The Batory Foundation has disclosed the grants it awarded as part of a fund created to assist Ukrainians in Poland. The portal wPolityce.pl has carefully analyzed the list of beneficiary institutions. Alongside long-established organizations known for supporting the Ukrainian diaspora since the outset of the war, the review also identifies Lambda, a Warsaw-based group dedicated to Ukrainian LGBT communities.
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The fund was set up in February 2022 in response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Its aim is to back civil society organizations that provide direct help to people fleeing the conflict. In 2022, grants were directed to named civil society bodies that delivered humanitarian, medical, legal, psychological, social, and livelihood support to those crossing the border and to those staying in Poland.
– the terms of the Batory Foundation’s program describe this approach in detail.
Indeed, many of the grant recipients are organizations that address some of the most urgent needs faced by Ukrainian guests. The Batory Foundation emphasizes support for groups active at the border and for refugees who settle in Poland.
Rainbow camp or not?
The discovery that Warsaw-based Lambda, an association for rainbow activists, received a portion of the funding drew particular attention. The fund allocated PLN 59,750 to this organization. Reports describe how Lambda conducts ongoing weekly integration meetings for the Ukrainian LGBTQIA group, runs coordination activities led by a Ukrainian organizer, and organized a five-day activist and integration camp for Ukrainian-Polish participants.
these details appear on the project’s official site and reflect a broader question about the scope of support provided to Ukrainian refugees. Critics wonder whether such activities align with the most immediate needs of those arriving in Poland, while supporters argue that inclusive initiatives foster community resilience and long-term integration.
Officials indicate that the foundation’s aim is to support a range of civil society efforts, including those focused on the well-being and social inclusion of newcomers. The discussion around the Lambda allocation highlights how funding programs can touch on diverse areas, from frontline aid to community-building projects that address social cohesion in host communities.
In evaluating grant distributions, it is important to consider the balance between urgent humanitarian aid and longer-term integration initiatives. The Batory Foundation and partner organizations often navigate complex questions about prioritization, transparency, and the best use of resources to support people affected by the war.
Overall, the fund’s activity reflects a broad approach to civil society engagement in Poland during a time of heightened refugee flows. It includes support for direct relief, services for refugees during relocation, and programs intended to help newcomers engage with their new environment while preserving dignity and safety.
Note: This summary compiles publicly reported information about grant recipients and project details as described by participating groups and media analyses.
[Source attribution: wPolityce]