Greetings, I’m Matt Kriteman, leading the Humanitarian Response efforts at Help Ukraine 22 (HU22). Our organization was born out of necessity when a coalition of American and Ukrainian experts fled to Poland just days before the war began.
Matt Kriteman, Head of Humanitarian Response at Help Ukraine 22 via Help Ukraine 22
Impact of HU22 in Ukraine’s Conflict
Within two days of the war’s outbreak, HU22 issued its inaugural humanitarian microgrant. These microgrants have proven to be the swiftest and most effective means of filling critical gaps in Ukraine’s international humanitarian response.
We operate exclusively as a humanitarian initiative, catering primarily to internally displaced persons (IDPs)—now comprising over one-third of Ukraine’s population. This includes vulnerable groups such as women, children, the disabled, and the elderly.
Agility and Operational Efficiency with ClickUp
Our operational agility is vital, especially during a conflict where needs evolve rapidly. ClickUp has been instrumental in enabling us to match the pace of the war without being bogged down by administrative complexities. Every aspect of our work, from documentation to aggregation, is seamlessly managed within ClickUp.
From February 26th onwards, our achievements include:
- 119 Projects Executed
- Direct Beneficiaries: 386,953 individuals
- Total Grant Disbursed: $1,157,965
- Total Aid (including supplies and medical equipment): $1,793,041
Prioritizing Operational Optimization
The decision to prioritize operational optimization came swiftly as our funding grew exponentially from $20,000 to $1 million USD between March and April. We received 150 humanitarian grant requests during this period, necessitating immediate action.
Earlier, I had been in Eastern Ukraine managing a US-funded youth engagement project. Despite the looming threat of invasion, I had the foresight to trial ClickUp for its task breakdown capabilities and donor reporting features. This decision proved pivotal when urgent calls from my superiors and the US State Department prompted my immediate departure from Ukraine.
Enabling Efficient Humanitarian Aid Delivery
Setting up operations rapidly amidst chaos, ClickUp’s structured hierarchy allowed us to effectively manage large sums of money across numerous projects. This microgrant strategy, now adopted by major players like the UN and Save the Children, underscores our role as pioneers in swift humanitarian aid delivery.
Ensuring Accountability and Efficiency
Humanitarian efforts demand stringent accountability and efficiency, areas where ClickUp excels. Integrating data from tools like Jotform ensures secure, personalized communication at critical project milestones, facilitating legal compliance and document management.
Sustaining Team Alignment and Productivity
Navigating the complexities of wartime operations requires robust team alignment and motivation. ClickUp’s Dashboard, List view, and task-specific insights enable real-time monitoring and comprehensive reporting to stakeholders and donors alike.
Managing Microgrants with Precision
Our microgrant management process is streamlined through ClickUp’s Kanban Board, allowing for personalized email automation and efficient follow-up. This approach saves significant time and enhances transparency throughout project lifecycles.
Upholding Humanitarian Principles
Beyond operational efficiencies, ClickUp supports our mission to uphold humanitarian principles amid crisis. It enables swift, effective aid distribution while fostering trust and transparency with local partners and beneficiaries.
Future Directions in Humanitarian Action
Looking ahead, the intersection of technology and academia will redefine humanitarian action. ClickUp’s role in empowering agile, accountable humanitarian efforts exemplifies this evolution, supporting our commitment to aiding over 380,000 vulnerable individuals in Ukraine.
Matt Kriteman Head of Humanitarian Response Help Ukraine 22
Our journey with ClickUp began with a plea for assistance during Ukraine’s darkest hour. Their unwavering support has empowered us to focus on our mission—helping those in need, without compromise.