Seventy-five percent of CSOs are actively looking for alternative resources to finance their activities – survey
According to a rapid survey by Open Space Works Ukraine and Civic Initiatives of Ukraine, most Ukrainian civil society organisations (CSOs) surveyed are actively seeking alternative funding following the end of USAID assistance.
The researchers surveyed 73 organizations, revealing that most have experienced severe financial difficulties. Of the organisations surveyed, 34% consider the situation catastrophic, 51% consider it difficult but adaptable, and 5% see it as a chance for transformation.
According to the survey, 25% of organisations will be forced to reduce staff after the suspension of USAID funding, 19% will have to introduce unpaid leave, and 12% will have to suspend certain programs.
In addition, 10% are negotiating with local governments for co-financing, and another 10% said they would have to close their organisation.
Currently, only 1% of respondents have already received support from new funding sources.
The surveyed organisations plan to reorient their
operating models, optimise programs, attract support from local donors, and strengthen cooperation with the private sector.
Survey respondents suggested several areas and solutions to help the public sector. These include:
- Emergency funding – providing quick grants and compensation for losses to stabilise operations;
- Flexibility in grant programs – reducing bureaucratic requirements and focusing on institutional support;
- Continuation of critical initiatives – support for independent media, humanitarian programs and work with veterans;
- Capacity building for CSOs – training on diversification of funding, support for social entrepreneurship.
More information about the study is available here.
By way of background, according to the AP, on January 24, the State Department issued a “shutdown” order for all available foreign aid and suspended new aid. As a result, the US federal government agency USAID suspended funding for all programs and projects without exception following a 90-day audit.
Ukrainian civil society organisations and local governments were then notified that they needed to stop activities funded by USAID or organisations dependent on American funding.
During the full-scale invasion of Russians, USAID focused on rebuilding schools, providing health services, and repairing the critical energy system and has allocated $2.6 billion in humanitarian assistance, $5 billion in development assistance, and $30 billion in direct budget support.
