ЕКОНОМІЧНІ ЗАСАДИ ІННОВАЦІЙНОГО ФІНАНСУВАННЯ СОЦІАЛЬНИХ ПРОГРАМ ДЛЯ ВЕТЕРАНІВ, ECONOMIC FOUNDATIONS OF INNOVATIVE FINANCING OF SOCIAL PROGRAMS FOR VETERANS

<jats:p>The article substantiates the economic foundations of innovative financing of social programmes for veterans in Ukraine. The research logic proceeds from the fact that veteran policy cannot be reduced to the mechanical expansion of budget payments, because the needs of veterans and their families are multidimensional and change during the transition from military service to civilian life. Therefore, social programmes require a financing model that combines guaranteed public obligations with instruments capable of mobilising additional resources, coordinating providers and measuring the actual social result. The author argues that innovative financing should be understood not as a replacement of the state's responsibility, but as a way to strengthen it through diversification of sources, transparent allocation of funds, social investment, grant and partnership schemes, public-private partnership, digital vouchers, revolving funds and result-based contracts. Particular attention is paid to the problem of economic sustainability. In the conditions of limited fiscal capacity, every programme must be designed around a clear chain: identified need - standard cost - source of funding - service provider - measurable result - independent evaluation. Such an approach makes it possible to reduce fragmentation, prevent duplication of expenditures and move from a compensatory logic to a reintegration and development logic. The article proposes a three-contour architecture of financing: a basic guarantee contour, which secures statutory rights and essential services; a partnership and service contour, which provides flexible local and intersectoral co-financing; and an investment and development contour, which supports employment, entrepreneurship, professional retraining and long-term economic autonomy of veterans. It is proved that the effectiveness of this model depends on reliable data, medium-term budgeting, transparent procurement of social services, risk sharing between partners and protection of veterans from hidden financial burdens. The practical value of the research lies in the development of a structured approach that can be used by public authorities, local communities, non-governmental organisations, donors and businesses when designing veteran support programmes focused on measurable social impact, financial discipline and restoration of human capital.</jats:p>