‘I thought it would be an inspection, but it turned out to be a partnership’

‘I thought it would be an inspection, but it turned out to be a partnership’: feedback from the NGO ‘Gosytnets’ about the Philanthropists team’s volunteering in community foundations

Community foundations always have a lot of work to do, and never enough hands to do it. Therefore, in July 2025, the Philanthropists team embarked on ‘pilot’ volunteering trips to community foundations. The goal was simple: to help community foundations, exchange knowledge and experience, support project development and, most importantly, understand the specifics of the foundations’ work and life in communities through their own experience. More information on this is available in the guide, which contains the team’s reflections.   

One such visit took place in the Novoyavorivsk community in the Lviv region, where the NGO ‘Gostynets’ operates.

The head of the organisation, Natalya Kosyk, admits that she was nervous at first: “Personally, I had a slightly prejudiced attitude because, having worked in the public sector for a long time, I knew that when people who finance something come, it is always, first and foremost, an inspection. But when representatives from Philanthropists arrived, we immediately started generating new ideas together, looked at completed projects… This lifted the spirits of our youth, gave them confidence and motivation for further action. They were very and very pleased. Well, just like us, actually.”

One of the foundation’s requests was to work on communications, specifically filming video success stories. Therefore, Natalya Kovalchuk, head of the communications department, travelled to Novoyavorivsk. Over the course of five days, Natalya and the foundation’s team filmed ten stories about projects supported by Youth Banks of Initiatives and Urozhayny Shlyakh. These are long-term projects that the foundation is implementing together with Philanthropists. 

Natalya shares: “My main goal was not just to shoot the material, but to teach the logic of filming. What to shoot after what, what shots are necessary, which questions are best to ask. And most importantly, how to edit it all together. Where to start in order to attract the viewer’s attention on social media, and what to remove completely. It is important that the foundation’s team, having gained this knowledge, can continue to do this independently or work effectively with contractors.”

During her time as a volunteer, Natalya edited 3 stories, which the foundation shared on its social media accounts. The stories were well received by the locals and drew attention to the foundation’s projects and activities. People literally quoted phrases from the videos when they met with the foundation’s team. 

“In times of war, when there is so much bad news, it is important to show the community the successes of its residents. This demonstrates the impact people have on the community and gives hope for a better future. Perhaps one of these stories will inspire residents to join the foundation’s work,” says Natalya Kovalchuk.

“Could we have invited an expert with training for this task? – yes. But thanks to our understanding of the context of the foundation’s work, during our volunteer work, we had the time and space to discuss more issues than we usually have time for during coffee breaks at conferences. After the trip, I feel like an ambassador of this community.”

A key outcome of the exchange was that Ivan Bilsky, the fund’s project manager, independently edited his first video and created a YouTube channel. The fund began to use video more actively as a tool. This format helps to engage the community through people’s stories, their vivid emotions, and to clearly show the results of implemented projects. Audiovisual stories make the foundation’s activities understandable and closer to the community, attracting new supporters and donors. This directly affects trust and engagement, as the foundation reflects small victories, and inspires.  

Natalia Kosyk notes that the key result was not just training, but a genuine partnership:

“What I expected did not happen at all. We saw not an inspection, but a partnership. We now have many ideas — if only we had enough money to implement them.”

It was important to the community that the philanthropists did not come just ‘on paper,’ but saw the real lives of people, their projects, and the results of their work.

“I really appreciate that Philanthropists decided to visit communities and listen to people. It changed our perception — they became our partners and colleagues, rather than a distant structure,” adds Lesya Bilska.

The volunteer trips provided more than just advice. They provided trust, confidence and a new vision for the future. The team’s motivation increased, strategic plans emerged, cooperation with local authorities improved, and the community felt that it was truly being listened to and supported.

In 2026, the Philanthropists team plans to continue volunteer trips to communities to continue supporting local initiatives and building partnerships that arise from something simple — coming and listening to people with your heart.