To our Ukrainian Contributors and Creators,
Like millions of people across the globe, we’re deeply saddened by the tragic and appalling news continuing to emerge from Ukraine. Everyone, everywhere, should have the undeniable right to peace, safety, and freedom, and we’re appalled that these basic rights have been taken away from millions of innocent people across Ukraine.
We’ve been closely monitoring the situation and want to do everything we can to help provide immediate support while empowering our global community to also make their voices heard in the calls for peace and an end to this unlawful and unjust violence.
One of our Ukrainian Creators wrote to us and said:
“I am from Ukraine, Kyiv and I am writing this letter sitting in the basement. You know what is happening in Ukraine. Any psychological support for peace is very welcome. If Canva just sends a message to support the Creators from Ukraine, it would be very cool… With love, faith in the future, and hope for peace.”
We’re fortunate to have an incredibly talented community of Canva Contributors and Creators across Ukraine who empower our global community by creating and sharing beautiful photography, illustrations, and templates every single day. We want you to know that the millions of people across Canva’s global community stand with you in solidarity right now.
We know that in times of extreme crisis it can be difficult to ensure this support is being allocated to the most urgent areas, which is why we’d like to provide you with this support in the form of direct donations. We believe that donating directly to our Creators and Contributors will have the fastest and greatest impact on families and communities across Ukraine. So today, we’re donating USD$500,000 to be shared evenly across our community of more than 700 Ukrainian Contributors and Creators, to support you to care for your families and your local communities. This will be deposited as USD$700 into your nominated account.
There are no restrictions on how these funds are used – we simply ask that you use them in a way that will have the greatest impact on your local communities, and your family. Whether that means food, accommodation, transportation, medicine, advocacy, or any other urgent needs; we hope you feel the support of the Canva community from all around the world.
We stand firmly in solidarity with Ukraine, and with the important goals of peace, safety, security, and freedom. The people of Ukraine are in our thoughts, and we’ll continue to do everything we can to support and to make our voices heard too. If there’s anything else we can do to help, or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to
peacefund@canva.com.
Our thoughts are with you,
Silvia Oviedo, Head of Marketplace
On behalf of the Canva Team and the whole Canva Community
Questions you may be asking…
1
How can we spend this money? On whatever you, your family, and your local community needs most at this time. Help yourself and your family with food, living essentials, medical supplies. Support your local community and those who would benefit the most.
2
Do I have to report back on how I have used this money? No. There is no requirement to report back on how you use these funds. However, if you would like to share your story or any photos with our team or community please email us at
peacefund@canva.com
3
Do I have to pay this money back? No, this is a one-off gift that you can use in any way you see fit to support your family and community.
4
Do I have to donate this to a registered nonprofit? No, we’d like you to use this money in whatever way that would help you, your family, and your local community the most. You can use this money in whatever way you feel will have the most impact. This may include donating to a nonprofit, but you can use your discretion.
5
Do I need to continue creating templates for Creators during this time? No. Please take care of yourself and your family. Of course, our Creators program is still open for you if you would like to create.
6
Will this reduce my future Creator earnings? No. This is completely separate. In addition, we will be taking steps to elevate the templates of our Ukrainian Creators to help with your Creator's earnings over the coming months.
7
How will I receive this money? We are sending this money to the same account that you receive Creator earnings.
8
Why is Canva giving me a direct cash transfer? We believe that cash is an effective way to rapidly assist you and your communities in times of crisis, allowing you to make the best decisions for your own circumstances.
9
Does this include all contributors and creators in Ukraine? Any contributor from Ukraine (to whom we are permitted to make payments under the current sanctions and for whom we have current payment information) who has contributed one template or element on Canva has been included in this Peace Fund.
10
What if I don’t need this money or know what to do with it? We trust you to use this money in the most impactful way possible. If you or your family don’t need this, we encourage you to donate it to a nonprofit or local community organization. Some suggestions for local, grassroots nonprofits and reputable international nonprofits providing support on the ground in Ukraine include Tabletochki, UNHCR, Save the Children Ukraine, UNICEF, and World Vision.
11
Will this payment be subject to tax? The funds you will receive will not be subject to Australian royalty withholding tax and Canva will not deduct anything from the USD$700 we’ll be sending to your nominated account. You may be subject to personal income tax in relation to these funds and recommend consulting a tax professional, when the time is right, to find out if you need to pay additional taxes in your home country.
12
What if I received the money by mistake? This money was intended for our contributors from Ukraine. If you feel you got this money by mistake, we ask you to use it in the most impactful way possible. If you, your family, or your local community don’t need this, we encourage you to donate it to a nonprofit or local community organization. Some suggestions for local, grassroots nonprofits and reputable international nonprofits providing support on the ground in Ukraine include UNHCR, Save the Children Ukraine, Tabletochki, UNICEF, and World Vision