Andrii Matiukha and Favbet Foundation: Building bridges to support Ukraine

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Favbet Foundation — originally a corporate philanthropic initiative — underwent a rapid and decisive transformation. Founded in 2020 by Ukrainian entrepreneur Andrii Matiukha, the foundation initially focused on empowering youth through education and sports. But as the war escalated, it swiftly redirected its priorities to support Ukraine’s military defence and provide vital aid to civilians caught in the conflict.

“Our work has taken on new meaning,” says Andrii Matiukha. “When we see where we can help — we act. We have the team, the resources, and the partners. That’s the mission of Favbet Foundation.” Under his leadership, the organization evolved from a CSR project within the FAVBET group into a critical humanitarian force — active both inside Ukraine and across borders.

Mobilizing support abroad: The Croatian humanitarian corridor

One of the most impactful examples of Favbet Foundation’s international reach is its collaboration with partners in Croatia. Leveraging Favbet’s presence in several European countries, including a strong footprint in Croatia, Andrii Matiukha activated his business and civic networks to mobilize sustained support for Ukraine.

In partnership with Croatian volunteer group Dobro Dobrim, the foundation established a humanitarian logistics corridor connecting Zagreb and Ukraine. In late 2023, this partnership culminated in a 150-ton relief convoy — a shipment that included food, clothing, hygiene products, and 13,000 kg of surgical disinfectants for Ukrainian hospitals. The aid reached thousands of internally displaced people and healthcare institutions under strain from the ongoing war.

One of the most impactful examples of Favbet Foundation’s international reach is its collaboration with partners in Croatia.

This was part of an ongoing effort. Earlier in 2023, following the Kakhovka Dam disaster, which displaced thousands in southern Ukraine, Dobro Dobrim and Crvena Kalyna, supported by Favbet Foundation, coordinated another shipment of over 11 tons of humanitarian supplies to aid victims from the Kherson region.

Caring for Ukrainian refugees in Croatia

Beyond delivering aid into Ukraine, the foundation has prioritized helping Ukrainians displaced abroad — particularly in Croatia.

Beyond delivering aid into Ukraine, the foundation has prioritized helping Ukrainians displaced abroad — particularly in Croatia. In April 2022, Favbet Foundation helped establish an Adaptation Center in Zagreb, offering refugees free Croatian and English language lessons, legal counselling, psychological support, and essential humanitarian aid.

In recognition of its impact, the Adaptation Center was awarded the Responsible Country prize in 2023 by Ukraine’s MMR portal, naming it the year’s top original charitable initiative.

Matiukha’s vision for helping Ukrainians also emphasizes restoring a sense of community. In June 2023, the Zagreb-based Ukrainian organization Crvena Kalyna — with his direct participation — hosted a sports festival that brought together over 450 displaced Ukrainians, mostly mothers and children, for a day of games, bonding, and relief from daily stress.

This support remains consistent. Around St. Nicholas Day, Andrii Matiukha personally helped organize a festive celebration in Zagreb for Ukrainian children, delivering gifts and joy at a time when many families were still struggling to adapt to life far from home.

Sports as a path to healing and dignity

A passionate advocate for sport’s power to heal and unite, Andrii Matiukha has made physical activity a cornerstone of the foundation’s programming.

A passionate advocate for sport’s power to heal and unite, Andrii Matiukha has made physical activity a cornerstone of the foundation’s programming. In May 2023, he sponsored a Ukrainian team of war veterans to participate in the RideLondon cycling challenge. Three athletes — all injured in the war — represented their country on the international stage, riding alongside thousands through the streets of London.

Favbet Foundation’s engagement with veteran rehabilitation predates the invasion. In 2021, it backed the Ukrainian Invictus Games team, supporting wounded soldiers through competitive sport. That experience shaped the foundation’s wartime strategy: in the first weeks of the invasion, Matiukha and his team established two separate hubs — one focused on humanitarian support and evacuations, the other on military logistics and assistance.

Private philanthropy with global impact

The work of Andrii Matiukha and Favbet Foundation offers a powerful example of how private philanthropic organizations can complement international aid in times of crisis.

The work of Andrii Matiukha and Favbet Foundation offers a powerful example of how private philanthropic organizations can complement international aid in times of crisis. While states and large NGOs often dominate the field, Favbet Foundation has demonstrated the unique strengths of nimble, business-led initiatives — able to quickly identify needs, mobilize networks, and deliver results.

From a refugee support centre in Zagreb to large-scale humanitarian shipments across Europe, and from sports rehabilitation programs to cultural community-building, the foundation has brought practical help and emotional relief to thousands — from Kharkiv to Croatia.

Now in 2025, Favbet Foundation is no longer responding solely to emergencies. Under Matiukha’s guidance, it is developing long-term programs that aim to support Ukraine’s recovery and resilience — wherever Ukrainians may be.