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Description
The aim of the project "Strengthening the Capacity of association “For Well-being" is to fortify financial and human resources of the association in ways that would promote implementation of the association''s goals in long-term, fostering citizens’ participation and community’s development.
The goal is based on three cornerstones: developing a strategy, increasing independent finances, and promoting popularity. Emphasis is placed on creating a clear plan and operating model in all three areas and on acquiring knowledge that would be appropriate for the society''s situation specifically. Accordingly, by strengthening its resources in a complex way, the association will gain positive impact on its long-term capabilities, which in turn will strengthen participation of citizens and traditions of democracy in Lapmežciems parish.
Developing its strategy, the association will consider thoughts of the citizens and principles of quality management, and that will allow the association to create a transparent plan for work in benefit of the neighborhood for the next three years. By getting to know other organizations’ experience of raising finances, learning to address potential donors, and developing a business plan, the association will create a basis for creating its own independent funding. By receiving marketing consultations - appropriate to the association - on communication with audience and by creating a functional website, the association will be able to communicate its activities more effectively, promote recognition and reliability as an organization.
A stronger capacity of the association is a benefit for all residents of Lapmežciems parish. The more skillful and efficient will be activities of the association, the more able it will be to attract powerful human resources for the benefit of the neighborhood, promote the participation and unity of the neighborhood, and provide support to the most vulnerable.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several significant challenges faced by the association "For Well-being." First, the association experienced a substantial shift in its member base due to a long period of inactivity, leading to a smaller, less active core group. The membership dwindled, with only a few remaining truly active, all volunteering their time and limited skills. This led to a noticeable scarcity of resources, including human capital. In the local community, a divide had emerged, as many active and skilled individuals left for nearby cities, leaving behind those with fewer resources and weakening the community''s overall cohesion.
The association''s need for a clear strategic direction became critical, as there was no strong, actionable plan that aligned with both community interests and the association’s vision. Without professional guidance, members struggled to devise an effective, sustainable strategy, resulting in limited organizational impact. Additionally, awareness of the association was limited; many locals were unaware of its reactivation, and its outreach remained confined to small social media groups and local notices, which reached only a fraction of the intended audience. The absence of a dedicated website or social media presence further hindered its visibility.
Financial limitations were also a pressing issue, as the association’s income relied solely on membership fees, which were insufficient to support growth and activities. Developing a funding strategy was challenging without adequate expertise, making it difficult to secure donations, plan economic activities, or explore alternative financing options. Lastly, attracting active members and volunteers remained difficult due to local demographics and lifestyle dynamics, as many residents preferred city life, leaving the association short of capable volunteers. These interconnected challenges indicated a need for a comprehensive approach to capacity building to support the association’s sustainable development and community engagement.
The project focused on enhancing the organizational capacity of the association to improve its operations, engage local community members, and secure sustainable growth. A strategic plan and a development plan for upcoming years were developed, prioritizing actionable goals derived from member feedback and a structured assessment of community needs. A dedicated website was launched to share updates, event information, and gather email subscriptions. Training on social media marketing and digital tools was provided, leading to the establishment and development of association profiles on major platforms to better reach the public. Efforts to boost the association''s visibility included promotional materials, social media content, and local media publications.
Additionally, the project focused on building a funding strategy by conducting a knowledge exchange visit to similar organizations and holding a seminar on sustainable financial planning. A structured operational model was also created to guide decision-making regarding projects and resource allocation. To foster local support, donation appeals were sent to area businesses, with initial responses informing future donation requests.
To improve internal management, the project introduced new guidelines and systems for document management, quality standards, and internal communication, ensuring clear roles, better succession planning, and improved collaboration. These measures established a foundation for ongoing operational effectiveness and a stronger organizational identity.
The project "Strengthening the capacity of association ‘For Well-being’" significantly enhanced both human and financial capacities within the organization ‘For Well-being’. Team cohesion increased, supported by targeted training that also expanded the core of active members, including the addition of a new, engaged member. Financially, the association has taken vital steps toward self-sufficiency by generating its first independent income through community events, such as a Christmas photo studio and a stall at local markets. Furthermore, the association has begun receiving small donations, marking progress in diversifying funding sources beyond project-related income, which has increased its independent revenue share by more than 10 percent. Newly gained skills and financial tools are expected to support further income growth.
The association''s communication and outreach capabilities were strengthened with the establishment of a website and social media accounts, which serve as essential channels for informing the community about its activities. While the social media accounts might have been created regardless, the project’s support helped ensure their quality and effective management. The website, developed solely due to the project, provides a centralized information platform essential for public engagement.
In terms of governance, the project prompted the association to formalize several key documents, implementing quality management principles into daily operations. The project acted as a necessary catalyst, ensuring that these governance tools were developed and applied, which would otherwise have been postponed. Now, with all members aligned on these quality standards, the association can more effectively apply these principles moving forward.