As I mentioned in an earlier blog post, attendees of the third Innovations in International Philanthropy Symposium, co-hosted by The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI) and the Network of Engaged International Donors (NEID Global), gathered for both information and inspiration. One particular session, Philanthropy’s Role in Ukraine: Supporting the Future of Democracy and Civil Society was part of the Symposium’s Shaping the Future workshop track, although it could have just as well been part of the Taking Action Now track. Ukrainian society is continuing to face extreme humanitarian, social, and economic challenges caused by Russia’s continued brutal, genocidal attempts to eradicate Ukraine as a nation. At same time, as this session made clear, this conflict is on the cusp of the global struggle of democracy vs. authoritarianism, with implications far beyond the borders of Ukraine.

The presenters crystallized three key points for funders to understand as they consider the needs in Ukraine against so many other conflicts and issues that compete for the spotlight today. Session speakers, united in their belief that Ukrainians will indeed eventually achieve victory, included Open Society Foundations Director of Special Initiatives Anthony Richter, Razom for Ukraine CEO Dora Chomiak, Atlantic Council Senior Fellow Melinda Haring, and, joining virtually from Kyiv, International Renaissance Foundation Deputy Director Inna Pidluska. They made a powerful case for why in addition to humanitarian support, longer-term, strategic, and systemic interventions are critically necessary, why that matters beyond its borders, and that philanthropy can play an important role in both modalities.

Read the full article about supporting Ukraine by Nick Deychakiwsky at The Philanthropic Initiative.