# Nova Ukraine

Nova Ukraine is a US-based 501(c)(3) organization (nonprofit) dedicated to strengthening the civil society in Ukraine as well as providing aid and services to vulnerable populations. Its name - Nova Ukraine - translates as "New Ukraine". Founded in 2014 in the aftermath of the Euromaidan movement, the organization expanded its operations following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. As of May 2024, Nova Ukraine has delivered over $103 million worth of aid to Ukraine, helping more than 7.4 million people. Nova Ukraine co-founders and co-chairs were awarded the Order of Merit (Ukraine) 3rd degree in 2022 and 2023 by President Volodymyr Zelensky with.

## Organizational structure and purpose

Nova Ukraine's Board of Directors is chaired by co-founder Nick Bilogorskiy. The organization relies on a diverse volunteer base, comprising individuals from various cultural and professional backgrounds. While English serves as the primary language for official business, Ukrainian is also utilized within the organization. Nova Ukraine delivers aid directly as well as through partnerships with hospitals, local volunteer groups, state services and local authorities, Ukrainian manufacturing and distribution companies.

### Charitable and Philanthropic Objectives

Nova Ukraine aims to support vulnerable Ukrainian communities such as refugees, internally displaced persons, children, families affected by war, and wounded defenders undergoing medical treatment. It provides healthcare, education, and essential aid. The organization contributes to Ukraine’s recovery from economic and social disruptions while promoting the growth of civil society. Additionally, it promotes Ukrainian culture in the United States. Nova Ukraine selectively funds initiatives that demonstrate significant impact and sustainability. It prioritizes projects that build resilience, foster self-sufficiency, and support the long-term goal of cultivating a robust civil society in Ukraine. Such efforts include resources for cultural development, social mobility, and creating conditions for future stability.

### Geographic Structure

Nova Ukraine is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, with initial efforts centered around utilizing the technical and financial expertise of Silicon Valley to support Ukraine. The organization's operations have since expanded to other parts of the United States, including Southern California, Washington, Nevada, Utah, New York, and Washington, D.C., as well as to Europe. In response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Nova Ukraine increased aid and services, establishing a subsidiary office in Kyiv and expanding operational capabilities with reporting teams and warehouses in multiple Ukrainian cities. In 2022, the organization provided an estimated $55.5 million in humanitarian aid, encompassing food, medical supplies, and other critical resources for affected communities both within Ukraine and among refugees abroad.

### Team Structure

Nova Ukraine’s volunteer teams operate through a structured framework, allowing for specialized focus areas to maximize their impact. Key teams include finance, medical, logistics, ground operations, refugee support, education and culture, fundraising, donor relations, human resources, web development, social media, marketing, and special projects. Each team manages its budget independently, with responsibility for financial accountability and media reporting related to specific projects.

## Activities and accomplishments

Nova Ukraine organizes cultural events and street rallies in the San Francisco Bay Area, delivers humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and works closely with other nonprofits and volunteers focused on helping Ukraine. In 2022, Nova Ukraine joined the American Coalition for Ukraine to participate in Ukraine advocacy initiatives.

### The Founding Years

In 2014, Nova Ukraine raised nearly $100,000 in humanitarian aid for Ukraine, supporting initiatives like Station Kharkiv, which provided assistance to internally displaced persons and families from conflict zones. In February 2014, Nova Ukraine organized a concert by Okean Elzy, in collaboration with "Save Lives Together," and used profits from ticket sales to purchase $23,000 worth of medical equipment for hospitals in conflict areas. The organization also co-organized a performance by the Ukrainian band Skryabin in San Francisco, with part of the concert's proceeds donated to Nova Ukraine's charitable projects. In September, Nova Ukraine hosted a fundraiser featuring Eurovision winner Ruslana, raising funds for the Ukrainian Sunrise Charitable Foundation to support displaced people.

### The Heart2Heart Program

Launched in 2015, Heart2Heart is a long-term initiative where volunteers in California collect and ship donations, such as clothing and food, to vulnerable populations in Ukraine, including disadvantaged families, orphans, and disabled individuals. In 2018, the Heart2Heart program delivered 80,000 pounds of humanitarian aid (donations from ordinary people) in Ukraine, spending a total of $41.5K for the project on warehousing and transportation. In 2019, over 55,000 pounds of humanitarian aid was delivered to Ukraine, with $54.5K spent. Each year, some 600 pounds of Christmas and New Year presents were delivered to children in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Poltava, Odesa, Lviv, Zakarpattia, Volyn oblasts as well as parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts remaining under control of the Kyiv government.

### COVID Years

In 2020, Nova Ukraine, like other institutions worldwide, focused on countering the coronavirus pandemic. In March 2020, doctors urgently needed personal protective equipment such as medical masks, respirators, gloves and gowns to protect themselves from the disease. Nova Ukraine organized a fundraiser and doubled the $6,000 raised to purchase them. In April, the amount of money raised reached $75,000, and the work did not stop there. As of May 2020, a total of 4255 FPP2 respirators were purchased together with Patients of Ukraine to distribute to 14 Ukrainian hospitals in 8 regions of Ukraine: Ivano-Frankivsk, Poltava, Kyiv, Rivne, Ternopil, Chernivtsi, and Zakarpattia. 2,000 bio-costumes to protect doctors and nurses were purchased. In August 2020, Nova Ukraine shifted its focus to buying oxygen concentrators for frontline hospitals of Ukraine. Together with Patients of Ukraine, they bought and distributed 17 oxygen concentrators to hospitals across Ukraine that needed them the most.
In 2021, Nova Ukraine continued its support, raising $365,627 and spending $293,738 on various projects. The organization provided 46 oxygen concentrators to hospitals and expanded its humanitarian efforts through the Heart2Heart Project, supplying essential goods to children and adults with disabilities. Nova Ukraine also supported Ukrainian veterans and soldiers, contributed to the ENGin project for youth language skills, organised celebration of Ukraine's Independence Day, and promoted Ukrainian cinema, reflecting its ongoing commitment to Ukraine’s health, culture, and well-being.

### Supporting Ukraine During Full-scale Invasion

In 2022, Nova Ukraine launched emergency aid efforts in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

#### 2022

Throughout the year, the organization delivered over 1 million meals and 100,000 batches of supplies, mobilized over 3,500 volunteers, and provided assistance to more than 1.25 million internally displaced persons and refugees globally.
In March 2022, Nova Ukraine partnered with several Ukrainian organizations, including the Ukrainian Student Association at Stanford, to deliver $3.5 million worth of medical supplies, such as bandages, surgery kits, and pediatric medicines, to Ukraine. The supplies were flown from Seattle to Poland and then transported to Ukraine for distribution by the Ministry of Health.
The organization also worked with Unite with Ukraine and the Ukrainian World Congress to purchase 9,000 medical tourniquets. Nova Ukraine joined forces with UNICEF USA for joint fundraising efforts and quickly established a team to support Ukrainian refugees in the U.S., Mexico, and Europe. Volunteers provided aid at refugee camps, helped families apply for humanitarian parole, and offered legal assistance, particularly at border crossings like San Ysidro.
Additionally, Nova Ukraine, in collaboration with Firefighter Aid Ukraine, collected over $3 million worth of rescue equipment and medical supplies from Canadian fire stations, which were delivered to State Emergency Service of Ukraine. To enhance aid delivery, the organization implemented a grants management platform on Salesforce, improving the efficiency of its operations.

#### 2023

In 2023, Nova Ukraine responded to emergencies in Ukraine and modernized healthcare facilities in the region. The organization upgraded over 50 neonatal hospitals and clinics that were using outdated Soviet-era equipment. With support from partners like Zdorovi and funding from Pioneer Natural Resources, Nova Ukraine provided modern equipment such as portable incubators and electric generators to hospitals.
Following the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in June 2023, Nova Ukraine responded, delivering over 35 tons of food and water to more than 12,000 people affected by flooding. The organization also facilitated the evacuation of over 3,700 people and animals and provided essential equipment for first responders.
Nova Ukraine collaborated with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation to establish 30 after-school centers under the "Zmistovno" brand, offering educational resources to children facing challenges due to the war and the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization also partnered with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to provide the Ohmatdyt Pediatric Clinic in Kyiv with a pediatric mobility rehabilitation system.
Additionally, Nova Ukraine worked with Nevados, a solar equipment supplier, to install solar panels in schools in Chernihiv affected by the 2022 invasion, ensuring they can operate during power outages. The organization also partnered with the Ministry of Education to enhance digital education and promote STEM programs across Ukraine.
In the realm of advocacy, Nova Ukraine, alongside Razom and other partners, hosted a delegation of religious leaders from the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) in Washington, D.C., to raise awareness about the impact of the war on religious freedom.
Nova Ukraine published impact reports describing its activities and accomplishments.

#### 2024

During 2024, Nova Ukraine made significant strides in its humanitarian efforts, addressing the urgent needs of Ukrainians affected by the ongoing war.
In 2024, Nova Ukraine significantly advanced its humanitarian efforts in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Early in the year, the organization signed a two-year Memorandum of Cooperation with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, committing to providing medical equipment, prosthetics, medications, and rehabilitation programs. Nova Ukraine also joined the World Health Organization’s healthcare support network.
The organization's Medical Team delivered critical medical supplies to hospitals in war-affected areas, including Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, and Kherson. Between January and March 2024, this included ventilators, X-ray devices, ultrasound systems, and chemotherapy medicine, in response to numerous hospital requests.
Nova Ukraine's Infrastructure and Energy team worked to mitigate the damage caused by shelling. Partnering with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation and Ukrainian Railways, they established 111 Points of Invincibility, which served over 1.3 million people, providing shelter, charging stations, and Wi-Fi. The organization also restored essential infrastructure, including installing a water treatment plant in Kherson and delivering generators to hospitals.
Nova Ukraine supported evacuation efforts and played a role in advocacy efforts for Ukraine, co-organizing Ukraine Action Summits in Washington, DC, and supporting the Global Peace Summit 2024.

## Transparency, ratings and media coverage
### Leadership and Organizational Transparency

In 2022 and 2023, Nova Ukraine’s Board Co-Chair Ostap Korkuna participated in recorded interviews as part of a Charity Navigator review, where he discussed the organization's operations and achievements. As a result, Charity Navigator awarded Nova Ukraine 100% score for leadership and flexibility. In 2024, Charity Navigator granted Nova Ukraine a four-star rating, citing its accountability and strong financial metrics.
In March 2022, the National Philanthropic Trust profiled Nova Ukraine, while GuideStar, a non-profit ranking platform managed by Candid, awarded the organization a Gold Transparency Seal for its financial and operational transparency.

### Fiscal Transparency

Nova Ukraine regularly publishes its financial and impact reports online, detailing expenditures by category and other key metrics. The organization’s expense ratio has consistently remained low, with overhead costs in the low single digits—a figure generally below the average for U.S. non-profits. IRS filings are accessible through third-party platforms.

### Activities, Partnerships and Milestones

Nova Ukraine shares updates on its initiatives, partnerships, and milestones through newsletters, press releases, and social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, and YouTube(see External Links below). These platforms also cover ongoing activities and recent accomplishments, increasing visibility for the organization’s projects.

### Media Transparency

Nova Ukraine has received significant media coverage for its initiatives supporting Ukraine, contributing to awareness of humanitarian issues and inspiring public support.

#### West-coast media

In the San Francisco Bay Area, The Forum with Alexis Madrigal on NPR/KQED has featured Nova Ukraine several times for a live discussion. ABC7 News covered Nova Ukraine's support for US-bound refugees and for evacuation efforts in Ukraine. NBC Bay Area covered Nova Ukraine's humanitarian relief in the aftermath of Destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in June 2023.
In San Diego, The San Diego Union Tribune and Del Mar Times covered Nova Ukraine's support for refugees crossing in from Mexico.
In Seattle, Seattle Times and NBC Right Now covered the Airbus A330 that Nova Ukraine chartered from the Seattle Tacoma Airport to Lublin, Poland in March 2022 to deliver 32 tons of medical supplies to Ukraine.

#### US national media

Nova Ukraine has appeared in national media outlets, including live interviews with Fox News and Bloomberg TV at the outset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

#### Ukrainian media

Forbes Ukraine included Nova Ukraine among the top non-profits providing aid to Ukraine. In 2022, Voice of America Ukrainian produced and aired a TV program that covered the history of Nova Ukraine and interviewed Nova Ukraine directors.

#### Global media coverage

Internationally, the Central News Agency (Taiwan) reported on street rallies organized by Nova Ukraine in February 2022 and interviewed co-chair Ostap Korkuna. CNN International aired interviews with Director Igor Markov in May 2022, which included discussions on evacuations from besieged Mariupol and updates on fundraising efforts. Helsingin Sanomat in Finland highlighted how Nova Ukraine utilized technology to expand its operations and provided profiles of the organization’s directors.

## Recognition and awards

* In 2014, Ukrainian Chicago magazine ranked Nova Ukraine the second most popular Ukrainian nonprofit organization in the U.S.
* In 2020, Nick Bilogorskiy ranked #31 on the Forbes UA list of "40 Global Ukrainians".
* In 2022, Nick Bilogorskiy received the Order of Merit (Ukraine) 3rd degree from President Volodymyr Zelensky as the cofounder and cochair of Nova Ukraine.
* In 2022, Forbes Ukraine ranked Nova Ukraine as #5 on its list of fundraising leaders in efforts to support Ukrainians.
* On August 24, 2022 --- the Independence Day of Ukraine --- Nova Ukraine directors participated in flag-raising ceremonies at the San Francisco City Hall and San Jose City Hall.
* In January 2023, the US nonprofits Nova Ukraine and Razom were jointly awarded the world record for the largest number of assembled electricity generators (1263) in the shortest time (30 days).
* On February 24, 2023 --- the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine --- Nova Ukraine participated in the flag-raising ceremony at the San Jose City Hall with Mayor Matt Mahan.
* On August 24, 2023 --- the Independence Day of Ukraine --- Nova Ukraine directors participated in a flag-raising ceremony at the San Francisco City Hall with Mayor London Breed and a celebratory ceremony at the San Jose City Hall with Mayor Matt Mahan. Both mayors presented proclamations on the occasion of Ukraine's Independence Day
* On August 29, 2023, Nova Ukraine directors attended a Santa Clara City Council meeting, where Mayor Lisa Gillmor presented a proclamation on the occasion of Ukraine's Independence Day.
* In 2023, Ostap Korkuna the Order of Merit (Ukraine) 3rd degree from President Volodymyr Zelensky as the cofounder and cochair of Nova Ukraine.