On April 29, East Europe Foundation hosted the panel discussion “Solutions Platform: From Needs to Grants”, bringing together representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) for an open dialogue on current challenges and the nuances of donor interactions. The event welcomed seven organisations from diverse regions and profiles, including: Together Against Corruption, Women’s Power of Ukraine, Fishermen’s Club of Ukraine – UA Fishing Club, City of Power, Institute for Sustainable Community Development, Equality in Action, Yavoriv Raion Local Economic Development Agency.

Participants shared insights into the current state of their organisations, describing the impact of the full-scale war on their operations and outlining the daily challenges they encounter. Particular emphasis was placed on donor cooperation, covering urgent needs, fundraising difficulties, and partnership opportunities.

The main points raised by panelists included:

● CSOs underscore the importance of long-term projects spanning two years or more, enabling them to maximize their impact and achieve sustainable results across various sectors.

● When collaborating with local CSOs, donors should consider differences in operational readiness compared to

capital-based organisations. Local CSOs often require additional consultative support.

● Competitive regional salaries are essential for project success, ensuring compensation parity with larger cities.

● Strong donor partnerships, swift responses, and an understanding of ongoing activities are fundamental for success.

● Local organisations frequently encounter administrative challenges when working with large donor structures. Participants emphasized the need for institutional support, which can significantly enhance the capacity of smaller CSOs.

Insights from the “Solutions Platform: From Needs to Grants” discussion will inform new grant competition ideas. A recording of the event is available via the link.

Additionally, an analytical report was compiled based on the discussion, outlining the key areas of CSO participation in community recovery processes.