Own support for the development of the Territory and of effective Community!

Description

The project “OurSupport for the Development of the Territory and  Effective Community!” aims to raise the institutional and human capacity of the foundation “SATEKA”, to develop principles of good governance and openness in the work and cooperation of the Foundation and to promote the development and functioning of sustainable societies in order to ensure targeted, progressive development and promote effective local community civic participation. The activities and objectives of the projects shall be implemented by the foundation"SATEKA", which operates in the territory of the Gulbene municipality.

Project activities: development of strategy and publicity guidelines, training, discussions, workshops, focus on raising the capacity of society, achieving the goals set out in its statutes and the development of a civic active society. The activities planned by the Foundation create an opportunity to motivate local people to engage in various activities of civil society, building awareness of the activities of the Foundation, as well as inviting the local community to participate. Similarly, the activities of the project will strengthen the capacity of the members'' internal, as well as members and association, will ensure transparency of the activities and contribute to the attraction of additional funding for the activities of the Foundation.

Project outcomes: developed and initiated implementation of the Foundaton`s operational development strategy, guidelines for communication and visual awareness, the creed and video about SATEKA. The organization of the management process and Monitoring and Evaluation M & E approach, increased internal capacity and transparency of activities of the Foundation, facilitated awareness of project activity visitors on the development of different strategies and guidelines, introduction of new methods in the activities of societies, have been introduced in the work of the Foundation.

Summary of project results

The project aimed to address several key challenges and issues faced by the NGO:

1. Performance and Efficiency Improvement: The NGO recognized the need to enhance its overall performance, efficiency, and operational capacity. The evaluation of its activities and sustainability helped identify areas for improvement.

2. Strategic Direction and Development: To guide its future activities and ensure long-term sustainability, the NGO developed a comprehensive strategy for 2022-2027. This strategy includes future development directions, goals, tasks, and an analysis of available resources.

3. Attracting Funding and Improving Economic Activity: The project aimed to improve the NGO’s ability to attract funding by offering training on identifying funding opportunities and developing materials such as "10 steps for successful fundraising for NGOs." The goal was to improve the NGO''s economic activities and its ability to execute its ideas.

4. Internal Capacity Building and Transparency: By implementing a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) approach, the NGO sought to improve its internal capacity and operational transparency. This was done to foster better management and provide clear strategies and guidelines to project participants.

5. Partner and Stakeholder Engagement: The NGO aimed to improve cooperation and communication with partners by developing visual communication guidelines and creating a video business card to enhance its visibility and reputation. This was intended to promote partnerships and increase collaboration with other associations, entrepreneurs, and municipalities.

6. Digital Skills and Visual Identity: The NGO recognized the importance of a consistent and modern visual identity in the digital environment. As part of this, it conducted training on digital skills development and the use of design tools like Canva to strengthen its visual image online.

7. Community Empowerment and Long-term Impact: The project emphasized the importance of viewing individuals and organizations as valuable resources in community development. By fostering a better understanding of processes, challenges, and solutions, the NGO aimed to empower itself and others to take initiative in attracting funding and improving economic activities.

8. Sustainability and Growth: Overall, the project focused on sustainable growth and the ability to evolve in response to both internal evaluations and external opportunities. It aimed to encourage the NGO to continuously evaluate its activities and plan for the future based on clear goals and resource analysis.

These efforts were intended to have a long-term positive impact on the NGO’s effectiveness, reputation, and sustainability, as well as on the broader community it serves.

The project undertook a range of activities and produced several key outputs aimed at strengthening the NGO''s internal capacity, economic activities, and external visibility. Here is a summary of the main activities and results:

1. Development and Implementation of the Association''s Development Strategy (2022-2027):

• Coaching and Workshops: Two in-person workshops (March 2022) were held, facilitated by Henric Johansson, where 2 board members and 4 association members participated. The workshops focused on defining the organization''s strategic development.
• Strategic Planning: The association’s development strategy was created with the help of an expert, Ieva Cēbura. This included conducting a survey in August 2022, which gathered input from 34 respondents on the association’s past activities and future development opportunities.
• Training: In September 2022, training sessions on strategic goal setting and implementation were conducted, guiding participants through planning, monitoring, and evaluation processes.
• Final Strategy Document: The completed development strategy (2022-2027) defined three main directions for the association''s future growth, strengthening the NGO and the communities in its operating area. This document is available online.

2. Communication and Visual Identity Guidelines:

• Moto Creation: The NGO developed a short and long motto: "We work together!" and "Together we achieve more!" These are now part of the NGO’s branding.
• Video Business Card: A video business card was produced in both Latvian and English, highlighting the NGO’s activities and values. This video is used for outreach and promotion on platforms like YouTube.
• Work on Guidelines: Expert Diana Nikitina was engaged to develop communication and visual recognition guidelines. Multiple group meetings and workshops were held to shape the organization’s communication plan.
• Digital Skills Training: In August 2022, two online workshops focused on enhancing digital skills, particularly the use of modern technologies to create a cohesive visual identity.
• Updated Logo and Website: The NGO updated its logo and website to align with the new guidelines. The revised branding was implemented across official documents, presentation materials, and the website.

3. Enhancement of Economic Activities:

• NGO Fair: In September 2022, an in-person event called “NGO Fair” was held to foster cooperation between NGOs, entrepreneurs, and municipalities. The event was attended by 42 participants, slightly below the expected 50.
• Training on Funding Opportunities: An online training session on identifying funding opportunities for organizational growth was held in October 2022, led by Inese Šubēvica.
• Workshop on Collaboration: In November 2022, a workshop titled "Collaboration for Development Opportunities" was conducted, which resulted in the creation of a guide titled “10 Steps for Successful Fundraising for NGOs.”
• Resources Developed: The materials and guides produced through these activities (such as the fundraising guide) are available online and provide valuable resources for ongoing NGO activities and future funding efforts.

4. Surveys and Community Engagement:

• The project conducted two surveys: the first aimed at gathering opinions from NGOs in Gulbene district about collaboration and community involvement, but it received only two responses due to the inactivity of many organizations.
• The second survey, focused on assessing the association''s activities and future development, received 34 responses. These insights helped shape the final development strategy.

Overall, the project succeeded in producing tangible outputs such as a comprehensive development strategy, improved communication materials, a video business card, enhanced digital and strategic skills among members, and tools for attracting funding. These initiatives are expected to have a long-term positive impact on the NGO''s activities and the communities it supports.

The project achieved several important results, leading to positive outcomes and impacts for the NGO and its various stakeholders. Below is a detailed description of the outcomes, impacts, and beneficiaries:

1. Strengthened Strategic Direction and Organizational Development

• Outcome: The NGO successfully developed and implemented its Development Strategy for 2022-2027, defining clear goals, tasks, and future directions.
• Impact: The strategy provided a clear roadmap for the NGO''s growth, improving its operational capacity and ensuring long-term sustainability.
• Beneficiaries: The primary beneficiaries were the NGO''s members, staff, and board, who gained a clearer understanding of the organization''s direction and were better equipped to contribute to its success.

2. Increased Internal Capacity and Skills

• Outcome: The project delivered training sessions on strategic goal setting, digital skills, and funding opportunities. These included workshops on organizational development, digital skills using tools like Canva, and strategic planning.
• Impact: These trainings enhanced the internal capacity of the NGO''s members and staff, improving their ability to manage projects, plan strategically, and engage with digital tools to enhance their work.
• Beneficiaries: The direct beneficiaries were the NGO''s members, staff, and board, who gained new skills and tools to support the organization''s growth and sustainability. Indirectly, the communities served by the NGO also benefit from a stronger organization.

3. Enhanced Communication and Visual Identity

• Outcome: The project resulted in the development of a cohesive communication and visual identity strategy, which included a new logo, a video business card, and visual branding guidelines. The NGO also created two versions of a video business card, one in Latvian and one in English, for promotional use.
• Impact: This enhanced the visibility and recognition of the NGO, both within Latvia and internationally. The improved branding and communication strategy made it easier for the NGO to engage partners, attract attention to its work, and promote collaboration with other organizations and stakeholders.
• Beneficiaries: The NGO itself benefited from improved outreach and communication, making it easier to attract new partnerships and funding. The NGO''s partners and the wider community also benefited by being more informed and engaged with the organization’s mission.

4. Improved Economic Activity and Fundraising Capacity

• Outcome: The NGO organized activities aimed at improving its economic activities, including an NGO fair, training on funding opportunities, and the development of a guide titled "10 Steps for Successful Fundraising for NGOs."
• Impact: These activities provided the NGO and other local organizations with practical tools and knowledge to identify and secure funding, which is critical for their ongoing operations and projects.
• Beneficiaries: The NGO and other local organizations that participated in the fair and workshops benefited by gaining access to knowledge and resources for successful fundraising. This enhances their capacity to fund and implement community projects.

5. Increased Collaboration and Networking

• Outcome: The NGO facilitated events that encouraged cooperation between NGOs, entrepreneurs, and municipalities, such as the "NGO Fair" and collaborative workshops.
• Impact: These activities promoted networking and knowledge-sharing, leading to stronger collaborations and partnerships. The workshop provided participants with tools to enhance collaboration and development within their communities.
• Beneficiaries: The NGO, local businesses, other NGOs, and community organizations benefited from these networking opportunities, fostering greater collaboration for future projects.

6. Empowerment of Local NGOs and Communities

• Outcome: Through the strategic development and engagement processes, the project empowered the local NGOs and communities in Gulbene by offering opportunities for training, networking, and participation in the strategic planning of the region.
• Impact: The local NGOs became more engaged in community development, while the project fostered a culture of collaboration and empowerment. This, in turn, contributed to stronger community involvement and a more vibrant civil society.
• Beneficiaries: Local NGOs, small businesses, and the wider community in the Gulbene district benefited from increased opportunities for involvement, partnership, and support from the stronger, more capable NGO.

7. Long-Term Sustainability and Growth

• Outcome: The development of the 2022-2027 strategy, along with the improved organizational capacity and fundraising capabilities, set the NGO on a path towards long-term sustainability and growth.
• Impact: The NGO is now better equipped to handle future challenges, secure funding, and expand its activities, ensuring its continued impact on local communities and beyond.
• Beneficiaries: The NGO itself, along with its stakeholders, partners, and the communities it serves, will benefit from the long-term growth and sustainability made possible by the project.

In summary, the project had a wide-ranging impact on the NGO, its members, local organizations, and the broader community. It enhanced the NGO’s capacity for strategic planning, improved its economic and operational activities, increased collaboration and visibility, and empowered local NGOs and communities. All these factors combined contribute to the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the NGO and its mission.

Summary of bilateral results

During the development of the strategy, 2 strategic development workshops of the organization took place, the purpose of which was to determine the mission, vision, main priorities, goals and tasks of your organization and analyze them. The NGO also participated in 2 trainings on setting strategic goals and their implementation in organizations. The NGO gained knowledge about the strategic planning process, monitoring and evaluation, as well as about internal, external and human resources. Participants also determined their organization''s available capital and grouped it according to the SWOT method.