Support Children Affected by the War in Ukraine

Since Russia’s war on Ukraine began in February 2022, Global Fund for Children has approved 157 emergency grants totaling more than $3.1 million to support 76 community-based organizations, helping children and families under attack and refugees fleeing the country. However, as the war continues, children and their families also need long-term support, including safe shelters and community spaces, psychosocial services, and access to education.

Working under extremely difficult conditions, our partners are doing whatever they can to keep children and youth safe. They are repurposing and renovating structures to create shelters, long-term housing, and educational spaces. They are helping families to purchase food, water, fuel, and clothing. They are providing basic necessities to families seeking refuge in western Ukraine and beyond. They are offering emotional support to children living under incredible stress, assisting LGBTQ+ youth facing discrimination as they seek safety, and so much more. As the situation on the ground evolves, they will continue to adapt.

The flexibility of GFC's funding has been critical, as partners in Ukraine continue to face an extremely volatile and unpredictable environment. From sudden blackouts and the urgent need to purchase generators, to direct attacks on office buildings and the need to support staff and beneficiaries during times of crisis, partners relied on this flexible support to stay responsive and resilient. One of the strongest aspects of our partnership has been the ability to provide unrestricted funding, enabling real-time adaptation. Whether responding to intensified attacks on civilian infrastructure, coping with power outages, or navigating the broader uncertainty caused by the USAID funding freeze, partners were able to sustain core operations and teams and continue serving their communities. Despite this, the situation remains extraordinarily challenging, and continued, flexible support is essential to ensure the survival and effectiveness of grassroots organizations operating in war-affected areas. 

To meet evolving partner needs, GFC has combined field-based support, regular check-ins, and targeted technical opportunities during the reporting period. The Ukraine Program Specialist conducted two in-country field visits to meet with grantee partners and better understand their evolving challenges and needs. In addition to one all-cohort virtual meeting, quarterly individual check-ins were held with each organization to offer tailored support, track progress, and address emerging concerns. 

Links:

• https://globalfundforchildren.org/initiative/educating-and-safeguarding-ukrainian-children/