Since the Ukrainian National Foundation was created by the Ukrainian National Association, various funds have been established by caring and dedicated individuals. The UNF permits each donor to specifically allocate his or her donation to a particular fund or the general fund, depending on which he prefers. The UNF can also create specific funds to suit an individual’s request. Thus, the UNF and its donors have a true partnership in enriching our communities.

Please note the following established funds:

• UNF Press Fund – funds earmarked for either Svoboda or The Ukrainian Weekly enable these newspapers to continue their unique service. Svoboda, founded in 1893, is the oldest continuously published Ukrainian-language publication in the world. The Ukrainian Weekly was established in 1933 to serve as a forum in which American-born generations could express themselves. Here these generations can familiarize themselves with Ukrainian history, culture and tradition, and keep up with the most current information on national and political struggles.

• UNF Scholarship Fund – several particular scholarship funds have been established and these are distributed yearly through the UNA Scholarship Program. By creating a specific individual fund, one can memorialize a fund, specify a particular study or designate other criteria. All student members of the Ukrainian National Association qualify for these scholarships.

• UNF Soyuzivka Fund – all donations are allocated to educational and cultural programs established at Soyuzivka and capital projects where indicated. The mission is to create a vibrant center responsible for cultural, educational, athletic, artistic and informational programs for the Ukrainian diaspora community and for those wanting to learn about Ukraine and its culture. Through its programs, the Soyuzivka Heritage Center seeks to achieve its key goal: preservation and development of the cultural identity of the Ukrainian people in the countries of their residence.

In facilitating the transmission of knowledge about the Ukrainian heritage and traditions, the Soyuzivka Heritage Center promotes self-esteem and pride among Americans of Ukrainian descent. The center also improves understanding among all Americans in the great cultural mosaic of the United States and encourages an appreciation of Ukraine, its traditions, history and contributions around the world.

In recent years Soyuzivka has seen a substantial growth in the numbers of children who participate in camp programs, such as the Heritage Camp, where children of Ukrainian descent learn about the culture of their ancestors. Over 600 children participated in the various camp programs at Soyuzivka during the summer of 2009 alone.

The Ukrainian National Foundation also organizes the Ukrainian Cultural Festival at Soyuzivka, which showcases local talent, allows for the best talent of Ukraine to bring their music and song to an American public and provides a forum through “Family Day” for amateur groups and children throughout the United States to perform and experience their unique Ukrainian Heritage.

Within the UNF Soyuzivka Fund, separate funds exist for special projects and interests.

The Dance Academy Fund helps the propagation of the Ukrainian folk dancing through dance camp programs, in partnership with the Roma Pryma Bohachevsky Dance Academy. A recent project included the installation of a specially padded floor, designed specifically for dancers. Part of this program includes scholarships to the Soyuzivka Summer Dance Workshop.

The Soyuzivka Sports Fund is dedicated to maintaining sports programs at Soyuzivka. This year, the foundation commenced plans to build a full-size soccer field to be used by the Sports Camp Program.

• UNF Ostroh Academy Preparatory Program Fund – sponsors a one-year academic preparatory program for students from rural schools for entrance into the National University of Ostroh Academy.

• UNF Ostroh Academy Fund – sponsors exceptional students who cannot financially afford to attend the university and expends money for the building of a state-of-the-art library.

• UNF General Fund – funds that are not specifically earmarked are allocated to various educational, cultural and humanitarian causes, for example, publishing children’s literature, aiding victims of the natural and man-made disasters (such as recent floods in the Zakarpattia region, mining accidents in the Donbas) and many other projects).

Remember: The UNF depends upon public donations to continue its work. Thank you for your continuing support of the Ukrainian National Foundation!

Our donors are very important to us.

Please feel free to contact Roma Lisovich at 973-292-9800 or via e-mail at una@unamember.com.