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Description
Romania has developing regions that are on the top of the poorest regions in Europe, according to the data provided by Eurostat. Small non-governmental organizations have communicated through regional campaigns about specific difficult situations in these communities affected by poverty, but without having a strong common voice in order to have a medium or long-term impact. Organizations advocating for the eradication of poverty in rural areas are poorly visible or without continuous activity, facing a lack of resources and difficult activism conditions, being affected by the lack of infrastructure and community facilitators.
The project aims to build the capacity of 40 small non-governmental organizations working in poor rural communities in order to increase their impact at regional and national level by offering a package of visibility services, mentoring, thematic training (efficient management procedures and good governance, visibility and advocacy, working with communities and volunteers, working with authorities, and financing), and their inclusion in a national network to fight poverty.
The NGOs supported through the project will have the capacity to develop actions and to provide services for their end beneficiaries – persons living in poverty and rural communities confronting with poverty – through a bottom-up approach, and to become dialogue partners with expertise, in order to influence the public policies for combating poverty and social exclusion.
The project is implemented in partnership with Suceava Regional Resource Center for Non-Governmental Organizations, Novapolis Association, The Federation of Nongovernmental Organizations for Social Services, and FONIX AS from Norway.
Summary of project results
The project''s activities supported a group of 41 NGOs in strengthening their organizational capacity and increasing their impact in the communities they serve. These efforts addressed major challenges such as the lack of solid internal structures, reduced visibility in communities, limited access to resources and funding, as well as isolation from international networks.
In the initial phase, the organizations participated in evaluation and diagnosis sessions, which helped them identify strengths and areas for improvement. This process was followed by thematic trainings tailored to the needs of each organization, focusing on areas such as project management, strategic communication, and fundraising methods. Additionally, both individual and collective mentoring and coaching sessions provided personalized support, essential for integrating best practices into the daily operations of the organizations. Another key objective was increasing the visibility of the NGOs. In this regard, special events were organized, giving them the opportunity to showcase their activities and interact directly with partners, beneficiaries, and other relevant stakeholders. Furthermore, the NGOs were supported in connecting with European practice networks such as EAPN, SIATE, FONSS, and CEFEC, facilitating access to expertise and international collaborations.
The project generated notable results, including the improvement of the organizational capacities of the 41 NGOs and increased visibility within their respective communities. Additionally, engagement in international networks provided these organizations with access to resources and development opportunities. The changes brought about include the adoption of best practices and new strategies, thereby enhancing the long-term efficiency and impact of the NGOs. These interventions contributed to increasing the sustainability of the organizations and diversifying their funding sources, enabling them to expand their activities.
Summary of bilateral results
FONIX AS has brought extensive expertise and experience in the field of organizational development and project management, which has significantly contributed to the quality and effectiveness of the activities carried out. Their previous experience in project implementation allowed the transfer of good practices and innovative solutions to the non-governmental organizations involved in the project. The presence of the UU was essential to bring an international perspective and facilitate access to European networks and resources. This partnership has given credibility to the project and opened up opportunities for cross-border collaboration, amplifying the impact and sustainability of the initiatives. FONIX AS provided training sessions and specialized consultancy, which helped NGOs develop their internal capacities and adopt effective management practices. The partner facilitated the connection of NGOs with international networks and organizations, opening up opportunities for long-term funding and collaboration. The cooperation with the partner in the Donor States was excellent, with no significant communication or coordination problems. The partner was responsive and proactive, constantly contributing to the achievement of the project''s objectives. There are clear plans to continue bilateral collaboration, given the success and mutual benefits of the partnership. It is intended to develop new joint projects, expand collaboration networks and deepen the exchange of best practices. The partnership will continue to focus on strengthening organizational capacities and increasing impact in the communities served.