In early February, a training session titled “From Community Problems to Project Solutions” took place in Derhachi. The event focused on the practical aspects of preparing high-quality project proposals and participating in the mini-grant competition. It brought together representatives of local self-government bodies, civil society activists, and proactive residents who are committed to driving positive change in their community.
The main goal of the meeting was to help participants understand how to transform a pressing community issue into a structured, realistic, and competitive project with strong chances of receiving funding.
As part of the initiative, up to three mini-grants will be awarded in each target community. The funding amount ranges from UAH 650,000 to UAH 1,000,000 for initiatives aimed at:
- restoring and developing infrastructure
- strengthening energy independence
- supporting economic recovery
- enhancing social cohesion
This approach enables communities not only to respond to current challenges but also to build a strategic vision for long-term development.
The training was facilitated by Project Manager Natalia Teslyk. The session was highly practical: participants worked with real challenges facing the community and step by step learned how to formulate ideas in a way that would make them eligible for project funding and capable of delivering tangible change.
“I truly resonate with the ‘from problem to solution’ format. Communities today live in a complex reality, yet they also have enormous potential. In Derhachi, I saw people who are not used to waiting — they are looking for opportunities.
We discussed real challenges the community is facing and gradually learned how to shape ideas so they can secure funding and become real change. There was a lot of sincerity, care, and readiness to work.
It is especially valuable to see that local activists want to create comfortable living conditions for everyone — for children, youth, families, for those who were born here and for those who were forced to relocate. These are exactly the people who shape the future of the community,” Natalia Teslyk shared.
The Strengthening resilience and protection of conflict-affected individuals, communities, and systems in Central and Eastern Ukraine project is implemented by the Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” in cooperation with the international humanitarian organization CARE and with the support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.