Throughout 2025, Charity Foundation Stabilization Support Services worked with IDP Councils in communities across Ukraine, providing training, mentoring, and organizational support.
Below we present the key results of the year in figures, as well as information on the most impactful activities of the Foundation and its partners for the work of IDP Councils and community development.
Year in Numbers
5,186 representatives of IDP Councils participated in various activities;
878 consultations were provided to members of IDP Councils;
188 coordination and mentoring support activities (including participation in and support for organizing council meetings);
92 regional trainings and workshops;
8 nationwide webinars;
49 IDP Councils took part in strategic sessions;
24 integration events in 23 regions dedicated to World Refugee Day;
23 meetings held as part of the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” campaign;
4 interregional forums of IDP Councils;
1 National Forum of IDP Councils.
How Support Works at the Local Level
Dnipropetrovska Oblast: Strategic session for the IDP Council under the Magdalynivka Settlement Council
A strategic session was held for the IDP Council under the Magdalynivka Settlement Council with mentoring and expert support from the project team.
As a result, the Council developed strategic and operational work plans for 2025–2027. The defined priority areas include organizational and institutional development of the Council, partnership development, preparation of recommendations on housing programs, and support for the integration and adaptation of internally displaced persons.
Zhytomyrska Oblast: Training for the IDP Council under the Zviahel City Council
A training titled “The Impact of IDP Councils on Improving Support for Displaced People” was conducted for members of the IDP Council under the Zviahel City Council.
During the training, participants reviewed the tasks and powers of IDP Councils and received recommendations on activity planning. Advocacy directions were discussed using examples from other regions.
Zaporizhzhia: Reporting training for the IDP Council under the Dolynska Village Council
Representatives of IDP Councils took part in the training “Reporting of IDP Councils: Key Stages, Structure, and Content” for members of the IDP Council under the Dolynska Village Council.
Participants were introduced to legal requirements for reporting and the institutions to which reports are submitted. The structure and content of reports were also reviewed.
Ivano-Frankivsk: Support for an open meeting of the IDP Council under the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional State Administration
The IDP Council under the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional State Administration received technical and organizational support to hold an open meeting in a mixed format (online and offline).
During the meeting, a lawyer from the regional project team explained the procedure for obtaining compensation for destroyed or damaged housing and provided recommendations on further advocacy of housing issues in communities of the Ivano-Frankivsk region.
Mykolaivska Oblast: Workshop for new members of IDP Councils
During the workshop, participants were introduced to the rights and responsibilities of IDP Councils and received practical guidance on holding meetings, preparing minutes and reports, and cooperating with local authorities.
Ternopilska Oblast: Support for introducing registration of IDPs in need of temporary housing in Velyka Berezovytsia Community
The regional project team in the Ternopil region supported the newly established IDP Council under the Executive Committee of the Velyka Berezovytsia Settlement Council and conducted the training “Experience of Territorial Communities in Addressing Housing Issues of IDPs and the Role of IDP Councils in This Process”.
At the next Council meeting, a decision was made to prepare proposals to the settlement council on introducing a systematic approach to housing issues of IDPs and maintaining relevant records. In September, a special commission was established, and registration of IDPs in need of temporary housing was introduced.
Kharkivska Oblast: Support for an advocacy campaign on access to financial assistance for IDPs
With the support of the regional project team in the Kharkiv region and in cooperation with the IDP Council under the Executive Committee of the Pivdenne City Council, a local advocacy campaign was carried out.
As a result, a new version of the Regulation on the Provision of One-Time Financial Assistance to Residents of the Pivdenne City Council Using the City Budget was adopted.
Forums for IDP Councils
In September–October, Charity Foundation Stabilization Support Services organized four interregional forums of IDP Councils:
- Eastern Ukraine Forum in Dnipro — Dnipropetrovska, Donetska, Zaporizka, Sumska, Kharkivska, and Chernihivska oblasts;
- Central Ukraine Forum in Vinnytsia — Vinnytska, Zhytomyrska, Kyivska, Kirovohradska, Poltavska, and Cherkaska oblasts;
- Western Ukraine Forum in Lviv — Volynska, Zakarpatska, Ivano-Frankivska, Lvivska, Rivnenska, Ternopilska, Khmelnytska, and Chernivetska oblasts;
- Southern Ukraine Forum in Odesa — Mykolaivska, Odeska, and Khersonska oblasts.
In November, the 3rd All-Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils took place. Participants included representatives of the Office of the President of Ukraine, the Government, the Verkhovna Rada, local authorities, international and donor organizations, as well as members of IDP Councils from communities across the country.
The forum program focused on three areas: impact, sustainable development, and partnership.
The key event was the presentation of the Declaration of Intent (Pledge) “Resilient and Quality Recovery: Involving IDP Councils in Recovery Processes”, which records a public commitment to involve internally displaced persons and affected communities in decision-making on post-war recovery.
The forum was organized by Charity Foundation Stabilization Support Services in partnership with the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, with the support of UNHCR and IREX.
Online Learning: Explainers, Webinars, Video Course
Video Course
At the beginning of 2025, the Foundation launched the free video course “IDP Councils: From Adaptation to Impact” on the Diia.Education platform:
- 8 short episodes;
- certificate upon completion;
- 0.1 ECTS credit.
Information Materials (“Knowledge Bank for IDP Councils”)
The Foundation’s team developed five information materials for IDP Councils:
- How to Organize and Hold an IDP Council Meeting: A Step-by-Step Guide
- What Is Important to Know About Updating the Composition of an IDP Council?
- How Can an IDP Council Receive Mentoring Support?
- IDP Council Meeting Minutes: Instructions for Preparation, Signing, and a Sample Document
- Tasks and Rights of an IDP Council: What Do They Mean in Practice?
Webinars
Eight webinars were held for members of IDP Councils. Recordings are available on the Foundation’s YouTube channel:
- New Opportunities for Communities Opened by Law No. 3703-IX “On People’s Power at the Local Self-Government Level”
- Reporting of IDP Councils: Key Stages, Structure, and Content
- Presenting the Activities and Achievements of IDP Councils
- Analysis and Evaluation of Local Target Programs in Terms of Addressing IDP Needs
- How to Assess the Effectiveness of IDP Councils?
- Engaging IDPs and Local Residents in the Work of IDP Councils
- Training for New Members of IDP Councils
- The Role of IDP Councils in Planning, Implementing, and Monitoring Public Investments in Communities
Manuals
Two editions of the manual “Advisor for IDP Councils” were prepared: Issue 1 and Issue 2.
IDP Councils Portal: Interactive Tools and Methodological Support
In 2025, an important development for IDP Councils took place — the launch of the IDP Councils Portal, a specialized information resource in Ukraine.
The portal provides access to interactive maps with key information about each IDP Council, useful materials, legislative updates, and thematic news. The platform also enables councils to share their own news and events.
The website was developed by the Charitable Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” (CF “SSS”) with the support of the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine (UNHCR).
This publication was made with the support of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine. The content of the publication is the sole responsibility of the Charitable Organization “Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” and does not reflect the views of UNHCR.