Over UAH 5,000,000 Invested in Community Change

The second wave of the “My Community: Together with Kernel” program began with a large-scale selection process: 411 teams from across Ukraine applied to participate, all striving to create real change in their communities. This level of interest clearly demonstrates that the demand for developing local initiatives remains exceptionally high.

On January 30, the program’s educational phase began, bringing together 66 participating teams. Over the course of ten weeks — until April 10 — they took part in intensive online training, mastering crowdfunding tools, learning how to build communications, work with partners and media, and mobilize resources for their projects. The program focused not only on practical skills, but also on fostering strategic thinking and a systemic approach to change. It was developed in partnership between the charitable foundation “Together with Kernel” and the NGO “My City.”

Not all teams were able to complete the journey: some participants had to withdraw due to limited human resources and the challenging security situation. Despite this, 48 teams advanced to the final stage and, on April 4, launched their crowdfunding campaigns on the “My City” platform.

By May 1, participants активно promoted their projects, organized events, engaged with local residents, and demonstrated the relevance of their ideas to their communities. As a result, the teams collectively raised UAH 929,482 through crowdfunding, proving that local initiatives resonate with and receive real support from community members.

From May 4 to 6, an online project pitching event took place. Over three days, teams from various communities presented their projects to an independent jury, which included:Д

We sincerely thank each of them for their expertise, time, valuable feedback to the teams, and commitment.

“Participants went through a challenging but incredibly valuable journey — from learning the fundamentals of crowdfunding initiatives to developing their own projects. During the final presentations, we saw confident, motivated individuals who are truly passionate about their work and are creating ideas capable of uniting others and driving the development of their communities. We believe that these initiatives are essential for the future. The ‘Together with Kernel’ Foundation has always supported proactive individuals and is proud to contribute to projects that create meaningful change”, — Maryna Martynets, Program Coordinator.

Following the pitching, 34 teams from 12 regions of Ukraine received co-funding from Kernel, totaling UAH 4,450,000. The amount of co-funding varied depending on each project’s budget and needs.

Who Received Co-Funding?

Vinnytsia Oblast

• Heat for FAP – heat for people

Kyiv Oblast

• “Ready to Meet”

Kirovohrad Oblast

• “Safety Cabinet – life-saving knowledge”
• “Recovery Through Dignity: Turn Compassion into Action!”
• Digital education for community residents “Library – key to new opportunities”
• “AZIMUTH: course on interaction”: mobile space of support and team drive for children
• “Resilient Rear: modernization and strengthening of volunteer hub “Together We Are Strong”
• Space of calm and play: psychological relief corner in kindergarten shelter

Mykolaiv Oblast

• “Source of Life” – restoration of public well in Bandurka village
• Modern physics classroom – guarantee of effective quality education
• “Smart Library: Web 2.0”

Odesa Oblast

• “SeaMove point”: a place for learning, communication and idea realization for students
• “A Word Everyone Understands”

Poltava Oblast

• Safe space of opportunities: learning, support, development
• Social living space for children with disabilities “Step to independence – learning to live alone”
• “Recover by Running”: video training series for people with PTSD
• Your space. Your development. Youth hub
• “Modern space of creativity and development”

Sumy Oblast

• IT Space “3D Resilience Hub”
• “Unbreakable community – a space that unites for support and recovery”

Ternopil Oblast

• Art-Yard renovation in Buchach – strengthening community culture

Kharkiv Oblast

• Sports ground in Lymanivka: a step towards physical recovery and community unity
• “Support the Youth HUB ‘Future Skills’ – give young people a modern space”
• BUILD&HELP — Youth Construction Team for Community Restoration
• “Skovoroda’s Well of Wisdom” – create a tourist magnet for Bilyaivka community

Khmelnytskyi Oblast

• “Stop – charge up!” -(useful space arrangement – solar tree installation)
• “Pottery Development Room” for children with special educational needs

Cherkasy Oblast

• Community park in Zolotonosha. Creating open space for cinema and leisure
• Chill-space: territory of leadership and safety at Voznesensk school
• Educational Center “4-Space Library”
• Mental Wellbeing Room

Chernihiv Oblast

• Sports space for residents of Varvynka community
• “Barrier-free space: inclusive street zone for children with SEN”
• “Quiet Library: a space for reboot”

The order of teams in the list is random and does not reflect any ranking.

What’s Next?

Once the teams receive funding, the program will enter its final phase — implementation. Soon, ideas that emerged from discussions and planning will become tangible changes: new spaces will appear, and educational and environmental projects will come to life. This stage will transform accumulated experience, knowledge, and support into real value for community members.

After completing implementation, each team will openly share its results by preparing narrative and financial reports, demonstrating how funds were used and what impact was achieved.

Want to follow how these stories unfold?
Stay tuned on Instagram of “My City” and the “Together with Kernel” Foundation — where all the latest updates on project progress will be shared.