The conflict in Ukraine, ignited by Russia’s invasion in February 2022, triggered one of the most severe humanitarian crises in recent history. Over 5.8 million Ukrainians fled to neighbouring European countries, while 5.1 million remained displaced within the country. The war led to widespread civilian casualties and infrastructure destruction, creating a massive humanitarian emergency. Against this backdrop, the Emergency Action Alliance (EAA) launched a collaborative fundraising effort to mobilise resources and support the Ukrainian people in their time of need.

The Power of Collaborative Fundraising

In March 2022, the Emergency Action Alliance initiated a comprehensive appeal to address the escalating crisis. This appeal, highlighted by a high-profile concert for Ukraine, successfully raised $4.35 million. This substantial amount included a $2 million contribution from the Australian Government, amplifying the impact of the appeal. The funds were allocated to EAA’s member organisations, each specialising in different aspects of humanitarian relief, ensuring a coordinated and effective response.

Impact of EAA’s fund allocation in Ukraine

The funds raised were meticulously distributed among EAA members, who used them to address a range of critical needs.

Here’s a breakdown of how the funds were utilised:

• Education: Support for educational initiatives for displaced children, ensuring continuity of learning amid the crisis.
• Child Protection: Safeguarding vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.
• Livelihood: Assisting displaced individuals in regaining their economic stability through various programs.
• Health: Providing essential physical and mental health services to those affected by the conflict.
• Food Security: Addressing immediate food needs for displaced and affected populations.
• Water and Sanitation: Ensuring access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
• Physical Security: Enhancing safety measures to protect individuals from violence.
• Gender-Based Violence: Addressing issues related to violence and exploitation, particularly affecting women and children.
• Shelter and Disaster Risk Reduction: Providing safe housing and mitigating the impact of disasters.
• Recovery and Reconstruction: Supporting efforts to rebuild and recover from the damage caused by the conflict.

EAA member organisations’ contributions and impact

The EAA’s collaborative approach allowed for a well-rounded response to the crisis. Here’s how different members leveraged the funds to maximise their impact:

• ADRA: Scaled up their response to meet the overwhelming needs of refugees, providing crucial aid in both Ukraine and neighbouring countries.
• Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS): Utilised the funds to support local churches and communities in offering shelter and assistance to Ukrainian refugees.
• Baptist World Aid: Increased the distribution of food and non-food items, helping more families than initially possible.
• CARE: Directly supported at-risk individuals with cash distributions, hygiene kits, and safe spaces, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.
• Caritas Australia: Enabled the organisation to leverage additional funding sources and remain flexible in addressing evolving refugee needs.
• Oxfam: Used funds to conduct advocacy activities and campaigns, contributing to the overall success of the humanitarian response.
• Save the Children: Funded the creation of educational materials for children, ensuring that displaced students had access to learning resources.
• UNHCR: Benefited from flexible funding that allowed for a responsive and adaptable approach to the crisis, addressing shifting needs effectively.

Real-life Impact: stories from the ground

The humanitarian impact of the EAA’s efforts is evident in the stories of those directly affected. For instance, in Bucharest, Romania, Yulia, a seven-year-old refugee, found temporary accommodation thanks to the coordinated efforts of EAA members. Such stories highlight the resilience and courage of displaced individuals and the crucial support provided by the EAA’s collaborative fundraising model.

Challenges and lessons learned

Operating in a conflict zone posed significant challenges, including security threats, damaged infrastructure, and high mobility of displaced populations. Despite these obstacles, the EAA’s coordinated approach allowed for an effective and responsive humanitarian effort. Key lessons include the importance of flexibility, the need for ongoing assessments, and the value of local partnerships in delivering aid.

Conclusion

The Emergency Action Alliance’s response to the Ukraine crisis underscores the power of collaborative fundraising and coordinated humanitarian efforts. By uniting multiple organisations and leveraging their collective strengths, the EAA was able to provide vital support to millions affected by the conflict. As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, ongoing support and collaboration remain essential to addressing the enduring humanitarian needs.

For more information on the Emergency Action Alliance’s work and to support future appeals, learn how you can contribute to ongoing humanitarian efforts.