The Ukrainian Red Cross Strengthens Cash Support for Communities

Last week, a two-day workshop on group cash transfers and community-led initiatives (CLI) was held in Kyiv. The event was organised by the Ukrainian Red Cross with financial support from the British Red Cross, in partnership with Alliance UA CSO, DanChurchAid (DCA), Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), JERU, ZOA Ukraine, and the Cash Working Group in Ukraine.

The workshop brought together representatives from more than 22 non-governmental organisations, alongside community partners and donors. Participants included donor organisations, partners from the Danish Red Cross, and specialists from the Ukrainian Red Cross, including representatives from the Chernihiv, Mykolaiv, and Kharkiv regional branches.

Over the course of two days, participants discussed approaches to implementing group cash transfer programmes, shared practical field experience, exchanged good practices, and analysed results, challenges, risks, and innovative solutions. The workshop provided a platform for joint learning, experience-sharing, and strengthening collaboration between humanitarian actors and recovery sector representatives.

Special attention was given to the role of communities and local initiative groups in Ukraine, recognising them not only as recipients of assistance but as full participants in decision-making processes who shape and implement collective solutions, thereby reinforcing dignity, accountability, and resilience.

The event concluded with a “Dialogue with Donors” session, featuring GIZ Ukraine and the U.S. Department of State. This session combined practical experience with evidence of effectiveness and outlined opportunities to strengthen and scale up group cash transfer (GCT) approaches.

A final report will be prepared and published summarising the workshop outcomes. Participants agreed to continue collaborative efforts to overcome barriers and develop group cash transfer approaches in Ukraine. Particular emphasis will be placed on enhancing the flexibility and effectiveness of humanitarian aid, as well as strengthening the role of communities in decision-making processes.