International Renaissance Foundation

The International Renaissance Foundation was founded in 1990 as part of the Soros Foundations Network dedicated to building and maintaining the infrastructure and institutions necessary for an open society in Ukraine.

Mission

To foster, both financially and organisationally, the formation of a democratic, open society in Ukraine by supporting civil initiatives that have a strong impact on civil society development.

Geographic Focus

Primarily Ukraine

Programme Areas

The foundation supports and operates programmes and initiatives that promote the process of national rebirth and democratic development in the following areas:

– Democratic Practice
– Human Rights and Justice
– Public Health
– Roma Programme Initiative
– European programme
– Civic Initiatives of new Ukraine

Democratic Practice
Creates effective tools to combat corruption and increase government accountability

Human Rights and Justice
Seeks to prevent human rights violations, promote effective anti-discrimination legislation and practices, and ensure disadvantaged and vulnerable groups have access to justice and legal aid

Public Health
Seeks to promote the development of a cost-effective and non-discriminatory healthcare system, transparent and rational spending of public funds, ensure equal access to essential medicines and proper treatment, including vulnerable groups

Roma Programme Initiative
Supports NGOs and activists in involving representatives of the Roma community in social processes and combating discrimination

European Programme
Focuses on raising the level of familiarisation of representatives of civil society institutions in Ukraine with European neighbourhood policy, and facilitation of information-sharing on various civic initiatives related to European integration.