How to build sustainable cooperation with charitable organisations. Key takeaways from the EBA ESG Hub panel discussion

03/ 11/ 2025

On 21 October, the ESG Hub of the European Business Association held a panel discussion focused on how engagement with charitable foundations and organisations can influence Ukraine’s economy. The discussion brought together representatives of leading charities, who shared their experience in building effective partnerships. Key insights: 1. Rethinking the “Win-Win” Concept Olga Guzhva, Development Director and Cybersecurity Expert at the Ukrainian Philanthropists Association, noted that the war has fundamentally changed the perception of charity: the traditional “win-win” model has lost its relevance in public consciousness. However, a balanced partnership remains the foundation of sustainable development. The key challenge today is to build relationships where businesses can see real value in cooperation. 2. The Economy is About People Julia Lakomska, Corporate Fundraising Specialist at the Children of Heroes Foundation, emphasised that the economy is not only about production, it is, first and foremost, about people. To illustrate this, she shared successful project examples from the Children of Heroes Foundation. Julia also spoke about how providing educational opportunities for children can be viewed as an investment in the future. 3. Tripartite Partnership as the Basis of Stability Kira Syrotenko, Chair of the Board of the Blagomay Foundation, highlighted that the only viable way to rebuild social infrastructure and human capital is through cooperation between charitable organisations, local communities, authorities, and businesses. It is extremely difficult for individual actors to implement large-scale changes on their own. Kira also shared successful examples of the foundation’s work in areas such as reconstruction, education, and healthcare. The participants also raised the issue of the low visibility of charitable organisations. Charity is about trust, and while there is a demand for cooperation, many businesses lack understanding of how and with whom to build it. During the discussion, the advantages of partnering with existing charities were compared to the idea of creating a company’s own foundation. According to the speakers, for large businesses with sufficient resources and expertise, establishing an in-house foundation may be justified. However, for small and medium-sized enterprises, cooperating with existing charities tends to be more effective and beneficial. That said, even large companies often turn to charitable organisations for their experience and expertise. The EBA extends its gratitude to all speakers for their insights and valuable case studies, and to all participants for their active engagement!

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Key insights:

1. Rethinking the “Win-Win” Concept

Olga Guzhva, Development Director and Cybersecurity Expert at the Ukrainian Philanthropists Association, noted that the war has fundamentally changed the perception of charity: the traditional “win-win” model has lost its relevance in public consciousness. However, a balanced partnership remains the foundation of sustainable development. The key challenge today is to build relationships where businesses can see real value in cooperation.

2. The Economy is About People

Julia Lakomska, Corporate Fundraising Specialist at the Children of Heroes Foundation, emphasised that the economy is not only about production, it is, first and foremost, about people. To illustrate this, she shared successful project examples from the Children of Heroes Foundation. Julia also spoke about how providing educational opportunities for children can be viewed as an investment in the future.

3. Tripartite Partnership as the Basis of Stability

Kira Syrotenko, Chair of the Board of the Blagomay Foundation, highlighted that the only viable way to rebuild social infrastructure and human capital is through cooperation between charitable organisations, local communities, authorities, and businesses. It is extremely difficult for individual actors to implement large-scale changes on their own. Kira also shared successful examples of the foundation’s work in areas such as reconstruction, education, and healthcare.

The participants also raised the issue of the low visibility of charitable organisations. Charity is about trust, and while there is a demand for cooperation, many businesses lack understanding of how and with whom to build it.

During the discussion, the advantages of partnering with existing charities were compared to the idea of creating a company’s own foundation. According to the speakers, for large businesses with sufficient resources and expertise, establishing an in-house foundation may be justified. However, for small and medium-sized enterprises, cooperating with existing charities tends to be more effective and beneficial. That said, even large companies often turn to charitable organisations for their experience and expertise.

The EBA extends its gratitude to all speakers for their insights and valuable case studies, and to all participants for their active engagement!