We began our collaboration in 2022 to support Ukrainian civil society organisations (CSOs), and test how organisational development support can be adapted to a context of war. Six local organisations benefited from accompaniment from a dedicated Ukraine OD Advisory team. All six were selected based on their credibility in the context and impactful work addressing social divisions and healing. Most were long established organisations that adapted to respond to the new needs and realities of the current stage of the war, yet also had the ambition and ability to play a role as a catalyst for system change. Their work covers various thematic areas of peacebuilding, from transitional justice to community mediation and arts in peacebuilding.
Results
The OD support directly contributed to significant outcomes for the Ukrainian CSOs. All six have clearer strategic focus and healthier team dynamics, and three now receive funding directly from international donors. These results suggest that trauma-sensitive OD is not a complementary support function but a strategic lever for strengthening local agency, resilience, and direct access to funding in crisis contexts. A report will be published in 2026 to share these insights with donors and practitioners. Its author, Olga Bentz, builds on the pilot learnings to further develop the concept of Regenerative OD, providing a stronger evidence base and understanding of why OD and MHPSS should be considered together.