Ukraine

Vidnova – Supporting Ukrainian Civil Society

Many Ukrainians are dedicated to shaping the future of their country. The Vidnova program offers them the opportunity to realise their ideas, to build connections and to contribute to the reconstruction of their country.

About the project

While the war continues to shape everyday life, Ukrainian civil society remains a driving force in supporting communities, strengthening democratic resilience, and developing solutions for both present and future challenges. In these difficult times, the Vidnova Lab program supports Ukrainians who are committed to building a better future for Ukraine. Vidnova is Ukrainian and means recovery.

At the heart of Vidnova Lab are the people who continue to shape Ukraine through their commitment, knowledge, and courage. We believe that sustainable recovery begins by strengthening those who drive change every day. Vidnova Lab supports experienced professionals from Ukrainian civil society who are responding to the challenges of war while helping to shape Ukraine's long-term recovery. This program creates space for participants to nurture their resilience, reflect strategically on their work, and further develop ideas that contribute to their organizations, communities, and professional fields. Vidnova Lab brings together professionals working in diverse areas, including participatory urban development, green recovery, culture, education, media, mental health, memory work, and support for internally displaced people and veterans.

Through mentoring, peer exchange, workshops, and networking, participants strengthen their knowledge, expand their professional networks, and become part of a growing community of practitioners who learn from one another and build lasting connections. At the same time, Vidnova Lab fosters sustainable cooperation between civil society organizations in Ukraine and across Europe, creating space for joint learning and long-term partnerships.

With the start of the war, many Ukrainians active in civil society have been uprooted from their daily lives. With these grants, we want to enable them to continue their work and realise their ideas in this uncertain situation. We believe that long-term peace can only be achieved if the local population is involved in the recovery process.

Our aim is to support the development of a sustainable, decentralised network of Ukrainian civil society actors. We want to encourage and build bridges. We also want to identify initiatives that will make a significant contribution to Ukraine's post-war future at an early stage. The program will identify existing initiatives and actors and connect civil society organisations in Ukraine and other European countries. In this way, approaches can be developed for the sustainable recovery of Ukraine and the coalescence of society.

As part of Vidnova Lab, participants receive a fellowship that enables them to dedicate time to strategic development, professional learning, research, or strengthening their organizations and initiatives. They receive individual mentoring and take part in workshops, networking events, and exchanges with a cohort of fellow Ukrainian civil society professionals.

Throughout the program, participants further develop a strategic initiative that contributes to their organization, community, or field of expertise. By investing in people, their ideas, and their connections, Vidnova Lab strengthens the individuals behind Ukraine's civil society – and, through them, contributes to the country's resilience and long-term recovery.