As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, we reflect on our initial response to the crisis and how our mission has evolved. What began as an immediate reaction to a humanitarian catastrophe has grown into a long-term commitment to Ukraine’s recovery and integration into the European Union. The war is not solely about Ukraine – it is testing the unity of the European community.
For ERSTE Foundation, this is more than a cause; it is a moral imperative. Founded on the principles of European values, we view our support for Ukraine as a principled stance in defence of democracy, freedom, and human dignity. A victory for Ukraine would represent a victory for these values, extending beyond one country to the future of Europe. Our commitment to Ukraine is not merely an act of solidarity; it is an investment in the continent’s stability and peace.
Philanthropy needs to serve as a beacon of hope in times of crisis. It cannot stay on the sidelines when freedom and justice are under threat. The war has upended lives and reshaped Europe’s geopolitical landscape. In response, we have sought meaningful ways to contribute.
We make grants in areas where we were already working, namely in Media and Journalism, Europe and Democracy, Arts and Culture, Social Innovations and Financial Health – as well as in new, adjacent areas. However, many inquiries focus on urgent needs such as humanitarian aid, corruption, war crimes, sanctions, veterans’ reintegration, mental health support, or physical infrastructure rebuilding. These are not areas where the Foundation has deep expertise.
Over the past three years, we have launched numerous important initiatives. To name a few: Kyiv Media School, a training programme for media professionals, and Next Visionaries, an educational programme for young leaders. We have supported labour market integration for those now residing in Austria through the Professional Integration Hub. We have organised dozens of advocacy trips and initiated several cultural diplomacy projects. Every year, we run thematic Policy Labs workshops, and we have also launched the Civil Society Leadership Programme, as part of the NGO Academy, which takes place annually in Austria. We are also continuing to develop new initiatives – for example, the Female Impact Business initiative – to support female entrepreneurs who are taking on immense responsibility and making a significant contribution to the growth of the country’s economy.
This approach reflects a broader philosophy of philanthropy – one that prioritises sustainability and innovation. We believe that building a resilient, democratic Ukraine is not only possible but essential. Ukrainians’ determination offers an unprecedented opportunity to reimagine how societies rebuild after conflict. By fostering participatory governance, supporting social entrepreneurship, and embedding sustainability into reconstruction efforts, the Foundation seeks to help Ukraine become a model for democratic and resilient societies worldwide.
The challenges facing Ukraine are vast, but so too are the opportunities. Despite the ongoing war, Ukrainians are looking to the future, determined to create a better tomorrow. Their bravery is a source of inspiration, and their willingness to engage in the rebuilding process underscores the importance of community-driven solutions. We believe that even amid the devastation of war, there is room for hope, innovation, and progress.
Over the past three years, the Foundation has built a diverse portfolio of projects that span Ukraine and neighbouring countries. From Austria to Slovakia and Croatia, these initiatives have touched hundreds of lives, strengthening cross-border cooperation and fostering a shared sense of responsibility for Ukraine. This work has been acknowledged by various organisations and partners and has deepened our commitment to strategically align our efforts with the needs of a changing world.
The war in Ukraine is reshaping its borders – and the entire European project. As Ukraine moves closer to European integration, it is also transforming Europe, infusing its institutions with renewed energy and purpose. Ukraine’s recovery has been resonating far beyond its borders, offering lessons for philanthropy, governance, and social innovation in post-conflict societies.
Supporting Ukraine is about more than rebuilding what was lost – it is about imagining what could be. We see this moment as an opportunity to listen deeply, act thoughtfully, and collaborate across sectors to create lasting change. In this way, Ukraine’s resilience becomes a shared European story, a testament to the power of solidarity and the enduring strength of democratic values.
