Ukreate Hub’s Grant Program: Second Season Results
Since its inception in February 2023, Ukreate Hub has been an empowerment for over 300 active Ukrainians in Lithuania. This vibrant community is united by a common goal: to leverage their skills and competencies to create meaningful change for both their own community and their host country. The members of Ukreate Hub are driven by a desire to be part of the struggle for a democratic Ukraine, even while living abroad.
To support the best ideas and bring them to fruition, Ukreate Hub launched a grant program designed to provide Ukrainians with the necessary knowledge and tools to transform their ideas into impactful projects. This grant program has been implemented twice since the Hub’s opening, inviting proposals that aim to create and amplify Ukrainian narratives, support Ukrainian women coping with wartime realities, and participate in Ukraine’s reconstruction while upholding the country’s democratic principles.
The most recent grant cycle ran from November 2023 to May 2024, with three projects extended until August 2024. Each project focused on different aspects of improving well-being, professional development, and integration into Lithuanian society.
Following the initial grant season, it became clear that the identified needs of the Ukrainian community in Lithuania were both urgent and relevant.
The identified needs of the Ukrainian community in Lithuania – such as psychological assistance, new skills, and networking opportunities – were clear and pressing.
Consequently, the grant program focused on:
- Bringing new professional skills
- Providing psychological support
- Offering a platform for personal storytelling and recognition
- Facilitating self-identification
- Creating community bonds
Supported Projects and Their Impact
- “Conscious Steps of Mothers Towards Entrepreneurs”: 11 women were trained in this program, acquiring new skills to enhance work efficiency and achieve success in their careers, everyday life, and studies.
- “Ilaria in Lithuania”: Over 400 children and adults were introduced to this book through meetings and presentations. Libraries in Lithuania and Ukraine received 400 copies, shedding light on the life of a Ukrainian in Lithuania.
- “The Sounding of the Ukrainian Woman”: This project saw 232 participants from 20 countries attend vocal and emotional self-expression trainings, with 22 individuals receiving certificates.
- “Feeling of Fitting – Ukrainian Women in Lithuania”: An exhibition on successful Ukrainian women in Lithuania was viewed by 300 people.
- “The Resilience Stage: Playback Theater for Refugee Empowerment”: 26 participants completed a professional course on playback theater.
- “Art Diffilade”: More than 250 people attended art and history workshops under this initiative.
The Ukreate Hub grant program has been instrumental in strengthening the Ukrainian community in Lithuania, fostering economic growth, and promoting cultural exchange. Its effectiveness underscores the need for its continuation to further support individuals and bolster Ukrainian-Lithuanian ties for ongoing growth and collaboration.
Moreover, the fact that each of these projects continues today highlights their relevance and lasting benefits. These grants have enabled entrepreneurs to achieve long-term integration in Lithuania and provided the Ukrainian population with opportunities to connect, share, and learn. The overarching goal of these grants has been realized: a positive social impact on both Ukrainians and Lithuanians.