Professionalization and Sustainability of Ukrainian Migrants and Refugee-Led NGOs: from Initiatives to Institutions

From the very first hours of the full-scale invasion, the Ukrainian community in Slovakia mobilized to provide assistance to people affected by the war on both sides of the border: in Ukraine and in Slovakia. As a result, Ukrainian migrants and refugees created informal groups and initiatives, while orginizations that had already existed at the time of the invasion experienced rapid growth. In particular, 220 leaders of NGOs and initiatives led by Ukrainian migrants and refugees from 18 cities and municipalities across all regions of Slovakia participated in the Forums of Ukrainian Civil Society Organizations and Initiatives in Slovakia, organized by SME SPOLU in cooperation with UNHCR in 2023–2024 in Bratislava.

Thus, a strong segment represented by migrants and refugees from Ukraine has emerged and is developing quite rapidly within Slovak civil society. At present, this segment faces the same challenges as all NGOs in the country: the premature termination of support from international donors (in connection with the withdrawal of USAID), changes in domestic policy, and negative, sometimes even openly hostile, attitudes of the current state authorities toward representatives of civil society.

At the same time, additional challenges are being overcome related to limited internal organizational capacities while continuing to assist those who continue to suffer as a result of the ongoing war, in conditions of insufficient knowledge and experience in managing civil society organizations outside Ukraine, our country of origin.

Obstacles are also encountered regarding the recognition of this contribution, the building of full-fledged partnerships with other Slovak civil society organizations, state authorities, and local governments within integration programs for migrants and refugees, as well as anti-Ukrainian sentiments in society.

The project “Professionalization and Sustainability of Organizations Led by Migrants and Refugees from Ukraine: From Initiatives to Institutions” aims to strengthen and develop the capacities of SME SPOLU and 10 other civil society organizations and initiatives led by migrants and refugees from Ukraine as an integral part of Slovak civil society, so that together we can more effectively address the challenges caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine and contribute to strengthening the values of the rule of law and democracy in Slovakia.

The project goal will be achieved through the following key activities:

Strategic Planning & Capacity Building: 3 internal strategy meetings to evaluate results and 15 sessions focusing on fundraising, strategic management, and digital security to strengthen SME SPOLU and 10 other migrant-led initiatives.

Advocacy & Public Policy: Active participation in 20 working groups to influence national legislation—specifically the Education Act and the Act on the Residence of Foreigners at national level and and local integration strategies and platforms at municipality level.

Volunteer & Client Services: Systematic coordination of 50 volunteers and operation of a First Contact Point processing 300+ monthly requests to gather data for evidence-based policies.

Bilateral Exchange: Reciprocal 3 knowladge exchange visits between Bratislava, Oslo, and Reykjavik (2027–2028) to transfer 20 years of experience in NGO management and community building from donor countries.

Community Integration: Hosting 20 joint events at the Ukrainian-Slovak House to foster dialogue, cooperation, and trust between the migrants-refugees and local communities.

The project aims to professionalize and build the capacity of migrants and refugee-led organizations as a vital integrative part of Slovakia’s civil society. By transitioning these entities into legally and operationally stable institutions, the project empowers them to overcome systemic challenges and contribute to a stronger rule of law and a more inclusive democracy in the country.

The expected results and outcomes:

• the professionalized, sustainable infrastructure of 10 migrant and refugee -led organizations that acts as a permanent, legitimate partner for state and local governments, other civic society representatives enhancing migrants and refugees rights for freedom associations;
• created a data-driven advocacy mechanism - by processing 300 unique visits monthly at the Ukrainian-Slovak House (the first-contact point), the project will generate "evidence-based" reports that fill national data gaps and inform the revision of at least two national laws and two local policies;
• involvement of at least 10 individuals from the migrant community in at least 20 formal consultations, workshops, and roundtables with public institutions, ensuring that integration policies are developed with rather than for the refugees and migrants as an direct beneficiaries;
• enhanced trust and solidarity between the host community and refugees through 20 joint community events;
• transfer of success stories and 20 years of institutional know-how from partners in Norway and Iceland to ensure the long-term survival of the Slovak migrant-led sector, shifting from reactive crisis management to strategic institutional presence.

The project does not merely provide services; it builds a resilient and professional civic infrastructure that acts as a guardian of democratic values and the rule of law in Slovakia