Новини
“Community Leaders School 2.0”: UAH 10 Million to Support Local Initiatives
14 december 2025
In times of war, Ukrainian communities are taking on increasing responsibility — from supporting veterans to ensuring energy efficiency and working with young people. This is why the development of local leadership is becoming critically important for the country’s resilience. Ukraine has announced the winners of the Community Leaders School 2.0 — an educational and grant program for local leaders working on real change in their communities. This year, the total grant budget amounts to UAH 10 million.
The project is implemented by MHP and the MHP-Hromadi Charitable Foundation in partnership with Mariupol State University. Its goal is to strengthen the managerial and project competencies of community representatives and help turn ideas into sustainable, effective solutions.
Communities from 13 regions of Ukraine joined the program. In total, 323 applications were submitted, of which 55 participants were selected for the educational track. Over three months, they completed training modules, worked with mentors, and prepared their initiatives for implementation.
At the final stage, the strongest teams presented their projects. As a result of the selection, 11 initiatives received grant support and will soon begin implementation in their communities.
This year’s program focuses on youth development, veteran policy, and energy efficiency.
“For MHP, community development is a strategic investment in the country’s resilience. We deliberately support not just individual initiatives, but people who are ready to take responsibility and drive change locally. The Community Leaders School helps communities move from ideas to solutions that strengthen national resilience.”
The total support fund of the program amounts to UAH 10 million and is provided on a co-funding basis of at least 50%. This approach encourages communities to attract their own and partner resources and increases responsibility for project implementation.
“For us, it’s important not only to fund ideas, but to help communities create sustainable solutions. During the training, participants moved from an initial concept to a project with a clear logic, budget, and social impact that will continue to work even after the grant support ends.” “For us, it’s important not only to fund ideas, but to help communities create sustainable solutions. During the training, participants moved from an initial concept to a project with a clear logic, budget, and social impact that will continue to work even after the grant support ends.”
The educational component of the program was delivered by Mariupol State University. Participants gained knowledge in project management, strategic planning, and community development in wartime conditions.
“Today, communities need not only resources, but also knowledge and leadership. The Community Leaders School is a vivid example of effective partnership between education, business, and local self-government — one that builds human capital and works for the country’s future.”
Grants were awarded to representatives of local self-government bodies, municipal institutions, and the civil sector from communities in the Cherkasy, Vinnytsia, Kyiv, Lviv, Khmelnytskyi, and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
Olena Khomchenko (Khrystynivka Community, Cherkasy region) — Modernization of the Khrystynivka Youth Cultural Center
Kateryna Pradun (Bilohirya Community, Khmelnytskyi region) — “Independent”: Investing in Solar Energy
Taras Yatsunskyi (Zolochiv Community, Lviv region) — A Veteran’s Smile
Yana Khanashchak (Rudky Community, Lviv region) — Light for Health in the Rudky Community
Oleksandr Podoliako (Myronivka Community, Kyiv region) — Sun Power: Energy Independence for Myronivka Academic Lyceum No. 2
Liuba Horbenko (Trostianets Community, Vinnytsia region) — Energy of Movement
Maryna Korshun (Makariv Community, Kyiv region) — Children’s Smiles in the Makariv Youth Settlement
Anna Krynychna (Kryvyi Rih Community, Dnipropetrovsk region) — School of Ambassadors: Heroes Among Us
Inna Luferenko (Baryshivka Community, Kyiv region) — Back2Life Hub
Nataliia Horyova (Kaniv Community, Cherkasy region) — Energy-Efficient Lighting for the Kaniv Medical Center
Oksana Bilozir (Bratslav Community, Vinnytsia region) — The Warmth of Energy — the Power of Sport
Community Leaders School 2.0 demonstrates how partnerships between business, education, and local self-government can create solutions that drive long-term community development.