October – November 2026
Applications and team selection
Crowdstarter - training program
Crowdstarter —a program for NGOsand communityinitiatives
Format: online learning & offline pitch session
Program duration: 5 months
Register applications open until November 6
Who Is This Program For?
This program is designed for organizations and teams from all over Ukraine who want to turn their idea into a real, socially useful initiative. We know how hard it is to start: finding the right knowledge, partners and confidence in your own strength. That is why we offer not just training but full support: experienced mentors, practical tools and a community of like-minded people. We are with you at every stage: from the first steps and shaping a strategy to presenting your project and securing funding.
Every participant will receive personal mentoring: an experienced mentor will help you find the right direction and move forward with confidence. During the online intensive you will master key topics: data-driven sustainability, strategic partnership architecture, cross-sector value propositions, transparency and financial reporting. Next, we will prepare you for the pitch and teach you to present your project so that it is heard and supported. Practical tools and templates will come in handy in your daily work. Finally, an offline pitch session awaits you, with a chance to receive mini-grants of up to $1,000 to implement your project.
Online learning
Practitioner consultants
Mini-grants
Practitioner consultants
Mini-grants
All regions of Ukraine
Program timeline
December 2026 – February 2027
Learning and mentoring
January 2027
Online intensive
December 2026 – March 2027
Fundraising for social projects on the My City platform
March 2027
Project pitch session
Participant Requirements
Team
2–3 members from your organization or volunteer group can take part in the program. Your broader project team may be larger, but no more than three people can participate directly.
Focus Areas
Priority will be given to projects in humanitarian aid, social services, volunteering, environmental initiatives, and culture. Military fundraising is not eligible, but projects supporting veterans and their families are encouraged
Project
Must be non-profit, non-political, and benefit a community, not an individual.
Transparency
Fundraising and implementation must comply with Ukrainian law. Your team must be ready to work with official documentation. The campaign and project are carried out by your team, using the skills and tools you gain in the program.
Team
Nadiia Pikul
Product Manager
Superpower: Collects needs, ideas, and data — and turns them into convenient functionality.
Valeriia Antoniu
Head of Programmes
Superpower: Strikes the balance between structure and freedom, giving people exactly what they need right now.
Anna Borysenko
Crowdfunding Project Manager
Superpower: Leads authors through crowdfunding campaigns calmly, confidently, and with faith in results.
Valeriia Podolska
Head of Communications
Superpower: Makes complex things accessible and important things visible.
Mariam Nersysian
SMM Specialist
Superpower: Knows when, where, and how to speak so it resonates in people’s hearts.
Maryna Chaplyhina
Chief Accountant
Superpower: Brings more order to her spreadsheets than exists in the entire universe.
Maksym Zlenko
Full stack developer
Superpower: Turns ideas into buttons, and dreams — into functionality.
FAQ
What is CrowdStarter?
CrowdStarter is a crowdfunding training program for civil society organizations and grassroots initiatives, created by the My City team. The program is designed to strengthen the capacity of local and regional NGOs to implement socially impactful projects, while also providing expert guidance and financial support.
What is crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding is a way of raising funds collectively, where people contribute to projects they care about. It works by gathering small donations from a large number of supporters. Through the My City platform, 297 community projects have already been successfully funded and implemented.
What will I learn?
During the program, you will learn how to:
- plan and deliver projects effectively
- set clear goals and adapt to change
- communicate your idea and impact clearly
- develop and run communication strategies
- launch and manage a crowdfunding campaign
- analyze available resources and attract new ones
- implement projects and prepare reports
You’ll go through the full journey — from shaping your project idea to launching a fundraising campaign and bringing your project to life.
How long is the program?
The program consists of four stages:
- Online learning.
- Launching your own fundraising campaigns and carrying out the crowdfunding plan.
- Offline pitch session with a chance to receive co-funding.
- Project implementation and reporting.
The total duration of the program is 5 months + the implementation of your project.
How many spots are available?
The program will select 40 teams, each with 2 participants. Your project team may include more than three people, but only 2 to 3 members can take part in the training program.
Do I need to have a project idea?
Yes, you need to have a project idea. You can come with a draft concept, and we’ll help you refine it during the program. What matters most is your motivation to improve your community.
What are the participation requirements?
- Your team consists of 2–3 members.
- The team leader is at least 18 years old.
- Your project idea fits one of the program’s priority areas.
- Experience in project management, crowdfunding, or volunteering is a plus.
- You have a registered NGO or at least one team member is a sole proprietor. We operate transparently, so all funds can only be transferred to official accounts.
How can I apply?
- Build your team and choose a team leader. If your team has more than 2 people, choose two members who will take part in all components of the program.
- Align on your project idea or the problem you want to solve.
- Fill out the application form.
How much does it cost to participate?
Participation is free of charge, but selection is competitive due to limited spots.
We cover accommodation and meals during offline events and reimburse travel costs.
How will my project be funded?
As part of the program, you will design and run your own crowdfunding campaign on the My City platform and raise funds using the skills you gain during training.
Is additional funding available?
Yes. As part of the program, an offline pitch session will take place, where teams pitch their projects to independent experts in various fields; it is a mandatory part of the program. As an incentive, the 10 top-scoring teams (by jury score) will be able to receive a mini-grant of $1,000 (in UAH equivalent), covering up to 50% of the project budget.
Important:
To be eligible, your team must independently raise at least 20% of the planned budget.
What is a pitch?
A pitch is a short presentation designed to convince others of your project’s value. It includes a 10-minute presentation followed by a Q&A session with the expert jury.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes, you can receive a certificate and a recommendation letter from My City if you:
- complete all stages of the program and attend the offline pitch session
- successfully run your crowdfunding campaign and submit a final report on time
Will I get support during the program?
Yes. You’ll have access to:
- expert consultants
- the My City team
- peer support from other participants
Who can I contact for additional questions?
You can reach out via email: v.antoniu@31-group.org.
During the program, you can also contact the project manager directly.