Adapting to a Prolonged Conflict
As the conflict continues, Fondation de France adjusted its response strategy in 2024. The focus has been on supporting key long-term partners with strong local ties. The goal is to ensure that these organizations can contribute to post-conflict reconstruction while continuing to aid those affected by the war—both in active conflict zones and in communities hosting displaced populations. Aid has been predominantly directed toward families, displaced people and refugees, and those most at risk, including women and children.
Providing Aid to the Most Vulnerable
Many cities, especially in eastern and southern Ukraine, have endured heavy bombardments, severely damaging essential infrastructure for water, electricity, and gas. Hospitals, schools, and public services have been destroyed or rendered inaccessible, making daily life incredibly difficult. Delivering humanitarian aid remains a major challenge, as the hardest-hit areas are often inaccessible due to road insecurity and conflict-related restrictions, while regions under Russian control are nearly impossible to reach. In response, Fondation de France is supporting local organizations assisting the most vulnerable populations, including:
- World to Ukrainians, which provides psychosocial support and hygiene kits to 80 families with children with disabilities in Mykolaiv, Odesa, and Zaporizhzhia—families particularly affected by the war. The organization also ensures access to specialized educational programs and equips caregivers with resources to support their children’s needs.
- Motivatie, an NGO in Moldova led by individuals with disabilities, supports both Moldovans and Ukrainian refugees. With Fondation de France’s support in 2024, it secured an accessible facility in Chișinău and expanded its services, including essential goods distribution, transportation assistance, psychological and legal support, employment access, cultural activities, and awareness programs on refugee integration.
- Angels of Salvation, which operates across Ukraine to meet urgent needs such as food, hygiene kits, warm clothing, and heating devices. The organization is on the front lines in areas near the conflict zones and in occupied towns and villages in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions.
Helping Displaced Families Rebuild Their Lives
Since the war began, Ukraine has seen mass displacement. Around 4 million people remain displaced within the country, while millions more have sought refuge abroad, mostly in Europe. Many are living in precarious conditions, lacking proper housing and healthcare access. To support them, Fondation de France is funding several local initiatives, including:
- National Network of Local Philanthropy Development (NNLPD) in Ukraine, which helps people in the Kherson region improve their financial stability by optimizing agricultural land use. The organization offers farmer training, supports equipment purchases, and collaborates with local authorities to develop food security policies while promoting sustainable, locally sourced production.
- Moldova for Peace, a coalition of six Moldovan organizations fostering social cohesion between refugees and local populations. Among them, Laolalta and CPR Moldova provide safe spaces, professional training, mental health support, and legal assistance while advocating for fair refugee policies. Meanwhile, Primaria Mea backs eight initiatives aimed at integrating Ukrainian refugees and encouraging volunteer engagement.
In Chișinău, Moldova, Laolalta organizes recreational activities for refugee women and children.
Defending Human Rights
The human rights situation in Ukraine remains a major concern. In Ukrainian-controlled areas, issues include the treatment of Russian prisoners and the protection of minority rights. In Russian-occupied territories, reports highlight atrocities, severe restrictions on freedoms, and the forced displacement of civilians, including children taken to Russia. Ukrainian language, culture, and press freedom are also under threat. Additionally, the war has exacerbated gender-based violence, increasing risks of abuse, sexual violence, and human trafficking for women and children. Fondation de France is supporting several initiatives to address these urgent concerns, such as:
- Magnolia, a Ukrainian NGO dedicated to locating missing children. Over the years, it has helped reunite more than 3,000 children with their families, including those displaced across Europe. In 2024, Magnolia continues to expand its search efforts, provide legal and psychological support to families, develop a dedicated missing children database, and train staff to meet increasing needs.
- The European Network for Research and Action in Prison Litigation, which assists victims of war crimes and humanitarian law violations. The organization provides urgent aid to detainees evacuated from combat zones or released from Russian detention, helping with material support and repatriation. It also documents abuses in prisons and supports victims through legal proceedings at both national and international levels.
Looking Ahead
Since 2024, Fondation de France has been working closely with Carpathian Foundations to support a network of ten Ukrainian organizations. These groups are paired with Slovak and Hungarian counterparts to exchange knowledge and build capacity. Fondation de France is also backing initiatives that foster cross-border collaboration in the Carpathian region, including the Open Transcarpathia seminar led by the Institute for Central European Strategy and a joint effort by CAMZ, Longo Mai, and ATDL, which are helping 40 displaced families rebuild their lives in the Carpathian Mountains.
In the Carpathians, Carpathian Foundations organize creative activities for refugee children.
Thank You for Your Support
We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our donors, who have made it possible for us to support Fondation de France in its steadfast aid to the Ukrainian people and their long-term recovery. With these rebuilding efforts far from over, continued support is essential to sustain humanitarian aid, protect human rights, and foster long-term stability.
Your contributions make a meaningful difference. Through Friends of Fondation de France, US-based donors can still make tax-deductible donations to these efforts, ensuring that critical assistance reaches those who need it most.
Thank you for your continued solidarity and support.
Translated and adapted from French. Originally published by Fondation de France. All photos © Fondation de France
