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Description
The aim of the project is to build foundations for sustainable development and good governance of the Center MARTA Liepāja Foundation.
In order to achieve the project goal, the organization has identified three lines of action, within which the following activities will be implemented:
There will be three activities in the 1st direction of activity “Strategic planning and financial management of the organization” - (1) Development of the Foundation''s strategic development plan 2021 - 2023, (2) Registration of the Foundation for the status Non-governmental organization operating in the public interest, and (3) registration of the organization in the register of social service providers.
Two activities will be implemented in the 2nd direction of activity “Foundation visibility and communication” - (1) Development of the visual identity of the Foundation and (2) editing and improvement of the website www.martaliepaja.lv.
3rd direction of activity “Establishment of the Foundation Management System and Strengthening of Internal Cooperation” - (1) development of the customer management system and (2) development and implementation of internal quality control procedures.
The implementation of the project will ensure the sustainability of a strong and well-managed organization in the Liepāja and Kurzeme regions, which will make a significant contribution to civil society in the region as a whole.
Summary of project results
The project "Capacity building of MARTA Centre Liepaja Foundation" aimed to address several key issues faced by the MARTA Centre Liepaja Foundation. Strategic planning and financial management were lacking, which limited the organization’s ability to ensure a purposeful development path and transparent financial oversight, essential for securing diverse funding sources. The foundation was also not registered as a public benefit organization or a social service provider, which restricted its potential for attracting donations and obtaining state program funding for social rehabilitation services for adults affected by violence. Additionally, the organization’s visibility and communication were limited, impeding its reach to target groups such as violence survivors, specialists in social and legal institutions, and potential supporters. The lack of an active website and a coherent visual identity weakened public engagement and outreach efforts. Finally, there was a need to strengthen internal governance and collaboration mechanisms to support the interdisciplinary “one-stop-shop” service model. Without a robust management and quality control system, it was challenging to coordinate a diverse team of specialists, manage client data according to privacy regulations, and ensure consistent service quality through team support structures, such as supervision and regular meetings.
The project focused on strengthening the capacity of the organization through a variety of activities. A strategic development plan was created with input from the entire team, which was reviewed and finalized. The organization was registered as a public benefit organization, enabling it to operate in key areas such as human rights protection and social welfare. Additionally, the organization was registered in the social service provider registry, allowing it to offer rehabilitation services for victims of violence and human trafficking. Efforts were made to increase administrative income, including discussions with donors and regional businesses. A new visual identity was developed, including a logo and guidelines for its use, and a functioning website was created to improve communication with the public and key stakeholders. A client management system was implemented to streamline service delivery, and a quality control framework was established to ensure service standards. Informational materials such as brochures and business cards were designed and distributed to key partners and locations. These activities collectively enhanced the organization’s visibility, operational efficiency, and ability to provide essential services.
The project significantly strengthened the capacity of the MARTA Centre Liepaja Foundation by establishing key foundations for sustainable development and good governance. Several important documents were created to regulate and plan the organization’s future activities. The professional development of staff was prioritized, including measures to prevent burnout. The foundation’s registration as a social service provider and its recognition as a public benefit organization enhanced its independence and improved its ability to secure funding. These achievements have led to a more sustainable and well-managed organization, capable of making a lasting contribution to civil society in the Liepaja and Kurzeme regions. The project''s impact has been felt both in the organization’s current operations and in its long-term ability to grow and serve the community.