Report 2024

As we close the chapter on 2024, we at Promote Ukraine want to take a moment to reflect on everything we have achieved together. This financial report is more than just numbers – it is a testament to our commitment to transparency, accountability, and, most importantly, the trust YOU place in us.

In this section, we will walk you through how Promote Ukraine fundraises for its numerous initiatives and how it manages these resources to maximise impact. But before we do, we want to express our deepest gratitude to all of you – our supporters, volunteers, donors, and partners. None of this would be possible without you. Every donation, every effort, every act of solidarity has helped us continue our mission of bringing Ukraine’s victory closer.

Thank you for supporting Promote Ukraine. Thank you for standing with Ukraine!

Humanitarian Aid

In 2024, Promote Ukraine continues providing life-saving aid, protecting those on the front lines, and offering hope to those in need. Throughout the year, thanks to the generosity of our dedicated supporters, we raised a total of 58 442 Euro through fundraising initiatives and events allowing us to allocate all of it toward critical humanitarian aid. Moreover, Promote Ukraine has added extra 21 508 Euro from its own operational funds to the humanitarian aid towards Ukraine, making total of 79 950 Euro of delivered direct aid to the end beneficiaries – those fighting for sovereignty and democracy.

Furthermore, Promote Ukraine helped a few Ukrainian organisations that provide support to those on the frontline. Thus, Promote Ukraine allocated more than 2,500 euros for this purpose.

It should be noted that part of these expenses was covered by the funds originally provided to Promote Ukraine by the Promote Freedom Foundation that in its turn was supported by the Hollywood couple – Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis – for operational use. However, as the humanitarian crisis deepened, we made the critical decision to redirect these funds to directly assist those in urgent need.

Humanitarian Aid Overview

Equipping Ukrainian defenders with the necessary resources to stay safe and carry out their duties has always been our top priority. Throughout 2024, Promote Ukraine worked closely with military units to supply protective gear, essential technology, and reliable transportation. At the same time, we remained deeply committed to assisting civilians affected by war, providing them with vital support and humanitarian aid.

Humanitarian Missions

Beyond raising funds and providing much needed aid, Promote Ukraine conducted three critical humanitarian missions, with Marta Barandiy (Founding President of PU) personally delivering aid directly to the regions most impacted by war.

These missions brought essential supplies, medical assistance, and logistical support directly to those who needed them most. Marta witnessed firsthand the remarkable resilience and strength of the people we serve – a powerful reminder of why our work is so vital.

Christmas Market 2024

For the third time, Promote Ukraine welcomed visitors of the Brussels Christmas Marke in its Ukrainian Chalet! People from around the world were able to experience the warmth of Ukrainian holiday traditions, savour festive delights, and feel the true spirit of Ukraine – right in the heart of Europe.

But beyond the holiday cheer, as always, our chalet had a deeper purpose. This year, proceeds went towards supporting the Charitable Foundation for Supporting Law Enforcement Activities “Halych.” The funds raised will be used for essential repair work in the rehabilitation department of the “Truskavets” Sanatorium of the Security Service of Ukraine (Centre for Medical Rehabilitation), helping servicemen on their path to recovery.

The total cost of organising this project was 46 422 Euros, and thanks to everyone who stopped by our chalet, we successfully raised 39 372 euros. From these proceeds, we allocated 15,000 Euros to support CF Halych, adding up from the operational funds of Promote Ukraine to this project.

Veterans Support

For the second year in a row, Promote Ukraine invited Ukrainian veterans to Brussels to advocate for their rights, well-being, as well as support their recovery and reintegration into society. In May 2024 eight veterans participated in the annual 20km Brussels Marathon, as well as engaged in high-level meetings at NATO, the European Parliament, the Royal Military Academy, and with Brussels Mayor Philippe Close, among others.

Bringing these veterans to Brussels from May 22–29 required over 8,500 euros, and thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Promote Ukraine successfully raised slightly more than 6,000 euros to cover the costs. This initiative was also made possible with the invaluable support of Hotel Indigo Brussels, Brussels Airlines, Clover Group, and Europe MèdiaLab. Additionally, we were able to donate 1,000 euros to the Citizen Charity Foundation, whose mission is to provide comprehensive assistance to servicemen with amputations.

These advocacy efforts have already led to meaningful change. For example, Ukrainian veteran Yurii Kozlovskyi as a result of Promote Ukraine’s advocacy activities has become a leader of the Games of Heroes project. Artem Rakitin took his experience further by founding an association and facility that provides essential support to disabled veterans. Meanwhile, Roman Kashpur has shared his powerful story as the protagonist in a film that highlights the resilience of Ukrainian veterans, inspiring countless others with his courage and determination.

Now more than ever, these initiatives are vital. They give Ukrainian veterans a platform to fight for better care, rebuild their lives, and share their powerful stories with the world. Every contribution, big or small, directly impacts these heroes who have sacrificed so much for their country and its freedom.

Events and Initiatives

This year has been filled with meaningful events and collaborations. The Promote Ukraine team successfully organised, co-organised, and participated in 255 events.

One of the most significant events was the annual march marking the 2nd anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. In 2024, around 7,000 people came together to stand in solidarity with Ukraine and its fight for freedom. Beyond this, we remained committed to keeping Ukraine’s daily struggles in the public eye. Throughout the year, we organised 18 demonstrations outside key European and Belgian institutions, as well as NATO HQ, ensuring that the world does not forget the suffering caused by the ongoing war. Every Monday, our volunteers also gathered outside the Russian Mission to the EU, holding 50 demonstrations to remind Russia of its responsibility. In total, these demonstration efforts cost over 6,500 euros.

2024 was also productive in terms of advocacy work. The Advocacy Team played a crucial role in raising awareness and pushing Ukraine’s agenda forward, organising and co-organising 89 events, meetings, and conferences. Some of the most notable events included the conference Building Ukraine’s Future in Times of War, held in partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, and Path to Europe: Civil Society Leadership in the European Parliament, organised alongside The Greens/EFA, Promote Georgia, Club MD-UE, and Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung. Another highlight was Frontlines of Truth, an exhibition featuring the work of Belgian journalist Arnaud de Decker. In addition, we arranged numerous meetings with MEPs and other influential figures to ensure Ukraine’s voice remains heard at the highest levels. The cost of organising some of these initiatives exceeded 2,000 euros.

Cultural diplomacy remained an essential part of our mission, helping to share Ukrainian stories and traditions across Europe. In 2024, we organised 10 cultural events, including film screenings of Athletes of War at the Brussels Parliament and the European Parliament in Strasbourg, as well as screenings of Zlo and Bucha. Ukrainian artists also took stage, with choir performances at Bozar and during the EU Open Doors Day, showcasing the resilience and richness of Ukraine’s culture.

Beyond advocacy and cultural efforts, Promote Ukraine also prioritised support for Ukrainian refugees. Through the work of our Culture, Sport & Youth initiatives, we organised 77 events aimed at helping displaced Ukrainians rebuild their lives. These events ranged from masterclasses and therapy sessions to business incubators, as well as activities under the Creating Bridges project. The total cost of these initiatives exceeded 30,000 euros.

Grant-Funded Initiatives

Among other projects, Promote Ukraine is also actively implementing two European Commission-funded initiatives that foster cultural exchange and improve public health.

Creating Bridges – a project in collaboration with ANCE (Greece) and ILYSA (Ukraine) – uses arts and cultural activities to strengthen the resilience and social cohesion of Ukrainian displaced persons (UA IDPs) and promote cultural exchanges between Europeans and Ukrainians. By the end of 2024, over 39,000 euros have been allocated to Promote Ukraine for 49 sessions and masterclasses in art and dance movement therapy, decorative arts, Ukrainian choir, theatre arts, and more.

Another funded initiative is Preventia that focuses on improving health equity, preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and enhancing EU cooperation in public health. This project is carried out with SAFE – Safe Food Advocacy Europe (Belgium), EEKE (Greece), U.Di.Con. (Italy), Amici Obesi (Italy), and LCI (Lithuania). Over 6,000 euros have been allocated so far to Promote Ukraine to support activities within this initiative.

Operating Income & Expenses

Behind every initiative, every demonstration, and every cultural event we organise, there is a team working tirelessly to keep Promote Ukraine running. To sustain this work, part of our funding goes towards operational expenses, ensuring we have the resources to continue making an impact.

This year, we were incredibly grateful to receive support from the Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis Foundation, whose generosity and belief in our mission gave us the strength to push forward in 2024. Their contribution helped us stay on track, grow, and remain a strong voice for Ukraine in Europe. From the bottom of our hearts – thank you for your trust and support!

In 2024, we allocated around 300,000 euros to cover essential operational costs. This included salaries for our former employees, professional services like accounting and legal support, allowances for our dedicated team, necessary equipment, rent, and tax payments. For instance, our office at Rue de la Loi 26, 1000 Brussels has been our base since 2023, and maintaining this space cost us 28,000 euros in 2024.

Additional source of income for Promote Ukraine’s operational activities is contributions from its members. They play an important role in shaping the future of the organization and contributing to its strategic vision. Therefore, around 3,000 euros were received through membership fees in 2024. Another crucial source of income was our ‘Support Ukraine’ fund, which allowed us to act quickly and allocate resources wherever they were needed most, incl. for operational use.

We also want to express our gratitude to Philippe Close, the Mayor of Brussels, and Marie-France Botte, Head of Fundraising and Patronage (AG). Thanks to their support, in 2023 we secured a home for our cultural centre, Prostir, at Bd Emile Jacqmain 81, 1000 Brussels that we keep using today for our activities.

Looking back on this year, we are filled with gratitude. 2024 has been tough, but it has also been full of moments of unity, strength, and solidarity. None of this would have been possible without you – our volunteers, donors, sponsors, and supporters. You have stood with us, believed in our mission, and helped us keep going when times were hard.

But the fight is not over. As we step into another uncertain year, we ask you to stay with us. Ukraine still needs you. We still need you. And together, we can keep making a difference.