About us

The Kharkiv region faces a unique challenge: it is home to millions but is on the edge of the frontline. Ukrainian Charity Alliance has been operating as a local organization since 2018.

Our history

2018
Foundation & Early Relief

Ukrainian Charity Alliance was founded in response to the humanitarian stress experienced by residents of eastern regions of Ukraine. We distributed meals and essential items to the most vulnerable groups of the population.

2022
Emergency Response & Evacuation

When the full-scale invasion began, we responded immediately. We organized evacuations for residents of the Kharkiv region, supplied frontline communities with generators and stoves, and distributed critical food, clothing, and medicines.

2023
Launching the Educational Program

As new challenges emerged, we launched our educational initiatives to help children recover educational losses. Today, over 1,000 children study languages, STEM, and creative disciplines across three educational centers in Kharkiv and four regional Spaces of Resilience.

2024
Supporting Our Veterans

We began developing our veterans program to support defenders transitioning back to civilian life. At our Veteran Center “Plich-o-Plich”, we provided psychological sessions, physical rehabilitation, and legal consultations for 264 veterans.

Today
Building a Resilient Future

Ukrainian Charity Alliance operates four core programs: Humanitarian, Educational, Veterans, and Infrastructure. We continue to address today’s ongoing challenges to create the conditions for a strong and resilient future for the people of the Kharkiv region.

Our management team

Oleksii Kurtsev

Cofounder and Chairman

20+ years experience founding and running nonprofit organizations. Member of the Union of Journalists of Ukraine. Candidate of Law. Associate Professor. Honorary Citizen of Zolochivska settlement territorial community of Kharkiv region.

Olena Kurtseva

Cofounder and Executive Director

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) with 10+ years of experience in the public sector. Specializes in financial and legal aspects of NGOs, process systematization, and organizational efficiency.

Dan Radion

Board of Trustees

Engineering manager at Google. 10+ years of experience in technology and management. Educational background in computer science, business, and philosophy. Organizes conferences and Ukrainian cultural events in Switzerland.

Our operations team

Nadiia Kiriiak

Communications Manager

Mariana Yeskova

Accountant

Kateryna Babenko

Office Specialist

Hanna Holubkina

Head of Education Program

Denys Borysenko

Organizational Assistant

Our ambassadors

Our ambassadors connect the organization’s work in Ukraine with passionate people and generous partners. They organize events, speak about Ukraine, and represent Ukrainian Charity Alliance abroad.

Valentyn Bezshapkin

Ambassador

Medical doctor and bioinformatician with a focus on the microbial world. Advisory board member at the Kyiv School of Economics. Leads international research projects exploring the role of bacteria and viruses in ecosystems. Committed to building diverse and collaborative communities.

Maria Andruchiw

Ambassador

Public figure, activist and cultural manager in Poznan, Poland. Vice President of the Poland–Ukraine Socio-Cultural Association. Co-organizer and communications and marketing manager of the festival “Ukrainian Spring”. Member of the Council for the Integration of Migrants at the Poznan City Hall. Founded and manages the volunteer center “Headquarters of Angels”, which provides assistance to Ukraine (medicinal, military, paramedical, civilian). Interested in migration policy, intercultural integration, charity and cultural diplomacy.

Andriy Shalkivsky

Ambassador

Strategy consultant, active citizen. Participated in Future Leaders Exchange, helping Ukrainian students apply to US universities. Funded and sourced medical supplies for the Ukrainian Armed Forces through Nova Ukraine. Co-founded an English-speaking club for Ukrainian refugees in Copenhagen.

Our Mission

To restore the Kharkiv region through education, veteran support, infrastructure development, and emergency response, ensuring a dignified life for all.

Our Vision

A rebuilt Kharkiv region where support, knowledge, and safety are accessible to everyone.

Our reports

We take our commitment to transparency seriously and publish detailed accounts of our projects, funding, and use of funds.