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Nova Ukraine is a US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2014 that delivers humanitarian aid, medical supplies, as well as capacity-building programs and services to communities in Ukraine.[1][3] Its name translates as "New Ukraine". As of March 2025, Nova Ukraine has delivered over 127 million dollars worth of aid to Ukraine, helping more than 10.6 million people.[2][4] Nova Ukraine co-founders and co-chairs were awarded the Order of Merit (Ukraine) 3rd class in 2022 and 2023 by President Volodymyr Zelensky.[5][6]
In March 2014, in the aftermath of the Euromaidan movement, a coalition of Ukrainian-American volunteers established Nova Ukraine in response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea, aiming to coordinate grassroots relief efforts.[7] The organization expanded its operations following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.[2] Nova Ukraine hosts cultural events and advocacy rallies in the San Francisco Bay Area,[8] coordinates multimodal aid shipments to Ukraine, and partners with relief organizations such as UNICEF and local volunteer networks.[9][10][11] In 2022, Nova Ukraine became a founding member of the American Coalition for Ukraine to participate in Ukraine advocacy initiatives.[12]
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.[13] 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.[14][15][16][17] 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.[18] In September, Nova Ukraine hosted a fundraiser featuring Eurovision winner Ruslana, raising funds for the Ukrainian Sunrise Charitable Foundation to support displaced people.[19][20]
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.[21] In 2018, the Heart2Heart program[21] 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.[21] 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.[22]
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.[23] 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.[24]
In 2021, Nova Ukraine continued its support, raising $365,627 and spending $293,738 on various projects.[25] The organization provided 46 oxygen concentrators to hospitals[26] and expanded its humanitarian efforts through the Heart2Heart Project, supplying essential goods to children and adults with disabilities.[27] Nova Ukraine also supported Ukrainian veterans and soldiers, contributed to the ENGin project for youth language skills,[28] organised celebration of Ukraine's Independence Day,[29] and promoted Ukrainian cinema, reflecting its ongoing commitment to Ukraine’s health, culture, and well-being.
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.[30][4]
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.[31][32][33][34]
The organization also worked with Unite with Ukraine and the Ukrainian World Congress to purchase 9,000 medical tourniquets.[35] Nova Ukraine joined forces with UNICEF USA for joint fundraising efforts[36] and quickly established a team to support Ukrainian refugees in the U.S., Mexico, and Europe.[37][38] Volunteers provided aid at refugee camps, helped families apply for humanitarian parole, and offered legal assistance, particularly at border crossings like San Ysidro.[39][40][41][42][43][44]
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.[45] To enhance aid delivery, the organization implemented a grants management platform on Salesforce, improving the efficiency of its operations.[46]
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.[47]
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.[48][49]
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.[50] The organization also partnered with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to provide the Okhmatdyt Pediatric Clinic in Kyiv with a pediatric mobility rehabilitation system.[51]
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.[52] The organization also partnered with the Ministry of Education to enhance digital education and promote STEM programs across Ukraine.[53][54]
According to its 2023 annual report, Nova Ukraine has provided direct assistance to over 65,000 beneficiaries and distributed more than $50 million in humanitarian relief goods since 2014.[59][60][61][62]
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.[63] 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.[64][65][66]
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 routers. The organization also restored essential infrastructure, including installing a water treatment plant in Kherson and delivering generators to hospitals.[67]
Nova Ukraine supported evacuation efforts[68][69] and played a role in advocacy efforts for Ukraine,[70][71][72] co-organizing Ukraine Action Summits in Washington, DC,[12][73] and supporting the Global Peace Summit 2024.[74]
Structure and governance
The Board of Directors, chaired by Nick Bilogorskiy as of 2025, oversees Nova Ukraine's strategic direction and executive recruitment.[75] The Board of Directors is supported by the Advisory Board and an executive leadership team comprising the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), and Chief Development Officer (CDO), along with Vice Presidents and Director for Ukraine who report to the Board.[76] The leadership also includes team leads, and supports a diverse volunteer base representing a wide range of cultural and professional backgrounds.[77][78][79] The organization primarily conducts its official business in English, while also incorporating the Ukrainian language. Nova Ukraine provides aid both directly and through collaborations with hospitals, local volunteer groups, state services, local authorities, and Ukrainian manufacturing and distribution firms.[3] Additionally, the organization actively engages in political and cultural advocacy in the United States, notably as a founding member of the American Coalition for Ukraine.[12]
Charitable and philanthropic objectives
Nova Ukraine focuses on delivering aid to refugees and internally displaced persons, supporting children and families affected by the conflict, and funding medical care for injured defenders. 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.[3][80] Nova Ukraine selectively funds initiatives that demonstrate significant impact and sustainability.[81] 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.[81]
Geographic presence
Californian members of the Nova Ukraine Board of Directors and Advisory Board at the 2025 Annual Picnic in San Francisco.
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.[82] Since 2022, Nova Ukraine has established volunteer chapters across eight U.S. states — California, Washington, Nevada, Utah, New York, Illinois, Texas, and the District of Columbia — and opened offices in Ukraine.[83] 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.[84] 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.[85]
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.[4] Each team manages its budget independently, with responsibility for financial accountability and media reporting related to specific projects. The majority of their volunteer work is unpaid.[86][81]
Financial performance
Nova Ukraine regularly publishes its financial and impact reports online,[87] detailing expenditures by category and other key metrics. Its IRSForm 990 filings accessible through third-party platforms demonstrate its revenue sources, expenses, assets, and financial management transparency.[2]
Financial data summary (selected recent years)
Fiscal year ending Dec.
Contributions (Revenue)
Contributions as fraction of total revenue
Investment income
Other revenue
Total assets
Total liabilities
Notable expenses (Other salaries and wages)
2023
$31,261,335
99.6%
$135,360
$4,509
$16,826,932
$147,878
$114,000
2022
$75,171,152
100%
$24,969
$10,987
$19,008,324
$374,756
$29,000
2021
$365,627
100%
$0
$0
$151,012
$1
$0
2020
$363,158
100%
$0
$0
$79,884
$0
$0
The predominant source of revenue for Nova Ukraine is contributions, consistently comprising nearly all or all of the organization's income in each fiscal year.
Investment income and other revenue represent very small fractions of total revenue.
Expenses for salaries have been modest in relation to the large scale of contributions, with notable salaries such as $114,000 reported for the General Manager in 2023.
Total assets have grown substantially from around $151,000 in 2021 to nearly $17 million in 2023.
Liabilities remain very low relative to assets, indicating a strong financial position.
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.[87]
Awards and recognition
Organizational ratings
In 2022[88] and 2023,[89] 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.[80]
In 2025 GuideStar, a non-profit ranking platform managed by Candid, awarded the organization a Platinum Transparency Seal for its financial and operational transparency.[90]
Awards
In 2014, Ukrainian Chicago magazine’s annual reader survey placed Nova Ukraine second among U.S.-based Ukrainian nonprofit organizations.[91][92]
In 2022, Forbes Ukraine ranked Nova Ukraine as #5 on its list of fundraising leaders in efforts to support Ukrainians.[94]
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).[95]
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.[98]
Media coverage
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.[99][100] ABC7 News covered Nova Ukraine's support for US-bound refugees[39] and for evacuation efforts in Ukraine.[101] NBC Bay Area covered Nova Ukraine's humanitarian relief in the aftermath of Destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in June 2023.[48]
Forbes Ukraine included Nova Ukraine among the top non-profits providing aid to Ukraine.[94] In 2022, Voice of America Ukrainian produced and aired a TV program that covered the history of Nova Ukraine and interviewed Nova Ukraine directors.[108][109]
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.[110]CNN International aired interviews with Director Igor Markov in May 2022, which included discussions on evacuations from besieged Mariupol[111] and updates on fundraising efforts.[112]Helsingin Sanomat in Finland highlighted how Nova Ukraine utilized technology to expand its operations and provided profiles of the organization’s directors.[113]
See also
Razom– U.S.-based Ukrainian civil society organization
↑ "Ukraine Relief - New York Jets". New York Jets. Retrieved 24 July 2025. They rely on the work of unpaid volunteers, some of whom have taken time off work or even quit their jobs to help coordinate humanitarian aid for Ukraine.
↑ Паплаускайте, Марічка (2015). "Топ-10 українських організацій США" (in Ukrainian). Ukrainian Chicago Magazine. Archived from the original on June 9, 2015. Retrieved January 23, 2016.
↑ ""40 Global Ukrainians"" (in Ukrainian). Forbes UA. September 1, 2020. Archived from the original on September 28, 2023. Retrieved October 15, 2023.
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