On May 28–29, participants of the School of Community Foundations gathered alongside active community foundations of Ukraine for a two-day conference. The event became a space for sharing experience, discussing internal practices, and jointly defining directions for development.
What Was Discussed at the Community Foundations Conference
Over two days, participants worked across several areas: analyzing internal practices and strategic goals of organizations, reviewing research programs and data, and aligning approaches to developing community foundations through research activities. This format allows foundations not only to learn, but to immediately apply new approaches within their communities.
Completing the MEAL System Training
A key part of the conference was the completion of the MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning) training block for community foundations. Participants developed skills in data analysis, working with indicators, and building effective programs that respond to the real needs of their communities.
MEAL is a project management framework used in the nonprofit sector that helps organizations measure the results of their work and make data-driven decisions.
Three Community Foundations Launched Their Own Research
During the training, three participants of the School of Community Foundations initiated research projects in their communities:
- Voznesensk Community Foundation is studying the needs of internally displaced persons regarding career development services in the city.
- Dobrobut Community Foundation of Dubno is researching the level of awareness among local students regarding career choices.
- Snovska Community Development Foundation is analyzing educational losses and the need for psychological support among schoolchildren — to develop crisis response solutions.
These cases demonstrate how community foundations turn knowledge into concrete action for their territories.
For the community foundations network, events like this are more than just learning — they are an opportunity to come together: to talk, share news and experience, and find solutions to shared challenges. It is in these gatherings that trust and the capacity of local philanthropy in Ukraine are built.
The study is produced by NGO «NNLPD» with the support of the Askold and Dir Fund as a part of the the Strong Civil Society of Ukraine – a Driver towards Reforms and Democracy project, implemented by ISAR Ednannia, funded by Norway and Sweden. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of NGO «NNLPD» and can in no way be taken to reflect the views the Government of Norway, the Government of Sweden and ISAR Ednannia.
