Despite the full-scale war, Ukrainian civil society is demonstrating high resilience. However, financial instability remains the biggest threat. This is evidenced by the results of the 2024 Civil Society Organisations (CSO) Sustainability Index in Ukraine, presented at the Ukraine Crisis Media Centre.
This year’s indicator remained at 3.0, which corresponds to the results of 2023. The index measures the state of development of the sector in seven components, from the legal environment to sectoral infrastructure. The study is conducted by the Ukrainian Independent Centre for Political Research (UICPR) with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation.
‘If we look at all the indicators in dynamics, we see gradual progress. This is undoubtedly positive. However, financial viability remains our weak link,’ emphasised Valeria Skvortsova, executive director of the Ukrainian Independent Centre for Political Research.
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The sector has not collapsed – that is already a victory
‘Civil society in Ukraine exists and functions. This is already a great achievement, given the conditions in which we live,’ says the executive director of the UICPS.
She pointed out that although the average score remained stable, this does not mean that there have been no changes: ‘This is not a static assessment. Some components have deteriorated, while others have improved. But the overall picture is stable. And that is already positive, because we are still living in a state of war.’
Financial viability – the weak link in the sector
Financial stability proved to be the most vulnerable area. According to Maksym Latsyba, head of the civil society development programme at the Ukrainian Centre for Civil Society Development, organisations face real risks of closure or reduction of activities:
“Financial viability is the worst indicator, and unfortunately, it has deteriorated. Organisations are either closing down or significantly reducing their activities. There is less donor funding, and this problem will only get worse.”
Latsyba also noted that in 2024, Ukrainian CSOs began to actively seek new sources of funding, from social entrepreneurship to local fundraising, but the amount of support from international donors is declining faster than the sector can adapt.
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European perspective: sustainability and recognition
The importance of CSO participation in state-building during the war was emphasised by European Commission representative Maria Sole Delle Donne
“Ukrainian CSOs have proven their ability to change their focus and structure of work. They have taken responsibility for social services and assistance to vulnerable groups. This is not just adaptation, it is systemic transformation.”
She stressed that the EU continues to support civil society not only financially, but also in the form of political recognition: ‘We try to maintain a constant dialogue to ensure that the voices of organisations are taken into account at all stages, from policy development to implementation.’
In addition, Europeans say that many Ukrainian organisations have shifted the focus of their work to provide important social services. In particular, they are filling the gaps between the government and communities. It is these organisations that support citizens’ trust in reforms.
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Public consultations and interaction with the state are not permanent
Olga Lymar, executive director of the RPR Coalition, reminded that the adoption of the law on public consultations is only the first step.
‘There is a law, but there is no institutional framework. We do not have a body that would accompany the implementation of this law, train civil servants, and create standard forms and templates. The law does not work on its own,’ she said.
Organisations provide what the state cannot
Galina Skipalska, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Public Health Foundation, emphasised the burden placed on CSOs in the field of social services:
“We work with women, children and vulnerable groups. And in many cases, our organisations have become the only ones providing them with support. We are filling the gaps that the state system does not cover.”
According to her, the war has exacerbated problems in access to medical, psychological and legal services for millions of Ukrainians. And it was the civil society sector that was able to mobilise in the shortest possible time.
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The voice of civil society organisations must be heard systematically – not only in times of crisis
Oleksandr Ravchev, a communications and advocacy consultant, reminded participants that civil society cannot be viewed as a temporary ‘mobilisation resource.’
“Organisations have the right to be at the centre of decision-making, not just to carry out ‘tasks in the field’. Their voices must be systematically present in the dialogue with the authorities.”
He says that although the sector is capable of communication, without real partnership on the part of the state, it is difficult to talk about long-term institutional change.
Strength in sustained presence
Oleksiy Orlovsky, director of the Democratic Practice programme initiative at the Renaissance International Foundation, summed up the essence of the study:
‘This is not just a rating on a scale. It is an attempt to understand how civil society feels, whether it retains its influence, its ability to act and protect people. Because that is its essence.’
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