Appropriateness and Impact of Cash Grants Distribution in Eastern Ukraine

This programming note assesses the appropriateness and impact of cash grants distribution in Eastern Ukraine.

Key findings

• Distribution of cash grants of US$250 – US$900 via bank transfer allowed beneficiaries to purchase or pay for a wide variety of items or services, including food, medication or medical expenses, rent/utilities, and clothing, and in doing so prioritize their household’s greatest needs. The majority of beneficiary households made purchases from three or more vendors.

• While beneficiaries rarely had problems accessing or utilizing cash transfers, the extensive documentation requirements necessary to make a transfer in accordance with Ukrainian law governing charitable giving meant that most beneficiaries received their cash grants no sooner than three weeks after they registered for support.
• Approximately 3 in 5 households receiving cash grants of US$300 were able to meet their essential needs during the three‐month period following cash grant distribution.