By Jon Everett, Director of Business Development and External Affairs, UK Community Foundations
The invasion of Ukraine will continue to have appalling humanitarian consequences for the country’s civilian population and will have a long-lasting impact on millions of people across the region.
UK Community Foundations and our 47 strong community foundation network, along with the community foundation networks of Poland, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Latvia, are in communication with, and stand in support of, our sister organisations in Ukraine. We are also closely liaising with the European Community Foundation Initiative.
Currently 20 of the 33 community foundations in Ukraine remain operational and are being assisted in country by ISAR Ednannia (UKCF’s Ukrainian equivalent). The latest figures from the United Nations show that over two million people have fled the country. That figure is likely to rise. The community foundations of the surrounding countries are providing essential aid and support to refugees of the conflict.
Here in the UK, our network stands ready to support refugees as we have done in the past. We are in contact with the Government about the role community foundations can play, and once the situation has been clarified, we will provide an update on what the community foundation network is doing to support refugees and how you can help.
How you can support humanitarian efforts from the UK
As ever, in times of crisis, there is a groundswell of people that want to do something. We saw this first-hand during the early days of the pandemic and the same spirit of solidarity is shining through today. For those wishing to give, we recommend the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal as the most effective way to support humanitarian efforts from the UK.
Over £100m was raised in the first four days by the Appeal and the money is already making an impact. The member charities of the DEC have the expertise, experience, and infrastructure to ensure that public donations quickly help those most in need on the ground.
We have also compiled a list of local organisations in Ukraine, and neighbouring countries, that are supporting people affected by the conflict. These include:
- ISAR Ednannia (to support Ukrainian Community Foundations)
- Federation of Community Foundations Poland (to support refugees in Poland)
- Bucharest Community Foundation (to support refugees in Romania)
- Slovak Community Foundations Appeal (to support refugees in Slovakia)
- Ukraine to Latvia (Information for Ukrainians going to Latvia)
- Information for refugees in Romania
The Government has also published advice for people who want to give to Ukraine safely.
