The Support for CSOs in Frontline Areas Project has been a crucial step in strengthening civil society and supporting people living in the most challenging war conditions. Its impact is impressive: 139 organizations received grants, over 90,000 people received direct support, and the initiatives reached 1.6 million people.
But numbers are only part of the story. Behind every initiative are people who are surviving and actively transforming communities. How was it possible to launch development projects in areas where survival is already challenging? In this interview, Valentyna Dyomkina, grant manager at ISAR Ednannia and project lead, shares insights on how small initiatives are reshaping frontline communities, why it is crucial to support local organizations, and which stories have been the most emotionally impactful for her.
- The project supporting CSOs in frontline areas has come to an end. Valentyna, what would you highlight as its key results?
- The main result is that civil society in the frontline zone is active and engaged. We have supported local CSOs in small communities that best understand the needs of their people and respond to them quickly. The project enabled the opening of youth centers, the establishment of social enterprises, the development of veteran support centers, and assistance for veterans and their families. It included specialized initiatives, such as developing psychological support programs for the State Emergency Service and the police.
- What do you consider the project's greatest achievement, and if any results exceeded expectations?
- One of the most remarkable outcomes that exceeded what I expected is that, even in such challenging conditions, people continue to engage in development projects. They believe in results and their communities. What makes this project particularly valuable is its support for CSOs that are rooted in local communities. In frontline areas, attracting external organizations is extremely difficult. When organizations come from other oblasts, they often arrive, fulfill their mission, and leave. This project ensured sustained support, allowing organizations to continue their work even after the project's completion. For example, the project enabled youth centers and veteran spaces, installation of security cameras, and setting up safe shelters — not only in schools but also in residential buildings and public transport stops. These are investments in the future. While the project has ended, its impact continues, benefiting communities in the long run.
- How do you think this project has impacted communities? Do you have any stories that serve as clear examples of profound change
- Looking at the feedback from project participants and beneficiaries, local initiatives engaged thousands of people and provided support. Among them were particularly moving stories — such as those of internally displaced people who felt lost and had lost all hope. This project helps restore that hope and provides crucial support during the most challenging moments. There were also incredible initiatives focused on supporting veterans. The work with them often began while they were still in hospitals — at the moment when they needed encouragement the most. That is when our project stepped in, delivering remarkable results. For example, in a hospital in Sumy oblast, veterans attended a workshop on clay crafting alongside their treatment and other support services. This was especially valuable for someone who has never visited a psychologist, as opening up could be difficult. However, when veterans create something together, conversations happen naturally, and they become more open. These initiatives may not be large-scale, but they are unique and tailored to the specific needs of their target audience. The real value of this project lies in how each CSO works closely with its community, breathing in sync with it, understanding its needs, and adapting accordingly.
- What challenges did the project face?
- Launching all-national initiatives was particularly challenging, as people have different needs and react to situations in varied ways. Our initiatives were quite specific. For example, one focused on providing legal assistance to communities, particularly in liberated Kherson. We all understand the difficult conditions people in Kherson are living under, and they still face everyday legal issues: some need to inherit property after losing a loved one, others require official documents, and some need other assistance. Our initiative enabled them to address these issues even in such difficult circumstances. The most valuable aspect was that these initiatives truly understood the needs of their communities, responded quickly, and tailored their approach to each situation. One striking example comes from Chernihiv oblast, where we purchased rubber boots so children could attend school. Due to constant shelling, many bridges were destroyed, and in spring, when rivers overflowed, children in rural areas had to walk through water to reach school. We provided them with rubber boots, boats, and pumps to help drain water from school buildings, ensuring that education could continue despite the challenging conditions.
- Have you noticed an increase in CSO activity after this project? How important were the grants provided by ISAR Ednannia with its partners?
- Grant competitions always stimulate activity, as they allow CSOs to develop and take the next step in their work. What made this project particularly important was its support for civil society organizations located near the front line. This allowed them to address community challenges, activate civic engagement, and ensure the sustainability of these organizations, as establishing and maintaining them is difficult. Without external support, a civil society organization in such challenging conditions may cease operations — people may leave, retrain, or shift to other work. That is why it is crucial to continue supporting CSOs that remain in these areas, helping people retain a sense of normalcy in their daily lives.
- What was the most emotional and inspiring moment for you as the project manager?
- For me, the most emotional part was interacting with our grantees, as almost all of them are deeply committed to their initiatives. It was difficult to meet all the bureaucratic requirements, especially knowing the challenging circumstances in which these organizations were operating. For instance, there were times when tender procurement had to be conducted properly, yet an organization from Kharkiv would call, saying they were under constant shelling, with no electricity or heating for three days. That was deeply emotional for me because, every time, I could imagine myself in their place, picturing how difficult it must be to continue civic work under such conditions. These organizations have done extraordinary work, bringing their initiatives to life. What was particularly important to me was that almost all organizations implemented projects on time and at a high level. ISAR Ednannia monitored nearly 80% of the project personally, visiting these organizations. Their work was impressive. In everyday life, unexpected challenges may arise, but during wartime, these organizations have demonstrated exceptional efficiency, carefully assessed risks and continued work despite the hardships.
- What was the most important takeaway for you after implementing this project?
- One of my key conclusions is that given the significant reduction in funding for CSOs due to the suspension of international technical assistance from the U.S., small, local organizations play a crucial role. They cannot be replaced by government services or large humanitarian organizations, as the latter typically operate on a large scale, with standardized services for all. In contrast, small organizations and their projects provided highly personalized support. Looking at our experience, each CSO took its unique approach — some established workshops, others organized excursions for veterans, and others held sports competitions. This ability to adapt and tailor solutions to specific community needs is what makes these projects so valuable. That is why I firmly believe that it is essential to continue supporting small grassroots initiatives, enabling them to grow and keep making a difference in their communities.
The Project is administered by ISAR Ednannia within the framework of the UNDP Small Grants Programme, as part of the EU4Recovery – Empowering Communities in Ukraine Project, funded by the European Union, the Governments of Denmark and the Netherlands.
