How do international and Ukrainian charities report their spending and transparency?

Digitalisation has made it easier for charities to reach donors online, but it has also created new risks. Today, almost anyone can build a website and start raising funds within hours, making it harder to distinguish a transparent nonprofit organization from a fraudulent one.

That’s why it’s important to understand how Ukrainian charities report their spending and transparency before donating. In this article, we explain the key transparency tools used by trusted charities, outline legal requirements in different countries, and share a checklist to help assess whether an organization is trustworthy. We also examine how the Children of Heroes Charity Fund aligns with these transparency standards.

Transparency tools used by trusted charities

Impact and financial reporting

Charity financial transparency is usually reflected in regular reports published on an organization’s website: monthly, quarterly, or annual. These reports show where funds come from and how they are spent. Many reports also include impact examples or testimonials to add context.

Governance disclosures

Nonprofit accountability standards also require openness about governance. This includes public information about board members, leadership teams, and key policies such as child protection, privacy, data protection, safeguarding, and ethics.

External verification

Many charities are reviewed by independent watchdogs that assess how charities report donations. These reviews help donors understand whether an organization follows basic accountability standards. Common watchdog examples include CharityWatch, Charity Navigator, Candid, and GlobalGiving.

If a charity is not listed on one of these platforms, it does not automatically mean something is wrong. In some cases, listings depend on technical or reporting factors outside the charity’s control.

Transparent communication with donors

Trusted charities communicate clearly with donors by sharing reports, updates, and explanations of their work. This information is usually available through websites, newsletters, and social media.

Legal and reporting requirements for charities in different countries

USA

In the United States, most charities are legally required to report their finances every year. They must file an annual public report – most often Form 990 – with the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). These filings disclose how much money the organization received, how it was spent, and who manages the charity. This system forms the basis of accountability in nonprofit organizations, as these reports are public by law.

In addition to Form 990, many U.S. charities are also required to undergo independent audits and comply with state-level reporting rules. Organizations that solicit donations must register and submit reports in the states where they operate, adding another layer of transparency and oversight.

UK

In the UK, charity transparency is enforced through a central regulator. All charities must submit an annual return to the Charity Commission and prepare an annual report explaining what the charity did during the year and how funds were raised and spent. Larger charities are also subject to an external audit or independent examination. All records are published in a public online register.

Ukraine

In Ukraine, the transparency and accountability of charitable organizations are regulated by the Law of Ukraine “On Charitable Activities and Charitable Organizations” and tax legislation, which define the permitted scope of charitable activities. 

Charities are required to maintain proper accounting records and submit regular financial and tax reports to the State Tax Service, including annual financial statements and reports on the use of funds and assets to confirm their nonprofit status. Depending on their size, funding sources, or legal status, some organizations may also be subject to mandatory audits under Ukrainian law.

How to identify a transparent charity: checklist

• Financial reports are up to date and publicly available
• Operational costs are openly explained
• Legal registration is stated and founding documents are accessible (charter, bylaws, or equivalent governing documents)
• Independent audits are mentioned and documented
• Leadership and board members are publicly named
• The organization clearly explains what it does
• Impact is shown with specific examples or numbers
• Partners are named and publicly confirmable
• Ratings, recognitions, or watchdog listings are linked
• References come from credible outlets
• Clear and up-to-date contact information is publicly available (physical address, phone number, and email)
• The organization maintains an active and regularly updated website with current information about its activities and operations

Red flags to pay attention to

• No financial reports on the website
• Founding documents (such as a charter or bylaws) are not publicly available on the website
• No physical address or up-to-date contact information is provided, or the organization does not respond when contacted
• Operational or administrative costs are unclear
• Leadership or board members are not disclosed
• Emotional messaging replaces facts and numbers
• Awards, ratings, or partners are mentioned without proof
• Content is outdated

One or two red flags do not automatically indicate wrongdoing. However, they are a reason to look closer and verify the information more carefully.

Myths about charity transparency

The more reports, the better

A large number of reports does not automatically mean a charity is transparent. Dozens of PDF files can still hide unclear spending or vague impact claims.

Transparency means “100% of donations go directly to beneficiaries”

Operational costs cover staff, systems, and administrative expenses that make an organization’s work possible. Cutting these costs too far can reduce a charity’s ability to provide support effectively.

Audits guarantee impact and effectiveness

An audit confirms that financial statements are accurate and prepared correctly. It does not assess whether programs are effective or well-designed.

Why Children of Heroes is a transparent Ukrainian charity

Children of Heroes is one of the verified charities helping Ukrainian children affected by war. The nonprofit provides long-term support to children who have lost one or both parents as a result of the ongoing conflict.

Founded in 2022, the organization has earned the trust of thousands of families by providing consistent support during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.

Legitimate organization

The nonprofit officially operates in three countries: Ukraine, the USA, and the Netherlands. 

• The Ukrainian entity, UCF “Children of Heroes” is registered in Ukraine and included in the Register of Non-Profit Institutions and Organizations. Constituent documents for the Ukrainian entity are publicly available on the website.
• The US entity, The Children of Heroes of Ukraine Foundation, is registered as a Section 501(c)(3) and has been granted tax-exempt status by the IRS.
• The Netherlands entity, Stichting Children of Heroes of Ukraine, is recognized as an ANBI organization, which confirms its public-benefit status under Dutch law.

Regular reporting

Children of Heroes is a transparent Ukrainian charity that regularly reports on its activities and results. Monthly and annual reports, along with financial statements and audit reports, are publicly available on the website.

Transparent expense structure

In 2024, the Children of Heroes Charity Fund allocated its expenses across three main categories:

• 77% to assistance programs
• 14% to fundraising and marketing
• 9% to general and administrative expenses

These statements were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and audited by CROWE ERFOLG UKRAINE LLC, an independent audit firm and a member of Crowe Global.

Recognition and external affiliations

Children of Heroes holds a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, an Effective Organization badge from GlobalGiving, and is a member of Eurochild – a European network focused on children’s rights and well-being.

Coverage by reputable media outlets

Stories about children supported by the Fund have appeared in international media, including The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Times, and Bild. Such coverage places Children of Heroes among trusted Ukrainian charities that are regularly reviewed by independent media outlets.

Leadership and board members are publicly named

You can see the Board of Directors and Supervisory Board members, as well as the Fund’s management team, on the website.

Internal policies

Children of Heroes maintains policies on conflicts of interest, ethics, financial control, safeguarding, and whistleblowing. These policies define how decisions are made, how risks are identified, and how concerns can be raised and addressed, supporting charity transparency in Ukraine and abroad.

Clear and regular communication

Supporters can find all essential information on the website. In addition, the Fund uses social media channels and a newsletter to share updates, impact stories, and current needs, ensuring clear communication with international donors supporting Ukraine’s charity.

Conclusion

Understanding Ukrainian charities’ transparency helps donors feel more confident about where their support is going. When a charity openly shares how it works and how funds are used, it builds trust. Taking a few minutes to review this information makes it easier to choose organizations that operate honestly and effectively, and to support those who really need it.

FAQ

What does the Children of Heroes Charity Fund do?

Children of Heroes Charity Fund supports Ukrainian children who have lost one or both parents due to the war. The Fund provides long-term assistance focused on psychological support, education, socialization, and meeting essential needs, helping children heal and build a stable future. As of January 2026, the Fund supports more than 15,000 children across Ukraine.

Is Children of Heroes a legitimate nonprofit organization?

Yes. Children of Heroes is a registered nonprofit organization with legal entities in Ukraine, the United States, and the Netherlands. Registration details are publicly available, as well as the constituent documents for the Ukrainian entity.

How does Children of Heroes ensure funds are used responsibly?

The Fund regularly shares impact and financial reports, undergoes independent audits, and follows internal compliance policies.

How can international donors support Children of Heroes?

To support the Fund’s mission, you can:

• make a one-time donation
• become a monthly supporter
• start a fundraiser
• help spread the word on social media

All options are available through the Fund’s official website.

Are donations to Children of Heroes tax-deductible?

Yes, in many countries.

• United States: donations are tax-deductible through the Fund’s 501(c)(3) registered organization.
• Netherlands: donations are tax-deductible via the Dutch ANBI entity (childrenheroes.nl).
• European Union: tax relief may apply when donating via the Dutch ANBI entity, depending on your country.
• Canada, United Kingdom, Switzerland, and others: tax-deductible options may be available through partner organizations.

For country-specific details, please contact [email protected].