The Ukrainian people have always been known for their generosity and mutual support, particularly in times of great hardship. And with the onset of the full-scale invasion, this coming together has become even more evident. People are uniting to help those in need and creating opportunities to provide humanitarian aid.
However, many activists involved in humanitarian initiatives may face the question: ‘How do we formalise our activities?’ The answer to this question could be the key to unlocking the full potential and strengthening the community.
Registering legal entities to provide aid is an important step that opens up access to a variety of opportunities and resources. This process ensures transparency and accountability in operations, as well as creating conditions for cooperation with other organisations and civil society groups.
The World Food Programme’s (WFP) Institutional Feeding Programme is one example of successful humanitarian work that provides ready-made solutions and support. Its involvement in projects aimed at alleviating hunger and improving living conditions for vulnerable groups demonstrates the importance of formal registration and cooperation with international donors.
Since January this year, the Lviv Agrarian Chamber has been a partner of the WFP in implementing the Institutional Food Programme across the Lviv and Ternopil regions. In just under three months, over 150 institutions caring for internally displaced persons, people with disabilities, orphans and elderly people living alone have been involved in the Programme. During this period, the Lviv Agrarian Chamber has encountered instances where people, seeking to help those in need and formally organised into communities linked to religious or other institutions, have approached the Chamber requesting to participate in the Institutional Food Programme.
A recent specific case involving a community from the Ternopil region, which cares for people with special physical needs, demonstrates that many people are coming together to help those in need during this difficult time for Ukraine. This community approached the Lviv Agrarian Chamber with a request to participate in the Institutional Food Programme; however, their ability to receive assistance is limited by their official status. And there are actually quite a few such communities. The issue is that these communities are not officially registered, do not maintain proper accounting records, do not have open accounts with banking institutions, and therefore cannot collaborate with legal entities.
The aim of this article is to convey to new communities and initiatives that operating officially opens up more opportunities. This not only makes them more effective in providing or receiving assistance, but also promotes stability and development. Formalising their activities is the key to strengthening the community and improving the quality of life for all its members. Please contact us by calling the Lviv Agrarian Chamber’s free helpline on 0800300859, and we will provide you with a comprehensive answer on how not to miss out on your chance and opportunities.
Source: Lviv Agrarian Chamber