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Description
The aim of the project is to develop new sources of finance not related to existing projects and activities: 1) by establishing strategic cooperation with private sector in Latvia and integrating them into Transparency International Latvia (Delna) initiatives, 2) by developing international projects with emphasis on transferring our competence to less democratic countries, in the frame of the UN Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Millennium Declaration.
TI Latvia''s plan for attracting additional funding and increasing financial independence is also marked by the current corruption trends. In order to respond to the international nature of corruption, TI Latvia''s activities must be developed from the national level to the international level, working to reduce corruption not only in Latvia, but also in the region, internationally. In order to respond to Latvia''s corruption problems (eg the Corruption Perceptions Index 2020), TI Latvia has to develop cooperation with the private sector on enhance companies to fight corruption by developing integrity in business.
The project and its activities will facilitate TI Latvia''s financial stability. It will attract, and integrate private sector to the anti-corruption community, as well as will enable TI Latvia to build a knowledge base to contribute to the fight against corruption internationally and transfer its expertise to countries in need. The indirect target group of the project is the general public, who will receive information about the project activities, and they in future can become business representatives, NGO members and active citizens.
Summary of project results
Financial Independence. To significantly enhance its financial independence, TI Latvia needed to develop new financial sources. Relying heavily on project funding (90% in 2020, 80% in 2019) restricted TI Latvia ability to respond quickly to political developments and corruption cases in Latvia. Greater financial independence and additional donations would enable TI Latvia to monitor and react more effectively to current events. Additionally, projects often required co-financing, necessitating regular additional funds and donations.
Collaboration with the Private Sector. TI Latvia had primarily worked with the public sector and lacked collaboration with the private sector. Unlike other Transparency International branches, TI Latvia had not formed strategic partnerships with businesses due to limited resources and content. Developing these partnerships was essential, as indicated by Latvia’s performance in the 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index, which highlighted the need for private sector involvement in combating corruption.
International Projects. TI Latvia had focused on local projects in Latvia, but the increasing international nature of corruption required cross-border research and collaboration. Engaging in international projects would allow TI Latvia to share its expertise with less democratic countries and learn from others. Despite being part of Transparency International, TI Latvia rarely engaged in international projects. Developing these projects was crucial for gaining new funding sources and enhancing anti-corruption efforts.
Strategic Partnership with the Private Sector
Exchange of Good Practices and Initial Research. Meetings were held with representatives from Transparency International''s Secretariat and various national chapters to gain insights into engaging and financing private sector involvement. Development of Private Sector Engagement Plan. A draft plan for engaging the private sector was developed, incorporating advice and experiences from colleagues. Communication materials for outreach to the private sector were created, and a contact list of major Latvian companies was compiled for disseminating information about TI Latvia''s initiatives. Promotion of the "Zero Tolerance for Corruption" Initiative. The initiative was promoted through several events, such as an interview with the director in popular business magazine. A key event was the online session "How Companies Reduce Corruption," organized in collaboration with the Cross-Sectoral Coordination Centre, which discussed the Corruption Perceptions Index results and recommendations for the private sector. Approximately 200 companies were invited to join the initiative and participate in the International Anti-Corruption Day conference. As a result of these efforts, 12 companies joined the "Zero Tolerance for Corruption" initiative, including SCHWENK Latvija SIA, VSIA Paula Stradiņa klīniskā universitātes slimnīca, SIA Rīgas Meži, and others. Training and Revenue. Training seminars on corruption and corporate ethics were conducted for both companies and state institutions which allowed to gain revenue and enhance financial sustainability of organisation. Through these activities, TI Latvia has successfully built strategic partnerships with the private sector, promoted anti-corruption initiatives, and secured financial support to sustain its efforts.
Building Capacity for International Projects
Engagement of experts/consultants. Practical sessions and consultations were organized with several external experts/consultants to develop specific project ideas and identify potential partners and grant opportunities. Contact making visits. Introduction visits were made to Uzbekistan''s public authorities, including the Senate, Anti-Corruption Agency, General Prosecutor''s Office, and Information and Mass Communication Agency. Discussions were held regarding potential collaboration on anti-corruption projects with UNDP and European Union experiences in administrative reforms were shared. Further contact exploration involved a visit to Moldova, where potential cooperation partners for another development cooperation project were identified. Project preparation. A project proposal was submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs'' development cooperation grant competition in collaboration with the Transparency International chapter in Ukraine. The project aimed to investigate current practices in asset recovery between Ukraine and Latvia and develop recommendations for improving Ukrainian legislation on recovering illicit assets from abroad, especially Latvia. Although the project was not approved, reapplication is planned. TI Latvia has secured the right to implement a long-term development cooperation project focused on strengthening administrative capacity and preventing corruption in Uzbekistan''s public authorities. TI Latvia will be responsible for working with civil society in Uzbekistan, assessing the integrity system and whistleblowing mechanisms there. Knowledge transfer to members. A practical meeting was organized with TI Latvia''s members and board to exchange experiences on international project engagement and communication with international donors. This meeting included presentations on TI Latvia''s projects and the new direction towards development cooperation projects, encouraging members to engage in fundraising through such projects.
Capacity Building for International Projects. The initial goals have been exceeded in the activity "Building Capacity for International Projects." Initially, the aim was to develop expertise in development cooperation projects and establish relationships with potential project partners for submitting a joint project proposal. However, much more has been achieved. A partnership has been established in the long-term development cooperation project "Support for Strengthening Administrative Capacity and Corruption Prevention in Uzbekistan’s Public Authorities." In 2024, a project proposal was submitted to the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs'' development cooperation project competition in collaboration with the Transparency International chapter in Ukraine. Although funding was not received, other financing opportunities are being sought. Additionally, potential cooperation projects and themes were identified during an introductory visit to Moldova.
Promoting strategic Partnerships with the Private Sector. In the activity "Strategic Partnerships with the Private Sector," TI Latvia "Zero Tolerance for Corruption" initiative has been confirmed, involving TI Latvia’s board and members to develop this initiative into a strategic long-term collaboration with the private sector. During projects 12 companies have joined this initiative, including SCHWENK Latvija, Rīgas Meži, Bonava Latvija, and others. Actions have been taken and planned to institutionalize the collaboration with the private sector within the organization’s operations, developing the "Zero Tolerance for Corruption" initiative, e.g., this activity are outlined in the "Company Engagement Concept" document which will be implemented until the end of 2026. Member involvement, particularly those working in companies with practical knowledge of company needs, ensures the more successful development of TI Latvia’s services and collaboration with the private sector. Overall, the initiative has significantly advanced Delna’s partnerships with the private sector, promoting anti-corruption efforts and securing substantial financial support.
Financial Growth. Each year, the total revenue of the organization, not related to project funding, has increased, including a growing percentage of the total budget. It is essential to continue developing economic activity income by developing products, strengthening TI Latvia’s status as an expert in the private sector, and seeking potential clients. This foundation has been laid out in this ACF Capacity project. For instance, the amount of donations received in 2022 was €11,702 (5.8% of the budget), while in 2023 it was €21,152 (10.6%), and in 2021 it was 6.2%.