Since the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine, the number of charitable foundations has increased significantly, and their areas of work have diversified. Charitable organizations actively participated in providing assistance to various population groups affected by the war. They provide humanitarian aid, psychological support, rehabilitation, legal advice and much more. According to the report of the Ukrainian Center for Social Research, the number of registered charitable organizations increased by 30% compared to the pre-war period.
The war was a catalyst for the creation of new funds specializing in military aid, internally displaced persons, and infrastructure reconstruction. For example, the charitable foundation “Return Alive” provides technical and medical assistance to the Ukrainian military, while the “Svoi” foundation focuses on supporting the wounded and rehabilitating veterans. Such a variety of areas of activity shows the high adaptability and desire of charitable organizations to effectively respond to urgent needs of society.
Charities are also actively seeking international support, allowing them to expand their reach and reach more people. According to the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, the amount of international aid received through Ukrainian charitable foundations has tripled over the past year. This indicates a high level of trust in Ukrainian charitable organizations on the part of the international community and their ability to manage resources effectively.
We spoke with a representative of the Dutch “Dorkas” foundation to find out about its areas of work and assistance to Ukraine.
The Dorcas Foundation is an international non-governmental organization that provides humanitarian aid and develops communities in various countries around the world, including Ukraine. It was founded in the Netherlands and works to improve the lives of the most vulnerable populations through assistance, skills development and access to basic resources. Since the beginning of the full-scale war, the fund has been actively working in Ukraine. It provides assistance to internally displaced persons, supports local communities and helps rebuild infrastructure in affected regions.
How does “Dorkas” help Ukraine?
Our main goal in Ukraine is to improve the well-being and resilience of vulnerable population groups, such as internally displaced persons (IDPs), orphans, and the elderly. The Dorcas Foundation has been actively responding to the Ukrainian crisis since 2014, providing emergency aid, psychosocial support and sustainable livelihood opportunities to isolated communities in eastern Ukraine and beyond.
What exactly does your foundation do?
We have many areas to help. This is also helping older people: we create community networks and safe spaces for older people to ensure they are involved in vital services and psychosocial support. As part of our work, young people, churches and local authorities run peer-to-peer support sessions and home care activities aimed primarily at older women and people with disabilities. In particular, they are provided with food packages and hygiene kits. It is also help for internally displaced persons. Our entrepreneurial skills development and business start-up support programs help IDPs and affected people develop careers in the beauty, IT, culinary, textile and agricultural industries. Single mothers, members of large families, people who support relatives with disabilities, and other marginalized groups are changing their lives. They become independent and get a stable livelihood, mastering a new profession.
What kind of humanitarian aid does “Dorkas” provide?
We provide vital humanitarian aid to IDPs and vulnerable families living near the contact line. This includes providing cash for food and heating to meet basic household needs. We also provide essential non-food kits for people with disabilities and people who have lost their homes. The fund also provides assistance in housing restoration. We carry out local repair work for households to improve living conditions. We are trying to meet the urgent needs of the affected families and contribute to increasing the level of security in the Zaporizhzhia region.
What about psychosocial support?
We provide psychological first aid, group psychosocial support for adults and children, as well as individual consultations for residents of rural communities to overcome risks that threaten their physical safety and well-being.
Who are the beneficiaries of your fund?
Assistance is provided to people of various vulnerable categories: immigrants, people with disabilities of all groups, pensioners, seriously ill people, those who have undergone surgery or are preparing for it, those with many children, pregnant women, children under 3 years of age.
What regions is your work currently focused on?
Currently, our foundation works in Transcarpathia and Zaporizhzhia region.
Evgenia Balutska
