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Description
The aim of the project is to promote the development of the association "Vidusdaugava NGO Center" as a network of non-governmental organizations and active citizens by long-term planning, investing in human resources development, supporting the quality management of changes to achieve the intended results. Four activities will be implemented: development of a long-term strategy for the period until 2024; educating the management team of the association and the leaders of the most active member organizations on high-quality management principles and strategic planning of the organization; evaluation of the services provided by the association for their improvement with the development of a development action plan for the improvement of sales, including mobile devices; a set of measures to promote the association as an NGO network. The project activities will take place in cooperation with the Icelandic non-governmental organization "Landsbyggðin lifi" ("Long live the countryside"), organizing both online meetings and staff / volunteer exchange meetings in Latvia and Iceland.
As a result of the project, the association''s ability to achieve its defined goals will increase, because the evaluation of the provided services and development planning will improve the association''s economic activity, thus reducing the dependence on project financing; the public will be better informed about the activities of the association, as the structural changes of the organization completed during the project will function and informative materials with the new visual identity will be developed; the association will have defined strategic goals for the next period until 2024 and started to implement a plan to achieve them; at least 18 NGO senior managers and leaders under the guidance of a professional lecturer will have acquired the knowledge of organizational management for their daily application.
Summary of project results
The project focused on addressing several critical challenges faced by the association "Vidusdaugava NGO Center" to enhance its capacity and effectiveness as a network for non-governmental organizations and active citizens:
Lack of Long-Term Planning:
- The need for a comprehensive long-term strategy to guide the organization until 2024 and align its goals with sustained development.
Insufficient Management and Leadership Skills:
- A gap in high-quality management principles and strategic planning among the association’s management team and leaders of active member organizations.
Quality and Relevance of Services:
- A need to evaluate and improve the services provided by the association, including creating an action plan to boost service quality and expand sales efforts, incorporating mobile device capabilities.
Visibility and Network Strength:
- Challenges in effectively promoting the association as an NGO network to increase recognition and engagement.
Limited International Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing:
- A need to enhance learning opportunities and exchange best practices with international partners, addressed through cooperation with the Icelandic NGO “Landsbyggðin lifi” (Long Live the Countryside).
The implementation of the project strengthened the sustainability and financial independence of "Vidusdaugavas NVO centrs" as a regional civil society network organization. Key achievements included:
- Diversification of funding sources: New project proposals were developed, the volume of donations and economic activity increased.
- Management improvements: The organization’s structure was reorganized, strategic planning was enhanced, regular employee planning meetings were introduced, and a public relations specialist was recruited.
- International collaboration: A new partner in Iceland was gained, and cooperation with existing NGO networks in Latvia (LPA, LSUA) was expanded.
- Public relations capacity: The organization’s visibility grew both in Latvia and internationally, thanks to strengthened partnerships and improved communication.
- Long-term strategy: A review of the organization’s strategy was conducted, and a more purposeful approach to applying quality management principles in daily work was initiated.
During the project, the team expanded, and activities diversified, such as initiating a new focus area for rural development.
Results:
- Organizational capacity and sustainability: The project enhanced the operations of "Vidusdaugavas NVO centrs," increasing trust and visibility.
- Expansion of the cooperation network: A new partner in Iceland was gained, identifying practices they wish to adopt. Collaboration with national and international NGO networks improved.
- Financial independence: The share of donations and economic activities in the organization’s finances increased.
- Community involvement: Indirectly, the project strengthened the capacity of vulnerable groups, such as people with intellectual disabilities, functional impairments, and unemployed individuals, by improving the capacity of member organizations representing these groups.
Target groups and beneficiaries:
- NGO members and staff: Direct benefits included increased capacity, improved competencies, and greater involvement in strategic processes.
- Vulnerable social groups: Indirect benefits included improved quality of life through strengthened capacity of member organizations supporting these groups.
- The wider public: The project promoted the development of civil society and public participation in Latvia and EEA countries, supporting the reinforcement of democratic values.
The project’s impact was both short-term (increased visibility and operational stability) and long-term (strengthening the role of NGOs, encouraging public participation, and fostering democratic values).
Summary of bilateral results
To establish better contacts, gain insights into best practices, and enhance understanding of community processes, mutual in-person visits will take place. Each partner will host three employees/volunteers from the other partner.Collaboration within the project will strengthen the association''s work efficiency in the long term, as it will involve sharing experiences in long-term planning, exploring the partner''s approach to identifying various community needs, and creating services based on those needs. Additionally, the project will provide insights into the experience of Icelandic NGOs in organizing their activities and ensuring long-term sustainability.