Topic: Institutional Development

Implementation period: February 2025 – September 2025

Client: International Renaissance Foundation

Partners: Bard College Center for Civic Engagement, European Commission

Details: This research was conducted by experts as part of the project “Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Fund Model Development and Advocacy” which envisions the creation of an institution that will finance infrastructure projects for the restoration and development of Ukraine’s cultural heritage sites.

The analysts describe the challenges and needs of the cultural heritage sector during wartime and in the context of recovery, including a rapid assessment of the damage caused by Russian armed aggression. The documents present an analysis of various donor institutions and their roles in Ukraine's civil society, as well as an overview of completed projects related to the restoration, conservation, and revitalization of cultural heritage.

Analytical Materials by PPV Agency:

• Analysis of the Operating Models of Donor-funded Grant-making Funds in Ukraine

• Analysis of the institutional context of the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Fund

Author: Yaryna Zayats — Policy Advisor at PPV Agency, lawyer.
Reviewer: Volodymyr Vorobey — Director of PPV Agency, Lead Expert of the RES-POL Project.

Analytical materials of the involved experts:

• The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Fund: Major Needs and Available Resources. Author: Olha Sahaidak — Cultural Heritage Sector Expert of the RES-POL Project, Chair of the Coalition of Cultural Actors.

• Analysis of Cultural Heritage Preservation and Restoration Projects with a Physical ("Hard") Component in Ukraine in 2022–2024 (in Ukrainian). Author: Yuliya Hrubryna — Cultural Manager, Co-founder of DOFA Fund, Facilitator for the Cultural Heritage Sector Team of the RES-POL Project.

• Ukraine Cultural Heritage Fund: International Considerations. This publication was prepared by the Project on Culture and Civic Engagement, Bard College Center for Civic Engagement.

• Case Studies on Cultural Heritage Funds in Europe. Research by European Commission experts.

The establishment of the fund will contribute to building Ukraine’s institutional capacity and, in the future, positively impact the local economic development of various communities.

Project news is available on the website of PPV Economic Development Agency.

The project "Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Fund Model Development and Advocacy" is implemented by the Centre for Regional Development of the PPV Economic Development Agency with financial support from the International Renaissance Foundation and ERSTE Stifftung.