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Description
Riga German Cultural Society (RVKB) has existed for more than 30 years as traditional minority association working with outdated methods and involving mostly seniors basically in the ensemble of the society.
The aim of the Project "Give for development = Develop for giving!" is to take the Society into a new level - a modern association with personal development options, cultural growth and public benefit activities. The project will promote the strengthening and growth of RVKB capacity in three directions: development of a branch of the association in Kandava "Stamp space for growth" as a support point, center for activities and ideas of the association; development of three different services of the association for income generation; modernization of the image and communication of the association. There will be experience exchange trip, work groups, staff participation in educational events and territory improvement activities within the project. The three directions of the project are directly aimed at the association''s ability to develop in terms of content and finances, to ensure its independence and recognition.
Summary of project results
It was determined that the Riga German Cultural Society had been operating in a static mode for several decades, which resulted in a lack of innovation and engagement among members. The need for modernizing the organization was highlighted, especially through expanding beyond its traditional minority focus. The project "Give to Development = Develop by Giving!" aimed to address several key challenges faced by the Riga German Cultural Society:
- Outdated Image and Communication: The society had struggled to modernize its public image and communication strategies, remaining tied to a traditional minority group focus. This limited its appeal to broader audiences and younger generations.
- Lack of Financial Stability: The organization relied heavily on fragmented funding sources and lacked a consistent revenue stream. There was a need to develop paid services and products to ensure financial independence and long-term sustainability.
- Limited Reach Beyond Riga: The society’s activities were concentrated in Riga, with little engagement in other parts of Latvia. The expansion to Kandava aimed to extend its geographical impact and create new opportunities for cultural exchange and community involvement.
- Declining Member Engagement: Members, particularly younger ones, were losing interest due to the organization''s traditional approaches and lack of innovation. There was a need to attract and retain new, energetic members by offering more dynamic and relevant activities.
By addressing these issues, the project aimed to revitalize the organization, broaden its audience, enhance its financial resilience, and create a sustainable model for future growth.
The project "Give to Development = Develop by Giving!" focused on establishing and developing a new branch of the Riga German Cultural Society in Kandava, transforming it into a space for growth and community engagement. The initiative involved creating a physical presence, including improving the premises and setting up basic amenities. Two local individuals were appointed to manage the branch and underwent training on various civic and organizational topics. The project also aimed to modernize the association''s image and expand its communication, resulting in a stronger local presence, including media outreach and the creation of personalized souvenirs, such as birdhouses and honey jars, representing the organization and the local culture.
To promote cultural activities, the branch organized events such as the formal opening, which generated significant interest among the Kandava community, particularly due to the lack of publicly available spaces for similar initiatives. The project also fostered international collaboration through experience-sharing trips with NGOs in Poland and Lithuania. In addition, several services were developed and offered to the public, such as cultural performances, guided tours, and educational workshops, some of which have already been successfully tested. The overall goal was to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the branch while engaging the local population and contributing to the region''s social and cultural life.
The project successfully strengthened the organizational capacity of the Riga German Cultural Society by providing opportunities for self-reflection, future planning, and the establishment of a new branch in Kandava. This led to increased engagement, new members, and a more dynamic organizational environment. The development of services improved members'' understanding of finances and shared responsibility, with a new focus on financial sustainability. Souvenirs, introduced as an innovative fundraising tool, will be further developed beyond the project. The Kandava branch''s establishment significantly boosted the organization''s effectiveness and visibility in the community, transforming it into a recognized and competent center for civic activities. In the short term, the project helped maintain the organization''s identity during the COVID-19 pandemic and encouraged the generation of new ideas. In the long term, the organization has enhanced its reputation and attracted creative energy, ensuring continued growth and innovation. The project has had a lasting impact on both the organization and its members, fostering strategic, purposeful development.