Our mission
We empower local groups with funds and expertise, ensuring quick, effective action and accountability in meeting critical needs.
Supporting women and children in conflict zones to enable healthy, democratic societies and shape a better world.
Why
Ukraine?
Currently, our main focus is on Ukraine, as it is at the center of crucial geopolitical challenges. The support we offer goes beyond aid; it is a strategic investment in global stability.
/01
Geopolitical significance
The outcome of the war in Ukraine extends beyond its borders, influencing global stability and democratic values. By supporting Ukraine, we contribute to a broader effort to maintain peace and security in a region pivotal to the world's geopolitical balance.
/02
Effective local partnerships
Ukraine's resilient local organizations and communities have proven their capacity to create significant change. Our support here is not just a donation; it's a working together and investment that amplifies impact, ensuring that every dollar spent maximizes the result.
/03
Safeguarding the future
In the face of attempts to dismantle not only Ukraine's essential facilities but also its social fabric, cultural heritage and the very foundations of its prosperity, particularly targeting the youngest generation and women, The Humanity Funds empowers Ukraine's women and children for success post-conflict, directly countering the adversaries' destructive aims.
Our values
compass
Guiding principles
for every project
Shaping tomorrow
Our focus lies in initiatives with enduring, meaningful impact, poised to shape global geopolitics for generations to come.
Mastering results
We maintain effectiveness through constant expert assessment, providing detailed project analysis for donors to make sure impact is measured, lasting and achieves its set goals
Empowering change
We prioritize projects where we can achieve the greatest impact by not simply providing donations but by creating the projects together with the beneficiaries thus maximing project impact. It's an investment into the local capabilities rooted in the believe that lasting impact requires individuals and local organisations to take charge. Our experiences and data show that every project has the potential to drive positive, sustainable change with the potential to scale.
Transparency and integrity
There are no compromises: Everything we do and everything our empowered partners, individuals and organisations do has to be in compliance with all applicable law and regulations. To ensure no escapes, we include frequent personal check-ins, many conversations and feedback mechanism with the local individuals and organizations with which we work. If we see any issues, we will address them. For our donors and stakeholders, we will provide detailed information about our operations, compliance, finances, strategy and impact, upholding the highest standards of integrity.
Taking Charge
We ensure project sustainability through careful selection of partners and close collaboration with local organizations and individuals. We aim to empower and achieve maxime impact by providing access to global networks, connections and mentors. Our support is not provided in a vacuum but accompanied by a framework of broader suppport.
Full dedication
We fully devote ourselves to our mission, leaving behind previous roles to fully focus on our work with unwavering passion.
Meet our Team
Founders & Leaders
Silke Johnstone
CEO, CO-FOUNDER
Seeing the Berlin Wall fall in 1989 showed me how powerful democracy can be. That moment, and my work since, drives my deep commitment to what we do: Marking the world a better place by working together, using networks and involving all levels of society to implement thoughtful humanitarian projects using the power of diversity and human determination.
Silke Johnstone
CEO, CO-FOUNDER
Silke is a former aerospace executive and trained US and European lawyer. She started her humanitarian work as a Board Member and later CEO of a US non-profit active in Afghanistan. Silke currently lives in Edmonds with her husband L. Craig Johnstone and daughter Maxime M Johnstone.
L. Craig Johnstone
CO-FOUNDER
My journey started back in Vietnam, 1965, working hands-on with refugees. Those five years were more than a job; they shaped who I am, leading me to serve at the UN as a deputy high commissioner for refugees. Inspired by those impactful years, I co-founded The Humanity Funds, pouring my heart into continuing this work that means so much to me.
L. Craig Johnstone
CO-FOUNDER
A former US Ambassador, Director for Resources, Plans and Policy in the Office of the Secretary of State and UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees. He lives in Edmonds, is married to Silke Johnstone and has four children.
Nataliia Parkhomenko
Deputy of the Director responsible for all Women and girls related projects in Ukraine
Nataliia is Tetiana’s Deputy. She is an experienced professional with a strong background in logistics. She has a proven track record in managing personnel and building relabiale relationships with Ukrainian and international partners. Nataliia is fluent in Ukrainian and Russian and proficient in English.
Tetiana Morozova
Director responsible for all Women and girls related projects in Ukraine
Tetiana is the Director responsible for all women and girls related projects in Ukraine as well as all organizational matters of The Humanity Funds in Ukraine. Tetiana is a results-oriented leader with a strong international business background specializing in complex export/import transactions. Tetiana is fluent in Ukrainian, Russian and English, with basic knowledge of Spanish.
Nicole Vandenberg
PR/MARKETING/COMMUNICATION MANAGER
Nicole is the head of Vandenberg Communications. She has developed campaigns for a wide range of clients including Gloria Steinem, Fleet Foxes, Kevin Morby, Voters for Choice, Vote for Change, Choice USA, Pyramid Communications, Hedgebrook women writers retreat, Music For America, West Memphis Three, glassybaby, Nordstrom and Sub Pop. Nicole lives in Seattle.
Janet M Trowbridge
BOARD MEMBER
Janet is a board certified dermatologist with 19 years of experience in research, clinical medicine and drug development both in academia, private practice and in the industry. She has been engaged in non-profit work and particularly in support of children in Ukraine for many years. Janet resides in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband and has three children.
Erik Schumy
BOARD MEMBER
Erik is a former United States Air Force pilot and Chief Pilot for various VIP flight departments. He has travelled extensively and has supported humanitarian projects in Europe and Afghanistan. Erik’s main base is Seattle.
Chef Jason Wilson
BOARD MEMBER
Jason is a James Beard Award-winning Chef who owns the restaurant Lakehouse in Bellevue, WA. Other endeavors include Civility & Unrest, Cedar + Elm restaurant at The Lodge at St. Edward State Park and the former and critically-acclaimed Crush. Wilson has developed Coffee Flour, the next global superfood and global impact food, and much more.
Contact Us
Our reports
Explore detailed accounts of our activities and impact.
Trip Report to Ukraine: Second Visit
APRIL, 2023
Trip Report to Ukraine: Third Visit
OCTOBER, 2023
Trip Report to Ukraine: Fourth Visit
JUNE, 2024
Trip Report to Ukraine: Fifth Visit
OCTOBER, 2024
The Humanity Funds
in numbers
X4
Revenue growth in 2023 over 2022
10
Projects accomplished
8
Projects running
8
Local partners in Ukraine and Europe
3
Heating and communications points for up to 1350 people
3
International Benefit Concerts
1
Documentary short
Maximizing impact
through local collaboration
We collaborate with leading local organizations to maximize the rate of return of our humanitarian programs, leveraging deep understanding of community needs for greater effectiveness.
How we workOur Funds
The Afghanistan fund
Promoting and supporting women’s and girls’ education in Afghanistan to overcome challenges and provide positive leadership.
The emergency relief fund
Fund for rapid response to tomorrow’s unforeseen crises.
The greatest need fund
Greatest Need Fund is our primary source for addressing urgent needs through flexible and dynamic resource allocation across all initiatives.
The Ukraine fund
Addressing the needs from the war in Ukraine, making a strategic investment in global stability.