Experts from the Ukrainian Center for Independent Political Research (UCIPR) are launching work on the study “Civil Society Organization Sustainability Index for Ukraine,” which will assess the state and dynamics of Ukraine’s civic sector for 2026. The project will be implemented with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation.
The Index covers seven key dimensions: legal environment, organizational capacity, financial viability, advocacy, service provision, sectoral infrastructure, and public image. This approach makes it possible to comprehensively assess CSO sustainability, track changes, and identify areas that require particular attention.
According to the 2025 study, the overall Index score remained at 3.0 points. This indicates that civil society has maintained its overall resilience despite the protracted war, cuts in international funding, and the growing burden on organizations.
At the same time, the study not only reflects the current state of the sector but also makes it possible to track its development and changes from year to year. Its results are used by donors and international organizations, government officials, NGOs, and the academic community to better understand the sector’s needs and make informed decisions about supporting it.
In addition to its research component, the project includes communication activities aimed at drawing attention to CSOs’ contribution to supporting Ukrainians. In particular, in 2026 UCIPR implemented the information and communication campaign #ThoseWhoSupport under the slogan “How Civil Society Organizations Support Ukrainians.” Its heroes were five public and charitable organizations whose stories were featured on outdoor advertising in Kyiv, in video stories, social media publications, and media materials. The campaign will continue in 2027.
Previous editions of the Index are available on the UCIPR interactive dashboard, developed as part of the project.
It should be noted that the “Civil Society Organization Sustainability Index” project is a continuation of the Civil Society Organizations Sustainability Index, an international study assessing the sustainability of CSO development. The study was developed by the United States Agency for International Development and implemented by the international organization FHI 360 together with the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law in 73 countries.
After 2023, when the project was concluded at the international level, the Ukrainian Center for Independent Political Research, with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation, decided to continue assessing the sustainability of Ukrainian CSOs.
Read also: Legislative news for CSOs – October 2026 digest from UCIPR