Urgent Action Fund is one of the most knowledgeable and responsive feminist funders in the world. The Houssian Foundation is proud to be their only Canadian funder as part of our gender equality portfolio.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Urgent Action Fund (UAF) has awarded more than 160 grants and nearly $3 million to feminist organizations and activists impacted by the war.
UAF grants over the past year have supported immigrants, refugees, sex workers, LGBTQI+ communities, people with disabilities, and rural women. Many grants have assisted those evacuating the country, helped those remaining get access to essential resources, and provided funding for care, connection, and community-building necessary to get through these difficult times.
Among the grants the UAF has awarded, funding has gone to:
- An organization working with victims of sexual abuse by Russian soldiers. Since the cases of rape grow daily, there is the need for additional funding to bring psychologists and arrange accommodations for clients with special needs. The funds will cover psychological rehabilitation, relocation, and travel expenses.
- An Ukrainian feminist media outlet to continue its work. Due to the Russian invasion, the group lost its main source of income, which came in through advertisements.
- A Polish feminist group organizing a queer summer camp to welcome and offer safe spaces for Belarussian and Ukrainian queer activists resettled in Poland.
These grants, while serving as just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the help and support needed in Ukraine, have made a difference in the lives of thousands living through a devastating and overwhelming period of conflict.