Unlocking the power of localisation: How PhilinUA bridges the gap for Ukrainian CSOs

Localisation, the practice of directing humanitarian support and decision-making to local organisations, has emerged as a critical approach for delivering effective, sustainable aid in complex environments like Ukraine. Local actors are uniquely positioned to understand community needs, implement context-sensitive programmes and maximise donor funds. According to research, shifting resources to local civil society organisations (CSOs) can significantly improve cost-efficiency. In Ukraine, local implementers have been found to operate up to 15.5% more economically than international intermediaries. Moreover, on a global scale, prioritising localisation could save approximately $4.3 billion annually by reducing high international overheads and focusing on building local capacity.

Despite the potential for impactful, cost-effective work, local Ukrainian CSOs face substantial barriers in the global funding landscape. Challenges such as limited resources to attract skilled personnel, the inability to offer competitive salaries and insufficient funding for administrative expenses hinder these organisations from establishing a strong presence. This lack of visibility directly impacts their ability to secure international grants and build lasting partnerships within a highly competitive funding environment.

Additionally, while many international organisations publicly advocate for localisation – such as those committed to the Grand Bargain or the Pledge for Change – practical barriers remain. Mistrust and complex compliance requirements continue to pose significant challenges. Strict donor standards often demand that small, local organisations meet rigorous compliance measures, stretching their resources and limiting their access to essential funding. This situation calls for a balanced approach that supports local partners while ensuring alignment with international standards.

Interestingly, a recent study highlighted the factors that inspire trust among donors: the visibility of aid (54%), recommendations from friends and acquaintances (43%) and trust in the Leader (40%). However, only 30% of donors who supported charitable foundations and organisations verified them for integrity. This suggests that the culture of monitoring integrity remains more incidental than widespread, further complicating the landscape for Ukrainian CSOs seeking international recognition and funding.

PhilinUA: Bridging the trust gap

The PhilinUA platform is uniquely positioned to address these challenges through a comprehensive approach combining reliable due diligence and capacity-building. By creating a transparent, accessible database of verified Ukrainian CSOs that meet both local and international due diligence standards, PhilinUA aims to enhance trust within the local sector.

PhilinUA’s verification process is designed to be straightforward and supportive, allowing organisations to undergo due diligence without stress. More than a gatekeeping mechanism, this process provides valuable insights and tailored recommendations for improving governance, financial management and operational practices. By equipping Ukrainian CSOs with a roadmap for further development, PhilinUA actively contributes to their resilience and ability to thrive in an increasingly competitive global funding environment.

The platform serves as a bridge between donors and local organisations by offering a streamlined mechanism for identifying trustworthy partners. Through its verified database, donors and grantmakers can easily find Ukrainian CSOs that meet compliance requirements, enabling them to support localisation through practical, actionable steps. PhilinUA’s approach not only boosts donor confidence but also reduces the administrative burden on international grantmakers, fostering a more efficient and impactful collaboration.

The way forward: Scaling localisation

Looking ahead, PhilinUA aims to turn localisation from a theoretical concept into a practical, everyday reality. By simplifying and standardising due diligence processes in providing clear, personalised development roadmaps, the platform wants to ensure that resources are distributed more fairly and effectively. Moreover, it emphasises involving local organisations in decision-making processes, empowering them to actively shape their growth and development while making aid delivery more efficient.

In the summer, PhilinUA conducted a pilot test with a due diligence process within 18 organisations to gather feedback. Based on this input, the methodology and questionnaire were refined to better serve the needs of Ukrainian CSOs. The open registration for the platform was launched in February 2025, and nearly 60 applications have already been submitted.

For Ukrainian CSOs, PhilinUA offers an opportunity to:

• Obtain official confirmation of transparency
• Gain visibility within the international community
• Undergo due diligence without stress
• Receive a roadmap for further development
• Develop systems that align with international standards
• Become part of a supportive community
• Access training materials to enhance capacity and growth

For donors and grantmakers, PhilinUA provides a pathway to:

• Easily find reliable Ukrainian organisations for partnerships
• Support localisation through actionable steps
• Delegate due diligence to a trusted platform
• Harmonise due diligence processes for greater efficiency
• Reduce the administrative burden on their teams

Additionally, registered organisations gain access to a comprehensive library of training materials that support capacity-building and organisational growth. The platform also features the Knowledge Hub, a blog offering articles, columns, and analytical materials on philanthropy. These resources describe trends and developments in the non-profit sector along with gathering insights from colleagues and experts, providing valuable knowledge to deepen expertise in the field.

Localisation holds the potential to revolutionise the way humanitarian aid and development assistance are delivered. By enhancing trust, promoting transparency, and building capacity, PhilinUA is not only supporting the growth of Ukrainian CSOs but also contributing to a more resilient and effective philanthropic ecosystem.