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Description
The aim of the project is to strengthen the capacity of the association For Smiltene and Latvia by attracting experts and specialists who will develop the strategy of the association''s development, fundraising and public relations and marketing. So NGO will achieve greater recognition in the local community, as well as more sustainable and skilled implementation. NGOs will become less dependent on project funding by attracting more donor funds. Stable and regular income will allow the association to implement activities that strengthen the capacity of civil society and citizen participation. The project will activate the members of the NGO and achieve greater involvement in the activities of the association. Within the framework of the project, the condition of the association''s seminar rooms will be improved - floor boards will be purchased and, by attracting volunteers, a floor will be laid, which will enable the association to implement lifelong learning and personal development activities in this room.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several key issues and challenges:
- Limited Strategic Development and Capacity: The NGO "For Smiltene and Latvia" lacked a clear strategy for development, fundraising, and public relations. This limited its ability to effectively engage with the local community and implement its activities in a sustainable way.
- Over-reliance on Project-Based Funding: Like many other NGOs, the organization was heavily dependent on short-term project funding, which made it difficult to secure regular and stable income for long-term activities. This dependency limited its capacity to strengthen civil society and promote citizen participation.
- Lack of Infrastructure for Lifelong Learning: The seminar rooms of the association were not in optimal condition, which hindered the organization’s ability to carry out lifelong learning and personal development activities.
- Low Member Engagement: There was also a need to increase the engagement and involvement of the NGO’s members in its activities, to strengthen the organization internally and achieve better community outreach.
By addressing these challenges, the project sought to build a more sustainable and impactful NGO.
The project involved several key activities and outputs designed to address challenges in capacity building, public relations, fundraising, and infrastructure improvement for the NGO “For Smiltene and Latvia.” Below is a summary of the key activities and their corresponding outputs:
1. Development of Public Relations Strategy and Marketing Plan:
A public relations strategy was developed based on ideas from expert Artūrs Mednis, including an emphasis on improving the NGO’s online presence, particularly on Facebook.
Regular updates and information were shared on Facebook and the NGO’s blog to keep the community informed. Despite the pandemic’s impact on participation, activities intensified in preparation for the NGO’s 20th anniversary, including a campaign to promote the NGO’s accomplishments over two decades.
A new logo, presentation, and printed materials were developed to attract donors. Work continued on modernizing the NGO’s website, with completion planned for November 2022.
2. Consultations on Fundraising:
Consultations with expert Inese Boša on fundraising began in February 2022 and involved several meetings with the team to develop a comprehensive donation strategy. The discussions highlighted the need for an overall development strategy for the NGO, which was incorporated into the fundraising plan.
The team explored how people donate and concluded that regular donors were essential for sustainability. A call to action for donors was created, and work on a flyer to reach out to potential donors began.
The consultations helped clarify the NGO’s mission, vision, and values, as well as set long-term goals for two and ten years, contributing to the creation of an integrated development and fundraising strategy.
3. Expert Consultations on Public Relations and Marketing Strategy:
Marketing expert Artūrs Mednis conducted a workshop and provided an analysis of the NGO’s public presence on social media and other platforms. His feedback led to improvements in the NGO’s communication strategy, including focusing on shorter social media posts and emphasizing member and donor engagement.
Following this, improvements to the NGO’s website were planned to better reach the target audience.
4. Development of NGO Development Strategy and Quality Management:
A working group was established to implement the capacity-building project, and regular meetings were held. New members were recruited to help modernize the website and contribute to other initiatives.
A Quality Management System was introduced, focusing on good governance and improving transparency, including addressing potential conflicts of interest within the NGO.
As part of the project, ideas for improving the NGO’s governance were incorporated, and a new code of ethics was planned, along with clearer guidelines for accepting donations and reporting financial activities.
5. Fundraising Activities and Campaigns:
A fundraising campaign to create a memorial site for poet Marika Svīķe in Smiltene’s Old Park was launched. Donations were collected during local events, and a special marketing campaign was planned for the NGO’s 20th anniversary.
The campaign gathered €1,570 for the memorial, with further plans to engage long-term donors and increase community involvement through awareness campaigns.
6. Improvement of the Seminar Room:
The seminar room at Lejas Varicēnu learning center was renovated, with new flooring installed. This involved purchasing materials and engaging volunteers to complete the renovation.
The renovated space was utilized for workshops, trainings, and personal development activities. Additionally, the room became a source of income through rentals, starting with the Latvian Permaculture Association’s week-long training.
Through these activities, the project aimed to build a more sustainable and recognized NGO by strengthening internal capacity, enhancing public relations and fundraising efforts, and improving its physical infrastructure for community activities.
The project achieved several important results that benefited both the NGO "For Smiltene and Latvia" and the wider community. Below is a summary of the outcomes and impacts, as well as the beneficiaries:
1. Increased Organizational Capacity and Sustainability:
Outcome: The development of a comprehensive public relations and fundraising strategy enhanced the NGO’s ability to secure sustainable funding and operate more effectively. By incorporating expert feedback, the NGO became less dependent on project-based funding and established better methods for attracting regular donors.
Impact: The NGO is now more capable of managing its operations sustainably and delivering its mission to strengthen civil society and citizen engagement.
Beneficiaries: The NGO itself benefited from increased sustainability and capacity, allowing it to serve its mission more effectively over the long term.
2. Improved Public Relations and Marketing:
Outcome: The public relations strategy, supported by a new logo, marketing materials, and a more focused use of social media (Facebook), increased the NGO’s visibility in the local community. Public engagement was maintained despite the pandemic, and campaigns were run to highlight the NGO’s achievements over 20 years.
Impact: Greater community awareness and recognition of the NGO, leading to stronger community support and engagement.
Beneficiaries: The local community benefitted from increased awareness of the NGO''s work, fostering greater civic participation and involvement in NGO activities.
3. Renovation of the Seminar Room for Lifelong Learning:
Outcome: The NGO’s seminar room at the Lejas Varicēnu learning center was successfully renovated, with new flooring installed. This created a functional space for lifelong learning, workshops, and personal development activities.
Impact: The renovated space allowed the NGO to host educational events and rent out the room, generating additional income and providing a community hub for learning and development.
Beneficiaries: Local residents benefited from access to a space dedicated to lifelong learning and personal development programs, as well as the availability of the venue for workshops and events.
4. Member and Volunteer Engagement:
Outcome: The project increased engagement among NGO members and volunteers by organizing regular meetings, activating volunteers for renovation projects, and recruiting new members to support initiatives such as website modernization and community events.
Impact: Stronger internal capacity, with more active participation from members and volunteers, which enabled the NGO to accomplish its goals more effectively.
Beneficiaries: NGO members and volunteers benefited from more active involvement, gaining new skills, and contributing to the NGO’s success.
5. Fundraising Success for Memorial Site and NGO Projects:
Outcome: The NGO raised funds to create a memorial site for the poet Marika Svīķe, gathering €1,570 from community donations. Additionally, the NGO gained experience organizing fundraising campaigns and cultivated relationships with potential long-term donors.
Impact: The successful fundraising efforts enabled the NGO to move forward with the memorial project and demonstrated its capacity to engage the community and attract donations.
Beneficiaries: The local community and donors benefitted from the creation of a meaningful cultural site, while the NGO gained experience and resources to continue its work.
6. Financial Gains from Room Rentals:
Outcome: The renovated seminar room generated income from rentals, beginning with €500 earned from hosting a week-long training event for the Latvian Permaculture Association. Further bookings were made for other events, generating additional income for the NGO.
Impact: The additional income from room rentals contributed to the NGO’s financial sustainability, helping cover operating costs and fund future initiatives.
Beneficiaries: The NGO benefited directly from this new revenue stream, which supported its activities and increased its independence from project-based funding.
Overall Impact:
The project helped build a more resilient and capable NGO, better equipped to serve the local community and engage with citizens in meaningful ways. By improving its internal capacity, fundraising capabilities, public presence, and physical infrastructure, the NGO can now operate more effectively and sustainably.