The First Two Days of the Camp: New Connections, Team Spirit, and a Dive into Fundraising

On 11 August, the second training camp within the project “Together We Are Powerful: Capacity Building for NGOs of People with Disabilities” was launched in Lviv region. Leaders and activists from seven regions of Ukraine gathered together to exchange experience, strengthen their organizations, and learn new tools for resource mobilization.

The first day focused on introductions and building a friendly atmosphere. After settling in, participants and trainers agreed on working rules, shared expectations, and presented the activities of their organizations. The evening was spent actively – wellness exercises, swimming pool time – everything needed to recharge for the days ahead.

The second day was a true deep dive into fundraising. Participants learned about sources of funding, types of resources and the fundraising ecosystem, developed an “Organizational Strength Map,” and began working on their own strategies for attracting support.

“We deliberately chose the camp format rather than a standard training,” says project coordinator Yurii Vasylchenko. “In such an environment, participants not only gain knowledge, but also have the time and space for live communication, experience-sharing, and building partnerships. This camp is about mutual support and about the idea that we are stronger together. Participants will not only learn – they will generate shared ideas which, I am sure, will be brought to life.”

The day concluded with practical exercises: potential donor analysis, mapping resources, shaping messages and organizational values. The evening once again focused on rest and informal networking – which has already begun evolving into partnership initiatives.

The project “Together We Are Powerful: Capacity Building of Public Organizations of People with Disabilities” is implemented by the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine (NAPD) in partnership with the humanitarian organization “People in Need” and with financial support from the people of the Czech Republic.