PARASOL Project: Unleashing the Potential of Odesa Communities for Effective Recovery and Sustainable Development!

We are pleased to present the results of an important pilot study: “The Recovery Capacity of Ukrainian Communities: A Tool for the Effective Use of International Aid,” conducted by the RcErBs Lubny Foundation in collaboration with the NGO “BOTTOM UP” as part of the PARASOL project, supported by Bankwatch Network and Global Greengrants Fund.

This study represents a key step toward understanding the true potential of small and medium-sized communities in Odesa Oblast in the context of post-war recovery and effective engagement of international assistance.

The goal of the PARASOL project is to assess the institutional capacity of communities with populations under 150,000 using an updated and improved methodology that reflects the modern challenges of war and the needs of recovery. The previous methodology, developed before the war, is no longer relevant. Therefore, the PARASOL team has introduced new, more rigorous criteria, including:

• Organizational Capacity: Flexibility, adaptability to change, availability and updating of strategic documents, and the level of corruption risks.

• Financial Capacity: The ability to form and effectively utilize budgets and attract international financial and technical support.

• Social and Human Resource Capacity: Socio-economic development, availability of qualified personnel (especially in project management), integration of internally displaced persons (IDPs), support for veterans, and access to services.

• Infrastructure Capacity: Condition, wear and damage of infrastructure, implementation of modernization projects, access to renewable energy sources, and digital transformation.

• Communication Capacity: Cooperation with neighboring communities and international partners, creative initiatives, and openness to the public.

Research in Odesa Oblast:

As of July 1, 2025, 89 communities in Odesa Oblast were assessed using five groups of criteria and 35 indicative indicators. This report presents a detailed analysis of the findings. It is worth noting that this is the third pilot study conducted during wartime, following successful assessments in Dnipropetrovsk and Kirovohrad regions.

Key findings highlight both strengths and challenges:

• Transparency Issues: Outdated contact information, obsolete data on official websites, and missing full versions of strategic documents. Only 25% of communities submitted completed questionnaires, requiring substantial effort to gather data from open sources for the remaining 75%.

• Lack of Understanding of Importance: Some communities do not fully recognize the significance of such assessments for attracting investments and planning recovery efforts.

• Outdated Strategies: Many strategic documents have not been updated to reflect post-war recovery needs, which is critical for the effective use of aid.

Rating Results:

Despite the challenges, the study provides a clear picture of the institutional capacity of Odesa communities. The Top 10 leaders include: Dobroslavska (93.70 points), Katlabuzka (87.18), Avanhardivska (82.57), Krasnosilska (82.42), and Chornomorska (city) (79.99).

In total, 13 communities scored between 70 and 90 points, indicating high potential. 43 communities (48%) fall into the medium category with scores between 50 and 70 points. 30 communities scored below average (30–50 points), while two communities — Uspenivska and Rozkvitivska — scored below 30, highlighting the urgent need for targeted support.

Why Institutional Capacity Is the Key to Success:

This rating is more than just numbers — it’s a practical tool for communities to:

• Understand their strengths and weaknesses: Identify areas for improvement.

• Make informed decisions: Base recovery and development strategies on objective data.

• Effectively attract investments: Position themselves as reliable and capable partners for international aid and private investors.

• Increase resilience: Be prepared for shocks, ensure quick recovery, and safeguard the social and economic well-being of residents.

The PARASOL project continues its work, expanding research to other regions of Ukraine. Our goal is to create a comprehensive picture of community capacity to ensure the most efficient use of resources for recovery and sustainable development.

We invite community representatives, international partners, entrepreneurs, and all interested parties to explore the full report here. And additions.

Your participation and feedback are incredibly valuable for our shared future!