The Vovk Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was established in 2023 to offer assistance and support to Ukrainians and those of Ukrainian ancestry by focusing on advocacy in the following areas:

Truth Seeking

Amplifying the facts about Ukraine and Ukrainian nationalism

In 2024, we celebrated the release of National Tribune—Legacy of Liberated Nations: The Life and Ideas of Ivan Vovchuk, honoring Ukraine’s history and resilience. This achievement was highlighted by a June book launch event. Our support for Ukraine expanded with drones supplied to the 118th Mechanized Brigade and a community event for war orphans in Cherkasy. A grant from Blue Check Ukraine enabled five communal kitchens in war-torn areas. Additionally, Vovk leadership shared insights on Ukraine’s future at workshops hosted by the Center for U.S.–Ukrainian Relations, reinforcing our commitment during this critical time.

Partnerships

Working with these organizations, Vovk Foundation continues its efforts to support all five verticals, with a particular emphasis on advocacy and mitigating false propaganda.

• UKRAINE FREEDOM PROJECT
• CENTER FOR U.S.–UKRAINIAN RELATIONS
• SHEPHERD UNIVERSITY
• UKRAINIAN VENTURE CAPITAL AND PRIVATE EQUITY ASSOCIATION
• EMBASY OF UKRAINE IN THE UNITED STATES
• UKRAINE AMERICA INITIATIVE
• BROTHER’S BROTHER FOUNDATION
• ORGANIZATION FOR THE DEFENSE OF FOUR FREEDOMS OF UKRAINE

Scholarship

The foundation partnered with the UNWLA–Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, Inc., to offer a scholarship this year for students of Ukrainian descent. The scholarship was awarded to Viktoria Scherba, who is a graduate student in public policy at the University of Chicago.

National Tribune

The book National Tribune, authored by esteemed Ukrainian historian Oleh Protsenko, sheds new light on the life and legacy of Fedir Vovk (also known as Ivan Vovchuk). Vovk was a key figure in Ukraine’s struggle for freedom and independence and played a heroic role in saving Jews during the Holocaust. The book addresses long-standing Soviet propaganda that falsely portrayed Ukrainian nationalists as adversaries of the Jewish people, offering a balanced and well-researched perspective that connects Vovk’s story to broader themes in 20th-century geopolitics, including U.S.–Ukraine relations.

“We are deeply honored to announce the publication of Oleh Protsenko’s book about our grandfather, Ivan Vovchuk. As a pivotal figure in modern Ukrainian history, his legacy has inspired many. We are delighted that this book will make his remarkable story accessible to English-speaking audiences worldwide. It is a must-read for policymakers, academics, and anyone interested in the influential personalities who have shaped our history.

“We are thrilled to have partnered with Borys Lozhkin on this critical work and look forward to strengthening the Ukrainian–Jewish communities both in Ukraine and here in the United States. Telling the story of Ivan Vovchuk, who risked his life to save Jews during World War II, is a step forward in this mission.”

Fundraising and Financial Statement

Fundraising decreased in 2024 as compared to 2025, with leadership’s focus being solely dedicated to research, preparation, and publication of National Tribune. It is important to note that the investment in this project exceeded $500,000 USD. All funds for this work were provided by the Foundation’s leadership—no donated monies or related assets were used to complete this project. In 2025, fundraising efforts will resume in support of all five Foundation verticals.

In the news

• JERUSALEM POST
• CHARLESTON GAZETTE-MAIL
• NUMEROUS ON-LINE, PRINT, AND TV STATIONS IN UKRAINE
• ANTI-IMPERIAL BLOCK OF NATIONS
• WBOY-TV

Social Media

In 2024, social media channels remained a powerful way to connect with our audience. Through sharing relevant content conveying messages that resonate with our followers, we witnessed continued growth across platforms including Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. This robust network of individuals who are passionate about our cause is one we can continue to build upon in coming years.

Ukrainian leader will visit western Pennsylvania and West Virginia in mid-April

Morgantown, WV—Oleh Medunytsya, president of the Anti-imperial Bloc of Nations (ABN) and leader of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN), will visit western Pennsylvania and West Virginia later this month as a guest of the Vovk Foundation and the Organization for the Defense of Four Freedoms for Ukraine, Inc., officials announced today.

A former member of the Ukrainian Parliament and Deputy Commander during the EuroMaidan/Revolution of Dignity protests, Medunytsya made significant strides in various domains. He established the Bureau of Policy Analysis (BPA), an anti-corruption
NGO endorsed by prestigious institutions. His multifaceted leadership reflects an unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s progress, integrity, and sovereignty.

Medunytsya will participate in events in Pittsburgh, PA, and Morgantown, WV, during his two-day visit.

April 17 – Meet & Greet Fundraiser*
4:00 – 6:30 PM
Crowne Plaza Suites Pittsburgh South
164 Fort Couch Road, Bethel Park, PA 15241
*Suggested/recommended donation: $40.
Free for members of the press/media and students.

April 18 – Meet & Greet
5:00 – 7:00 PM
West Virginia University, The Mountainlair
1550 University Ave, Morgantown, WV 26506

About the Vovk Foundation

Founded in 2023, The Vovk Foundation Inc. is a registered 501c(3) nonprofit corporation with full tax-exempt status. Headquartered in Morgantown, WV, it also maintains offices in Pittsburgh, PA, and New York, NY. The Foundation’s impactful work centers around five verticals in support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people: a) Education: Fostering knowledge, skills, and opportunities for Ukrainian students. b) Entrepreneurship: Empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and promoting economic growth in Ukraine. c) Innovation: Encouraging forward-thinking solutions and technological advancements. d) Economic Rebuild: Contributing to Ukraine’s economic recovery and development, and e) Truth Telling: Shedding light on the Ukrainian nationalist movement and its enduring legacy. The Foundation has commissioned the writing of a significant book on the noted OUN leader and civic figure Ivan Vovchuk, which will be available in June 2024. For more information, visit the Vovk Foundation website at www.vovkfoundation.org

About the Organization for the Defense of Four Freedoms of Ukraine Inc.

Founded in 1946, ODFFU is a national organization dedicated to supporting the Ukrainian community in the United States. Its mission revolves around upholding and promulgating the four fundamental societal freedoms initially presented by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1941. These include: a) Freedom of Speech: Advocating for the right to express ideas and opinions without censorship or repression. b) Freedom of Conscience: Safeguarding the freedom to hold and practice one’s beliefs and values. c) Freedom from Want: Striving to alleviate poverty and ensure basic necessities for all. d) Freedom from Fear: Working to create a secure environment where individuals are free from intimidation and oppression. The organization experienced rapid growth following the passage of the Captive Nations Resolution by Congress in 1959, a significant milestone that garnered full support from then-President Eisenhower.

Contact
412-334-7555
info@vovkfoundation.org

November 20th, 2023—The Vovk Foundation is excited to announce a significant donation by the renowned American Ukrainian conductor and violinist Adrian Bryttan (www.bryttan.org). The Adrian Bryttan Stringed Instrument Collection is comprised of several 20th Century outstanding violins and violas produced by Dmytro Didtschenko, Walter Kozovsky, and Zenon Petesh in addition to other noted makers.

“We are honored to receive a gift of not only such value but of personal and artistic importance. What an amazing way to commemorate the legacy and lifetime of such an exceptional artist and close family friend in Adrian Bryttan,” states Yurij Wowczuk, Director. Planning is underway for a scholarship, competition, and instrument loan program that will be open to students and professionals of Ukrainian origin. More details to follow in early 2024.

Adrian Bryttan also noted: “I have personally known all these Ukrainian violin makers, and have been fortunate to perform on their instruments for many decades as concerto soloist, concertmaster and chamber musician. These violins and violas possess a warm round tone, and project well in the largest concert halls. Many, in fact, were made from aged Carpathian woods in Ukraine, accounting for their uniquely robust tone. I am pleased and very grateful to the Vovk Foundation for now making these fine instruments accessible to Ukrainian professional concert performers and talented students.”

For immediate release
Contact Nikki Bowman Mills, nikki@newsouthmediainc.com or call 304.413.0104