Recent rankings and studies in the field of philanthropy are sparking a new discussion about the role of the civil sector in strengthening the resilience of the state. 

In 2022, Ukraine demonstrated an impressive rise in the global philanthropy ranking, climbing to 10th place, compared to 101st in 2019 and 20th place last year. The contributions of the top five largest charitable foundations in Ukraine exceed 20 billion hryvnias, a staggering sum comparable, for instance, to the financial needs of the Ministry of Defense for the procurement of drones. 

The civil sector has always played a key role in driving change within the state. I would like to highlight the rapid growth in the volume of aid provided by charitable foundations during the war. Since 24 February, it has become clear how crucial the role of non-governmental organizations is in supporting both the front lines and the home front. 

The funding volumes of the non-governmental sector are growing exponentially, shifting from millions to billions. This reflects not only massive aid but also trust and the capacity to manage resources quickly and effectively. It’s important to emphasize the logistical and institutional capabilities. The number of NGOs in Ukraine continues to grow. 

This trend will only accelerate, especially after the war, when there will be a need to effectively transform investments into practical solutions. The civil sector serves as support for the home front and as a powerful weapon, ready to defend and uphold its values. 

Ukraine has very strong charitable foundations whose quality and efficiency surpass those of some government institutions. These foundations have proven to be more flexible, transparent, and accountable. This difference is particularly noticeable among foundations with excellent reputations in their fields, which systematically attract resources into the country, are easily verifiable through open data, and undergo audits. 

This represents a significant area of growth for improving partnerships between the state and the non-governmental sector across various fields. 

For example, from our experience implementing the Transition Plan in healthcare, when the state entrusts NGOs with procuring services for patients with chronic illnesses, this is a positive example of cooperation that fosters competition and improves the quality of services. In other words, there is already a mechanism of social contracting, whereby the state purchases services (previously provided exclusively by municipal and state institutions) from civil society organizations on a competitive basis through the Prozorro system. 

We see how, in the field of HIV services, this leads to more efficient use of state financial resources, improves service quality for patients, and develops this sector further. It’s a professionalization of the relationship between the state and civil society. I believe this experience should be expanded to other areas. 

In Ukraine, there has long been a need to formalize the concept of a “professional volunteer.” We can clearly see today the results that civil organizations and volunteer initiatives are capable of achieving. So why not delegate this mandate from the state to them if it’s evident that they have the capacity, enjoy public trust, and possess the passion to do what they do so well? 

I am initiating this discussion because we have already made a significant contribution to humanitarian aid, attracting billions of hryvnias and providing support to patients, medical institutions, and organizations. Our experience demonstrates that cooperation with global aid programs can reach even more people. 

The demand for assistance remains high, especially among those near the front lines. And the increasing role of the non-governmental sector is a clear indicator of growing social awareness, demanding an appropriate response from the state. 

Our strength lies in unity, and it’s crucial to remember this. I call on civil society and the state to join this discussion and work together to develop more effective partnerships and systems of delegation across different sectors. 

Dmytro Sherembey, Head of the NGO “100% LIFE,” exclusively for UP. Life