stimulates local fundraising efforts. Throughout our cooperation, Community Foundations have already mobilized nearly $40 million in local contributions. Donor support amplifies this impact.
- Shifting the Culture of Giving: We are cultivating a culture of philanthropy and civic responsibility. Ukrainians are rather generous, donating especially in times of crisis. We channel this energy into the long-term, systemic development of communities across Ukraine.
- Resilience in Times of Crisis: The peer-to-peer approach we established among Community Foundations has created strong horizontal connections. These ties proved vital during the war, enabling rapid coordination of assistance and support to the most affected oblasts, built on trust and cooperation.
In 2022, following the full-scale invasion, we launched the international People-to-People Initiative fundraising initiative. This initiative mobilizes donations from around the world to provide grants that support Community Foundations and people affected by the war. Since its launch, it has raised nearly $660,000 to aid local communities and individuals in crisis.
By partnering with ISAR Ednannia, you support:
- Institutional resilience: Your contributions help cover the essential operational costs of Community Foundations, enabling them to function effectively and implement projects on the ground.
- Local initiatives: You empower projects that respond to concrete needs in communities, from educational programs to support for vulnerable groups and infrastructure recovery.
- Policy development: You fuel advocacy efforts for systemic change, such as the introduction of percentage philanthropy, which would create more favorable conditions for the growth of charitable giving in Ukraine.
- Innovative collaboration models: You become part of programs that attract new types of donors and resources for Ukrainian communities. We bring valuable experience in building grassroots philanthropy in a post-transformation society, using the power of horizontal networks to boost resilience and impact in the face of unprecedented challenges.
Your investment in ISAR Ednannia is a contribution to a strong, self-reliant, and united Ukraine, powered by the energy and resources of its people.
- Impact Report on People-to-People Initiative 2022.
- Impact Report on People-to-People Initiative 2023.
- Impact Report on People-to-People Initiative 2024.
If you would like to support us or learn more, please get in touch with Olga Nikolska, Culture of Philanthropy Development Program Director at ISAR Ednannia: nikolska@ednannia.ua.
