The Community Initiative

The Community Initiative matches funds raised by EBRD staff and focuses on three areas:

• Humanitarian and disaster relief 
• Health and social care for the most vulnerable 
• Education and support for children’s development

EBRD staff propose the charities or non-governmental organisations (NGOs) they wish to support. To be eligible for matched funds the scheme also needs to involve at least 10 staff members and be able to mobilise a minimum of €3,000.

All staff donations are matched equally by the Community Initiative, with up to €50,000 for each charitable venture. 

Since the beginning of the war on Ukraine, €2.25 million has been disbursed to match the €1.86 million in staff donations raised through 54 charitable projects, bringing our total support to €4.1 million.

The Community Initiative also contributed €308,243 in matching funds for projects in Tunisia, Jordan and two projects in Lebanon, supporting communities in the region during periods of heightened humanitarian need. This funding matched €167,226 raised by staff. Funding for two Lebanese projects and one Jordanian project was approved with an exceptional 1:2 matching ratio. The total support to communities in Middle East since the escalation of humanitarian crises reached €615,000.

Razom, Ukraine

Thanks to this grant, winter sets were distributed to 250 residents in Zhelanne, located in the Donetsk region. Each kit included an 8-liter camping gas stove filled with gas, 250 blankets, and 250 solar panel lanterns. Due to Zhelanne's proximity to the frontline zone, the town experienced disruptions in electricity supply. These provisions enabled residents to independently prepare meals and maintain warmth during the winter months. This charity was featured in a number of Guardian articles.

Ukrainian Firefighters Foundation, Ukraine

Funds were used to purchase three units of special rescue equipment such as aerial platform for rescuers in Zaporizhzhia, a specialised canine vehicle for rescuers in Chernihiv Oblast and aerial ladder for rescuers in the city of Sloviansk.

The newly procured equipment has been actively utilised by rescue teams. The aerial platform and ladder have facilitated rapid response to incidents involving high-rise buildings, enabling effective mitigation of shelling impacts and safe evacuation of individuals. The canine vehicle has enhanced the efficiency and speed of search and rescue operations conducted by canine handlers.

King Hussein Cancer Foundation, Jordan

King Hussein Cancer Foundation provided lifesaving comprehensive cancer care to four patients from Gaza. For instance, Sajed, who travelled from shelters for displaced people in Gaza to the heart of Amman, was able to access treatment at KHCC. His mother described him as smart and active, bringing joy wherever he goes, but explained how the family faced tough circumstances and lacked necessities, particularly when Sajed was diagnosed with leukaemia and suffering from gastroenteritis and low immunity levels. She expressed her gratitude that Sajed was able to receive treatment at KHCC, where they were welcomed with the utmost care, and she now feels reassured that her son is in safe hands.

In another example, Yousef arrived at the King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC). after a long and difficult journey from Gaza to Amman, when his treatment was interrupted for approximately two months. He had to to leave behind his mother and siblings in harsh conditions and make the exhausting trip. Yousef was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) about a year and a half ago. Upon his arrival at KHCC, Yousef started treatment immediately. First, he had a comprehensive medical evaluation by KHCC’s medical team, after which he underwent an intensive treatment period that thankfully ended in success. He is now pursuing the second phase of his treatment, which will continue for three years and has a high rate of success.

Beit El Baraka, Lebanon

The Community Initiative project aimed to help Beit El Baraka restore a school that had been destroyed during the war, with the goal of creating safe learning environments and restoring stability and hope for the children. The project also seeks to ensure students can return to school with dignity, protect them from long-term learning loss, and support their emotional recovery after experiencing conflict.

Work on rehabilitating the school began just before the New Year and has been making steady progress. Early steps included demolishing damaged walls, carrying out CMV works, and applying plaster. Reconstruction of the walls is currently underway, alongside selected electrical work, with completion expected in 2026.

The Community Initiative also supports a number of events and activities related to arts and culture in our countries of operation and targeted charitable projects in conjunction with the EBRD’s Annual Meetings.

EBRD Literature Prize

The EBRD Literature Prize celebrates a translated work of contemporary literary fiction from the countries where the EBRD works, as a means of making the literature and culture of these countries better known to the staff of the Bank and the wider public. The Prize also serves to draw attention to the diversity and creativity of our regions. 

Charitable contributions at the EBRD Annual Meeting 

The EBRD Community Initiative makes a special, targeted charitable donation during the EBRD Annual Meeting. The objective is to leave a lasting legacy after the Annual Meeting has finished that has a wider, positive social impact on the host country.

As the 2025 EBRD Annual Meeting was held at the Bank’s London headquarters rather than in a country of operation, the year’s donation was directed to support staff fundraising efforts via the Season of Sharing initiative. In total, €29,000 was contributed to 10 staff-led charitable projects.

You can contact the Community Initiative team at CommunityInitiative@ebrd.com

 Only EBRD staff can propose charitable organisations or NGOs as candidates for support from the matched giving scheme.