Volunteer fundraising in 2026 hits a critical low, warns Serhiy Prytula

The State of Volunteer Efforts

According to Главком: Serhiy Prytula, a prominent Ukrainian volunteer, has raised the alarm over a sharp decline in fundraising success, calling 2026 the most difficult year yet for the volunteer movement-worse than the previous two. He notes that private donors are increasingly channeling their money directly to military units where their friends, relatives, or acquaintances serve. The number of people donating to familiar units is climbing month by month. According to Prytula, large foundations are offsetting this drop in individual donations by relying more on corporate support, while small-scale volunteers-those collecting funds through a simple jar or personal bank card-are facing severe challenges.

The Urgency of Uniting Initiatives

Prytula draws a parallel to the crisis after 2016, when the volunteer movement began to 'flatten' due to dwindling funds, exhaustion, and emotional burnout. Although the state and international partners now provide better support to the military than during the first year and a half of the full-scale invasion, volunteer initiatives remain crucial as 'fire brigades' for frontline units.

“Volunteer initiatives continue to act as 'fire brigades' for units and sections of the front thanks to their incomparably faster logistics, procurement, and decision-making,” said Serhiy Prytula.

In his address, Prytula called for the consolidation of efforts, emphasizing that:

• “Scattered volunteer initiatives must unite.”
• “Scattered volunteer initiatives must build communities!”
• “Only synergy of efforts can deliver results right now.”

He also stated:

“Unity = survival!”

This underscores the urgent need for coordination among volunteer groups to boost their effectiveness amid current challenges.

In short, the volunteer movement is at a crossroads, demanding swift action and collaboration to overcome the new obstacles facing Ukrainian volunteers. With growing competition for donor funds and the pressing need for fast, efficient aid, the importance of coordination and partnership has never been greater. This approach could not only ensure the survival of individual initiatives but also enhance the overall impact of volunteer work across the country.