The US-based diaspora organization has a proven track-record when it comes to delivering humanitarian aid in Ukraine. However, Nova Ukraine has been implementing its activities on the ground mostly through volunteers in Ukraine or local partners. Partnering with UN agencies and INGOs seemed to be off the table due to the perceived bureaucracy which comes with these collaborations. 

 

February 24th changed everything: Quit jobs to raise funds

As the conflict in Ukraine escalated, Nova Ukraine was again at the forefront of responding to this crisis and stepped into action immediately. Since February 20, they have raised $11 million USD. They rely on the work of unpaid volunteers, some of whom have taken time off work or even quit their jobs to help coordinate humanitarian aid for Ukraine. So far, over 98% of the raised funds have gone directly to humanitarian aid, more than $4.7 million USD have been released in the first three weeks, with over 60% of spending devoted to life-saving medical aid:

 

 

 

The spending as of March 22, 2022: Life Saving First Aid (43%): Emergency medical supplies, vehicles, and staff for treating severely injured civilians in the field. Medication (18%): Prescription and OTC medication. Supply Chain (23%): Air and ground shipping, warehouse, delivery vehicles. Basic needs (10%): Food, water, hygiene, baby care. Evacuation (4%): Refugee relocation and evacuation. Misc (2%): Uncategorized aid.

 

Partnering with Airbnb for housing refugees

As the situation on the ground in Ukraine continues to change rapidly, delivering supplies to critical cities remains hazardous and difficult. And additional funds are needed to meet the vastly expanding needs on the ground as well as in settlement countries. Therefore, Nova Ukraine has established a partnership with Airbnb.org to provide emergency housing for refugees fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Eligible applicants will receive an Airbnb voucher to be used for free short-term accommodation. For application and program details, please click here. 

 

Supporting children together with UNICEF

Nova Ukraine has officially entered a partnership with UNICEF USA to support children and families affected by the Russian military operation in Ukraine. As part of the partnership, they are launching a joint fundraiser to raise $2 million to support UNICEF projects in Ukraine. UNICEF has over 75 years of humanitarian response expertise; added to the eight-plus years of building trusted partner networks in Ukraine by Nova Ukraine. Together they will be able to deliver emergency aid to those who need it most on an even greater scale.

 

Motivated by all the gratitude

Just one example of Nova Ukraine's efforts can be seen in the video below, showcasing the engagement in Mykolaiv, southern Ukraine. They recently collected and delivered food and basic supplies which subsequently were distributed by their volunteers on the ground.

 

 

 

Photo, Infographic & Media Credits: Nova Ukraine