Through enhanced subsidies and benefits, seven communities across the Kyiv, Cherkasy, Vinnytsia, and Sumy regions will receive over ₴11.5 million to implement projects focused on energy efficiency, veteran reintegration, and youth sports development. This initiative is part of the pilot competition titled "Growing Together with MHP", jointly organized by the MHP company and the BF "MHP - Communities".
Key Innovations in Subsidies and Benefits
The government has implemented several key changes to the subsidy framework to better support families during martial law:
Exemption of Generator Costs: Families purchasing a generating plant for electricity production can now exclude costs up to ₴150,000 from subsidy eligibility. Additionally, a one-time payment of up to ₴150,000 on a loan for such purchases will not be considered when assigning subsidies. This measure aims to make alternative energy solutions more accessible without affecting the financial support families receive.
Maintenance of Subsidy Amounts: During martial law, if a family's electricity consumption decreases due to power disconnections, their utility subsidy or benefit will remain at the previously established amount, ensuring consistent financial support.
Increased Maximum Purchase Amount: The maximum purchase amount influencing subsidy allocation has been doubled from ₴50,000 to ₴100,000, allowing families to invest in higher-quality or more efficient energy systems.
Overview of the "Growing Together with MHP" Contest
The "Growing Together with MHP" contest aims to foster community-driven projects that enhance energy efficiency, support veterans, and promote youth sports development. From June to November 2024, over 40 community leaders, including council secretaries, elders, and deputies, participated in the School of Leaders training program. This program equipped participants with skills in team collaboration, grant project creation, and professional development, culminating in the submission of 19 grant applications totaling nearly ₴40 million.
Selection of Winning Communities
On November 9, seven communities were selected to receive over ₴11.5 million for their respective projects. These projects focus on creating energy-independent educational institutions, multifunctional spaces for veterans, and modern sports facilities for youth. The allocation includes a ₴5.2 million grant from the BF "MHP - Communities" foundation.
Highlighted Projects
Baryshiv Community - "Light Education"
- Objective: Install a solar power plant on the roof of the "Mriya" extracurricular activity center.
- Impact: Provides energy-saving equipment to ensure uninterrupted educational processes during power outages.
- Budget: ₴1.9 million
Kaniv Community - "Center of Life Resilience"
- Objective: Create a veteran's space offering psychosocial support to veterans, military personnel, and their families.
- Impact: Facilitates adaptation to civilian life and community integration.
- Budget: ₴1.4 million
Tarashchyna Community - "Source of Life"
- Objective: Install a 30 kW hybrid solar power plant at the local water supply station.
- Impact: Ensures uninterrupted water supply to over 2,000 families and 101 organizations.
- Budget: ₴1.5 million
Myroniv Community - "Veteran Pro"
- Objective: Develop a multifunctional veteran's space providing psychological, social, legal assistance, and professional adaptation.
- Impact: Supports the physical, psychological, and social rehabilitation of veterans.
- Budget: ₴2.4 million
Bobrytsk Community - "Safe Stops: Solar Energy"
- Objective: Install solar-powered street lighting at 18 stops across 5 settlements.
- Impact: Increases energy efficiency and safety within the community.
- Budget: ₴1.1 million
Bershad Community - "Svoy do svoj po svoj"
- Objective: Establish a veteran space "Svoi" in Balanivka, including a gym, public workshop, and recreational areas.
- Impact: Provides facilities for physical therapy, psychological counseling, and group activities for veterans.
- Budget: ₴1.5 million
Khmeliv Community - "Kozatsky Gart"
- Objective: Create a modern sports youth space equipped with 15 street simulators.
- Impact: Promotes physical development and provides safe recreational spaces for young people.
- Budget: ₴1.4 million
Statements from Officials
Pavlo Moroz, Director of the Department of Corporate Social Responsibility at MHP, emphasized the importance of strategic cooperation:
"Cooperation between business, government, and communities should be strategic and aimed at long-term sustainable effect. Investments in training and professional development ensure the creation of a strong foundation for regional development."
Tetiana Marena, Vice-Rector for Scientific and Pedagogical Work at Moscow State University, highlighted the significance of the initiative:
"We are glad that our cooperation will help communities implement specific projects that will improve services on the ground, making communities safer and more efficient."
Strategic Importance of the Initiative
The Green Transition Office, supported by the Ministry of Economic Development, plays a crucial role in implementing these projects. By fostering collaboration between business, government, and local communities, the initiative aims to create sustainable and energy-efficient environments, support veteran reintegration, and promote youth sports development. These projects not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also contribute to the broader goals of economic development and EU integration.
Conclusion
The "Growing Together with MHP" contest and the subsequent allocation of over ₴11.5 million to seven communities mark a significant step forward in Ukraine's efforts to promote energy efficiency, support veterans, and develop youth sports facilities. With the backing of the Ministry of Economic Development, MHP company, and the BF "MHP - Communities" foundation, these projects are set to bring about meaningful and lasting improvements to the targeted communities, fostering a more resilient and self-sufficient Ukraine.
