The National Network of Local Philanthropy Development expresses its support for the “Podilska Hromada” Community Foundation regarding the unfair decision by Start Network to terminate the Due Diligence process, deny funding, and misrepresent the situation in Ukraine as a “conflict.”
The war waged by Russia against Ukraine is an act of aggression recognized by international legal institutions. On March 2, 2022, the UN adopted a resolution condemning Russia’s actions and demanding the withdrawal of its troops. Using the term “conflict” distorts reality and spreads propaganda narratives. International partners must take a clear stance instead of merely balancing between neutrality and public relations-friendly statements about supporting local response efforts. We urge Start Network to correct this mistake in its future communications.
Our organization actively works within the Ukrainian NGO Fund (FUN) initiative, aimed at supporting local organizations. We have repeatedly faced the risk of project termination due to differing approaches with Start Network. However, we chose to continue our cooperation because nine months of exhausting work have been invested in developing a transparent funding mechanism. Our stance on neutrality was well known to partners at the tender stage, and there were no objections at that time. This experience has taught us the importance of clearly discussing key issues before starting cooperation.
As early as September 2023, we emphasized the strict limitations on funding organizations that partially support community defense. We proposed a clear evaluation and funding control system, including budget separation between humanitarian and military programs, separate accounts, mandatory audits, checks on dual-use purchases, a ban on violent rhetoric, and controlled use of donor branding. Despite our mechanisms ensuring that FUN funds were not directed towards military-related programs, they were rejected.
Complete neutrality in the context of the war in Ukraine is inappropriate. The Ukraine Appeal Localisation Scoping Paper, commissioned by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which funds this project, highlights the importance of supporting local organizations and underscores the need for international partners to adopt realistic approaches for effective response efforts.
We support the appeal of the “Podilska Hromada” Community Foundation and take pride in their courage to raise their voice. We call on international donors to take this case seriously and avoid similar practices in the future:
- Ensure stable funding rules without changing conditions during project implementation.
- Avoid language that removes responsibility from the aggressor—Ukraine is at war, not in a “conflict.”
- Consider Ukraine’s specific situation and do not apply international standards without adapting them to the reality on the ground.
