Open Society Foundations opens Ukraine Democracy Fund with initial $25 million pledge
Melanie May | 4 March 2022 | News
The Open Society Foundations is launching the Ukraine Democracy Fund with an initial pledge of $25 million to launch the Ukraine Democracy Fund, and is seeking more funders to join it.
The aim of the fund is to join with private foundations, philanthropists, and the private sector to raise $100 million to support Ukraine.
It has three goals:
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- Supporting Ukrainian civil society during the current conflict and its aftermath, which since 1990, has played a key role in the country’s democratic development—from fighting corruption to defending independent media and the rights of citizens.
- Advancing international efforts to defend Ukraine’s freedom and independence, to battle authoritarianism, and to enhance international accountability efforts through credible documentation of war crimes. This will include resources for investigative journalists, artists, and scholars, as well as for research and advocacy groups who speak out for human rights and the rule of law across the region.
- Protecting human dignity by supporting humanitarian aid for those beyond the reach of other relief efforts, as well as bolstering public health work, protecting and welcoming refugees, and eventually post-conflict reconstruction.
Alex Soros, Deputy Chair of the Open Society Foundations said:
“We have one simple message: we will never abandon Ukraine. As Putin tries to wipe the country off the map, we will do all we can for the people of Ukraine. We urge others to step forward and join us.”
Oleksandr Sushko, Executive Director of its Kyiv-based International Renaissance Foundation commented:
“This has been a time of horror in Ukraine. At the same time, I feel great pride in seeing how Ukraine, Europe, and much of the world are standing against Putin’s aggression. We will keep defending freedom and the pillars of democracy here and across the globe.”
Founded by George Soros, the Open Society Foundations describes itself as the world’s largest private funder of independent groups working for justice, democratic governance, and human rights. It has been working in Ukraine through the International Renaissance Foundation since 1990.
About Melanie May
Melanie May is a journalist and copywriter specialising in writing both for and about the charity and marketing services sectors since 2001. She can be reached via thepurplepim.com.