Support Children Affected by the War in Ukraine

The war in Ukraine continues to have devastating consequences for children and families. As the conflict persists, communities are forced to navigate constant uncertainty, repeated displacement, emotional trauma, and severe disruption to essential services. Global Fund for Children remains committed to supporting grassroots organizations that are providing safety, stability, and hope to those most affected. 

Since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, GFC has disbursed more than $3.1 million in flexible emergency and recovery grants to 76 community-based organizations in Ukraine, Moldova, and Poland. These are locally rooted groups who understand the needs of children and families better than anyone else and who are able to respond rapidly as conditions shift. 

Throughout 2024, children continued to face significant risk. The number of child casualties increased compared to the previous year, with more than 2,500 children reported killed or injured since February 2022. Attacks on energy infrastructure have intensified, leading to widespread power outages and damage to heating systems, healthcare facilities, and water access. These disruptions directly affect children’s health, education, safety, and emotional wellbeing. 

Despite these extremely challenging conditions, GFC’s partners are delivering a broad range of essential services: 

• Humanitarian relief: providing shelter, food, hygiene kits, medical supplies, and winterization support 

• Education:maintaining safe in-person learning spaces, supporting online classes, and ensuring displaced children remain connected to schooling 

• Mental health and psychosocial support: offering trauma-informed care, counselling, youth activities, and safe spaces for play and connection 

• Child protection: addressing risks of violence and exploitation, supporting overstretched families, and strengthening community protection networks 

These interventions not only address immediate needs but also rebuild a sense of safety and predictability that is critical for children’s long-term development. 

Yet the pressure on local organizations continues to increase. Many face staff fatigue, emotional burnout, and rising operational costs. This is why GFC prioritizes long-term, trust-based support. Flexible funding enables organizations to invest in staff wellbeing, strengthen internal systems, adapt programmes quickly, and remain operational even under volatile conditions. 

The long-term impact of this work is profound. Children who participate in psychosocial activities gain confidence, rebuild social connections, and learn coping strategies. Families receiving support feel less isolated and more equipped to care for their children. Community organizations develop stronger structures that will continue serving families long after the crisis ends. 

By supporting this project, you helped protect children affected by war, strengthen families under immense pressure, and ensure that resilient, community-led organizations can continue transforming lives during one of the most challenging periods in recent history. Thank you for standing with us in this essential work.