In April 2025, the Goethe Institut Ukraine (Kyiv), the Ukraine Art Aid Center e.V. (Berlin), and ALIPH – the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage (Geneva) – hosted the conference "The Ukrainian Cultural Sector in Wartimes: Emergencies – Needs – Measures". The conference was supportet, among other institutions, by the Robert Bosch Stiftung.

With workshops led by twelve expert groups from across Ukraine, the event highlighted the importance of holding such gatherings within the war-affected country to ensure balanced representation and inclusivity. In light of the many insights gained during the conference, it was decided to publish not only a brief statement but also this more comprehensive report.

This report explores the pivotal role of Community Foundations (CF) in Ukraine. It tracks the history of CF development in Ukraine, and describes its unique model – which is based on local affiliation, independence and transparency. Drawing on data collected through the GFCF’s grantmaking in Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion, the report also describes the range of CF responses to the crisis. It illustrates how Ukrainian CFs have demonstrated remarkable resilience and impact during the ongoing war, addressing both immediate humanitarian needs and fostering long-term community development and social cohesion.

In the face of the war, Ukrainian culture needs a new strategy. The RES-POL project, with the support of the European Union and in close cooperation with the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture, has developed appropriate analyses and positions. Our project partner Alona Karavai, director of the NGO Insha Osvita, is playing a key role in this process as an expert.

In the face of the war, Ukrainian culture needs a new strategy. The RES-POL project, with the support of the European Union and in close cooperation with the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture, has developed appropriate analyses and positions. Our project partner Alona Karavai, director of the NGO Insha Osvita, is playing a key role in this process as an expert.

The coronavirus pandemic was followed by Russia's attack on Ukraine, and since then almost 1.2 million people have arrived in Germany from Ukraine - in addition to those who have migrated via the regular asylum system. At the same time, personnel and financial bottlenecks in local authorities are becoming more apparent: problems such as a lack of housing or insufficient childcare are putting local administrations under pressure. How can municipalities develop resilience in the face of these multiple challenges? Between May 2023 and March 2024, DeZIM explored this question together with 11 municipalities, highlighting best practice and making recommendations for action in the report. (German only)