Established in the early days following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Emergency Fund for Women and Children Affected by the War in Ukraine continued to provide vital assistance in 2024. With a deep sense of solidarity and urgency, the initiative allocated £134,992 in grant funding to all nine applicant organizations working tirelessly to support thousands of Ukrainian refugees. Each organization received up to 15,000 BGN for projects lasting between three and nine months.
The organizations were carefully selected after a thorough analysis of their activities, experience, and commitment to the target groups. This support aligns with BFW’s long-term strategy for structural change through:
- Flexible funding models that support strategic work and sustainability.
- Building partnerships with organizations dedicated to women’s and human rights.
- Protecting vulnerable groups and strengthening their independence.
The program also responds to a decline in funding from some donors for initiatives supporting Ukrainian refugees. Through this effort, BFW continues to stand shoulder to shoulder with those fighting for a more dignified and just life.
Information About Funded Organisations and Their Initiatives
Multi Kulti Collective
Multi Kulti Collective has been working for the integration of migrants and refugees in Bulgaria for 13 years. Its mission is to support the social, cultural, and economic inclusion of EU citizens, third-country nationals, refugees, and ethnic minorities. The organization promotes public awareness of foreign cultures and ethnic communities in Bulgaria while fostering civic sensitivity to combat discrimination and xenophobia.
Multi Kulti Collective operates both on the ground, providing direct support to migrants, refugees, and local communities, and at the policy level through research, monitoring, media work, and advocacy. Additionally, since 2013, it has developed a social enterprise by offering Multi Kulti Catering and culinary team-building events.
The project aims to facilitate the socio-cultural integration of refugee women and children from Ukraine by fostering connections between them and the host community. Furthermore, the initiative raises public awareness about forced migration, countering discrimination, xenophobia, and hate speech.
Planned activities include 15 socio-cultural events for refugee women and children from Ukraine and other nationalities, such as creative evenings, literary readings, art workshops (painting, wool felting, cooking), and visits to cultural and historical sites. These community events encourage socialization, cultural exchange, and participation in a safe and supportive environment.
Additionally, media initiatives targeting Bulgarian society will promote a fair and positive representation of refugees as active participants in society. Studies indicate that Bulgarian attitudes towards foreigners are largely shaped by media narratives; therefore, fostering accurate and positive representation is essential.
The project benefits both communities by fostering a sense of belonging, creating opportunities for informal friendships, and broadening cultural horizons.
Association „Help for Ukraine“
Help for Ukraine provides Ukrainian refugees in Bulgaria with educational, professional, and psychological support to aid their adaptation and employment. The organization offers a variety of services and programs for people of all age groups.
This project focuses on supporting Ukrainian refugees, particularly families with children who have special educational needs (SEN) and face significant challenges due to the war in Ukraine.
Many of these children lack access to structured activities and specialized resources necessary for their development. Additionally, the psychological stress caused by the conflict exacerbates their conditions.
The project’s primary goal is to create long-term socialization, learning, and adaptation opportunities for these families. A major issue is that rehabilitation programs and specialists who previously worked with these children in Ukraine are no longer accessible, forcing families to restart the rehabilitation process and re-establish medical diagnoses—an effort that requires time, effort, and resources they often cannot afford.
External challenges include language barriers and unfamiliarity with Bulgaria’s healthcare and social services. Many parents are unaware of their children’s rights or how to access essential support, leading to increased isolation.
To address these challenges, the Help for Ukraine Association is developing an inclusive rehabilitation platform for children with special needs. Additionally, the organization provides resources and support for parents through workshops and individual consultations to help them navigate their new environment.
This holistic approach ensures social integration by involving both children and their families, facilitating a smoother and more effective adaptation to life in Bulgaria.
Open Arms Association
The Open Arms Association was established in response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis in 2022. The organization collaborates with regional governors and local authorities in Bulgaria to provide up-to-date information on available assistance. Its mission is to integrate refugees and vulnerable individuals into Bulgarian society through education, socialization, and inclusion, as well as through psychological, logistical, and material support.
The eqUAlity project organizes masterclasses led by experienced Ukrainian and Bulgarian specialists. Over three months, the program will host weekly creative activities for children, youth (15-29 years), and adults, aiming to develop personal and social skills in a safe space for communication, interaction, and self-expression.
The target group comprises:
- 50% Ukrainian refugees
- 40% local Bulgarian participants
- 10% unaccompanied Syrian minors pursuing professional or amateur careers in the vocal, performing, and visual arts.
By engaging in music, dance, and artistic activities, participants can express pent-up emotions and reduce anxiety. Bringing these diverse groups together fosters inclusion and smooth integration in a secure and anti-discriminatory environment.
The project helps break down cultural barriers and serves as a model for inclusion, demonstrating the positive contributions refugees bring to host communities while reducing prejudice.
Association „Council of Refugee Women in Bulgaria“
Founded in 2003, the Council of Refugee Women in Bulgaria (CRWB) provides critical services to refugees and asylum seekers, supporting their integration and adaptation into Bulgarian society.
In 2023 alone, the organization supported 5,398 individuals from Syria, Afghanistan, Morocco, Iraq, Ukraine, and other countries, including stateless persons. CRWB works with vulnerable groups, including single parents, large families, individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities, and people at risk of homelessness.
Over the past year, the organization:
- Distributed over 10 tonnes of humanitarian aid.
- Provided 7,327 social counselling sessions.
- Conducted 1,958 individual psychological counselling sessions.
A significant challenge CRWB faces is sustainable funding, which limits the ability to strategically plan and retain staff. Additionally, Bulgaria faces a shortage of paediatricians and general practitioners, as well as limited kindergarten placements, affecting both refugees and Bulgarian citizens.
This project aims to provide humanitarian support to Ukrainians who have received temporary protection or are seeking international protection in Bulgaria. CRWB’s social workers and cultural mediators will:
- Provide information on social assistance, healthcare, and education services.
- Assess the needs of vulnerable families and refer them to partner organizations.
- Ensure that at least 400 individuals receive assistance.
The project’s overarching goal is to support the adaptation of Ukrainian refugees and ensure access to essential resources.
Caritas Sofia
Caritas Sofia is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping vulnerable individuals in Bulgaria, including refugees, migrants, and disadvantaged groups. With over 30 years of experience, the organization provides humanitarian aid, social services, education, and integration support.
The Emergency Support for Ukrainian Refugees project focuses on ensuring the well-being of Ukrainian women and children who have fled the war. The initiative includes:
- Psychosocial support to help refugees cope with trauma and adapt to their new environment.
- Legal consultations to guide them through administrative procedures, residency requirements, and employment opportunities.
- Educational programs for children, including Bulgarian language courses and cultural adaptation workshops.
- Emergency financial assistance for families in crisis situations.
By addressing both immediate and long-term needs, Caritas Sofia helps Ukrainian refugees rebuild their lives and integrate into Bulgarian society.
The Bulgarian Red Cross – Refugee Migrant Service
The Bulgarian Red Cross (BRC) has a long-standing history of providing humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. The Refugee Migrant Service offers specialized support to asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants in Bulgaria.
The Emergency Fund for Refugee Women and Children project aims to provide:
- Direct humanitarian aid, including food, hygiene products, and essential supplies.
- Health consultations and psychological support, addressing the mental health challenges faced by displaced women and children.
- Vocational training and job placement assistance, helping Ukrainian refugees gain financial independence.
- Educational activities for children, ensuring continuity in their learning despite displacement.
This initiative prioritizes the most vulnerable refugees, including single mothers, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities, offering them crucial support in their time of need.
Foundation „Mission Wings“
Mission Wings is a Bulgarian non-profit organization working to support refugees, victims of domestic violence, and other vulnerable groups. The foundation provides housing assistance, psychological support, and skills training for better integration.
The Empowerment Through Employment project is designed to help Ukrainian women in Bulgaria achieve financial independence by:
- Offering career counseling and skills development programs tailored to the job market.
- Providing Bulgarian language courses to improve employability.
- Facilitating job placement opportunities with partner companies.
- Supporting entrepreneurial initiatives by offering training and mentorship for women looking to start their own businesses.
This project helps Ukrainian women gain stability, reducing their reliance on humanitarian aid and fostering long-term self-sufficiency.
Foundation „For Good“
For Good Foundation focuses on social support, education, and advocacy for children and families in crisis. The organization provides targeted aid and sustainable solutions to improve the well-being of vulnerable communities.
The Safe Haven for Ukrainian Families project aims to:
- Establish child-friendly spaces where Ukrainian children can play, learn, and receive emotional support.
- Offer mental health services to both children and parents dealing with war-related trauma.
- Assist families in navigating Bulgaria’s education and healthcare systems.
- Provide community-building activities, fostering connections between Ukrainian and Bulgarian families.
By creating a safe and supportive environment, this initiative helps refugee families regain a sense of normalcy and rebuild their lives.
Za Dobroto Foundation
Za Dobroto Foundation is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to humanitarian aid, education, and health initiatives. It works closely with local and international partners to provide rapid assistance during crises.
- The Support for Ukrainian Mothers and Children project includes:
- Emergency assistance for women and children in urgent need of shelter, food, and healthcare.
- Educational support, ensuring Ukrainian children can continue their schooling in Bulgaria.
- Social inclusion programs, fostering cultural exchange and reducing isolation.
- Mental health services, addressing trauma through counseling and support groups.
By prioritizing vulnerable families, the foundation ensures Ukrainian refugees receive the support they need to start anew.
Conclusion
The Emergency Fund for Women and Children Affected by the War in Ukraine continues to be a vital source of support for displaced families in Bulgaria. Through its funding, the selected organizations provide essential services, from humanitarian aid to education and psychological support, helping thousands of refugees integrate into their new environment.
Despite the challenges, these initiatives demonstrate the power of solidarity and collective action. By addressing both immediate needs and long-term adaptation, they contribute to building a more inclusive and resilient society.
