Home / About us
About us
From emergency aid for refugees to a lasting platform for social and cultural projects — the story of the Stock Foundation.
From emergency aid for refugees to a lasting platform for social and cultural projects — the story of the Stock Foundation.
The impetus to set up a charitable foundation came from the sudden influx of huge numbers of refugees from Ukraine, triggered by the Russian attack on 24 February 2022. Aware of the anticipated long-lasting conflict, we decided to set up a foundation to support Ukrainian refugees, particularly in Lublin, due to its close proximity to the Ukrainian border.
Since the beginning of the war, the City of Lublin was one of the major reception points for Ukrainian refugees and became one of the biggest refugee clusters in Poland. It has taken in over a million people, and approximately 60 thousand have stayed in Lublin permanently.
From its inception, the Stock Foundation focused on alleviating the crisis resulting from the influx of refugees — providing aid to schools accommodating refugee children, offering psychological support to those traumatized by the conflict, and facilitating employment opportunities for those affected.
To achieve its objectives, the Foundation launched the "Spirit of Ukraine" program in Lublin — a multi-faceted approach to help refugees find safety, work and community.
Therapies led by qualified psychologists, providing emotional support and tools to cope with the trauma of war, in a safe space for open communication.
Regular meetings for refugees, offering opportunities to connect with employers and help with immigration issues — an inclusive platform to share experiences.
Funding music education for talented Ukrainian children, enabling them to pursue their passion, and supporting music teachers in their careers.
Office and computer skills, plus barista and baker courses — trades that Lublin actually hires for. They raise refugees’ chances of employment and independence.
Donations of equipment and materials for schools, supporting the integration of refugee children into the school community.
Language courses for refugees, helping them integrate and increase their communication skills.
We funded additional Ukrainian-speaking staff for the city helpline, so that newcomers could ask about anything in their own language — from paperwork to a doctor’s appointment.
Weekly integration meetings combined with practical help: finding work, dealing with offices and getting access to healthcare. Around 800 people came through them.
A Christmas gathering, a summer picnic and sessions for teachers led by our therapists — moments that gave several hundred people a break and a sense of belonging.
In 2023 the Mayor of Lublin, Dr Krzysztof Żuk, honored the Stock Foundation with the "Lublin Bohaterom" (Lublin to Its Heroes) Medal for its work during the humanitarian crisis.
“In honor of great deeds and merits in the service of victims of the humanitarian crisis, with special recognition for the strategic support of the City of Lublin in bringing help to the Ukrainian Nation, and for the contribution to promoting noble values.”
— Mayor of Lublin, Dr Krzysztof Żuk · Lublin, 2023
Since 2024 the foundation has been inviting employees of its founder to propose and run their own projects. We fund the ideas, they bring the energy — from a village fire brigade to river clean-ups and support for young artists abroad.
Employees apply for small grants for projects close to home. This is how we supported the volunteer fire brigade in Kików and two kindergartens — “Pod Stumilowym Lasem” and “Za Żywopłotem”.
One-off actions bring the largest crowds: river clean-ups in Poland and Czechia with Operacja Czysta Rzeka, and a day of help at the Social Welfare Home on Kosmonautów Street in Lublin.
Where our colleagues live, the programme travels with them: support for young artists at the La Source Garouste association in France and a fundraising campaign for people with disabilities in Czechia.
From the beginning it was assumed that as the refugee crisis subsided, the Stock Foundation would become a platform for important social projects — engaging employees and recruiting volunteers. Today our work revolves around the accessibility of culture and art, addressing social isolation and empowering local communities.
The foundation is set up in Lublin in the first weeks of the war and launches the "Spirit of Ukraine" program.
Championing arts and culture through awareness campaigns, educational programs and support for artists and cultural institutions.
Art Encounters, scholarships and creative collective activities that support mental health and bring people together — across generations.
A commitment to championing arts and culture — through awareness campaigns, educational programs and support for artists and cultural institutions. See how a Flavours of Change grant transformed a kindergarten in Šišan, Croatia.
Read more →Recognizing the positive influence of art on mental health — a continuity from the foundation’s first initiatives, addressing emotional well-being through culturally enriching activities and experiences.
Encouraging people to spend time together and explore new ways to do so — events, workshops and initiatives that foster creativity and social interaction, motivating people to step out of their comfort zones.