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Description
Curonian Initiative Foundation is local organization on the coast of Baltic Sea in Rucava region near Latvian-Lithuanian border that has has taken the initiative to carry out such works and activities in a field of cultural heritage that no one previously considered necessary to do. For now there are some 2 to 3 activists in the organization however demand for the fund''s operations is high. There are some activists wanting to take part in the foundation as so Curonian Initiative Foundation needs a restart and bringing operation to the next stage of development.
The project aims to start next five years of operation of the fund with involving and educating 2-4 new activists who not only organize the activities of the fund, but also participate in administrative work. Education and coaching at least 6 volunteers of the foundation will lead to new action and development plan and developed products and services (pottery workshop) for income generation to create independence from project grants. New informative platform with home page https://www.kursufonds.lv/ and active social network accounts will be created within the project.
At the end of the project there will be one strenghtened organization in a remote rural area of Latvia.
Summary of project results
The Curonian Initiative Fund faced several key challenges hindering its capacity and progress. A primary issue was the shortage of active and willing leadership, which became particularly apparent over the last two years. The existing members struggled to find new individuals to manage operations effectively. Another significant challenge involved funding constraints, particularly for renovating the Fund’s historic base at "Mikjāņi," where a building renovation plan had been developed but lacked the necessary financial backing. The Fund also operated with limited office equipment, as board members had been using their personal resources, which had become outdated over time.
Additionally, financial sustainability remained a pressing concern, as the Fund depended solely on project-based financing without membership fees or other revenue streams, limiting its stability and flexibility. The desire to expand into cultural heritage activities, including workshops for pottery, screen printing, and blacksmithing, was stymied by both financial limitations and the need for additional human resources. Despite high levels of commitment, the Fund’s leadership also recognized that they could not continue in an unpaid capacity indefinitely.
The year began on a promising note with the willingness of 3-4 new individuals to join, presenting a unique opportunity to revitalize operations. Taking part in a distinctive project competition in Latvia offered a pathway to address these capacity needs, providing a foundation to elevate the organization to the next stage of development.
The project "Restart of the Curonian Initiative Fund" involved four key activities, each aimed at strengthening the organization''s operational and educational capabilities. The first activity was the development of an information platform for the Fund, which included purchasing a computer and monitor to support administrative and creative tasks. This enabled the creation of a dedicated website and social media content, which served as a key informational and outreach tool, garnering engagement from a diverse international audience.
The second activity focused on enhancing and expanding the Fund''s social media presence. New profiles on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn were created to complement the existing Facebook page. These platforms featured regular posts and updates, which successfully reached thousands of users, with Facebook showing the highest engagement. This broadened social reach allowed the Fund to connect with a larger audience and share updates on various initiatives, including cultural heritage restoration projects.
In the third activity, an internal coaching program was implemented to strengthen the team’s cohesion and skills. Through monthly online coaching sessions, participants gained expertise in areas relevant to the Fund''s mission, resulting in a well-coordinated team with specific roles in managing and promoting the pottery workshop. This workshop also received a clear mission and vision, aimed at preserving and promoting traditional crafts and engaging younger generations.
Finally, the project included establishing a pottery workshop and providing hands-on training. This entailed purchasing equipment, setting up the workshop space, and developing a business plan to ensure its sustainable operation. The pottery workshop, planned to open publicly, also aimed to provide training courses and community engagement events. Overall, these activities fostered significant progress in building both the Fund''s technical infrastructure and its community engagement initiatives.
The "Restart of the Curonian Initiative Fund" project has successfully strengthened the organization''s capacity by building a robust team under new leadership and fostering a deeper understanding among members about the Fund’s mission and values. By creating a modern information platform, the public is now regularly and effectively updated on the Fund''s activities and presence, enhancing community engagement. The project also reduced reliance on project-based funding through the development of revenue-generating activities, particularly by establishing a ceramics workshop closely aligned with the Fund’s core mission. This workshop is expected to generate independent income within the next three years, contributing to the Fund’s financial independence. Furthermore, the project has attracted creative and responsible individuals who see potential in the Fund’s initiatives and are motivated to join its efforts. Through new digital media ventures, such as the Fund’s website and social media presence, the organization has achieved a modern and accessible means of public communication that strengthens its visibility and reach.