Big project for little Ilok

Description

Positive changes for representatives of associations (first target group) are greater information on available external sources of funding, improved work of associations, acquired knowledge and competencies on project application and implementation, strong local networking through educational activity of project proposal development, more frequent project applications, networking with other associations from Croatia.

Young people in the City of Ilok are viewed as a vulnerable group by this project, and through the implementation of this project they will be included in the local community. Positive changes for young people (second target group) are empowerment of individuals, routing and self-realization through community contribution, awareness of opportunities and employment through associations; creating new opportunities in the underdeveloped and deprived area; gaining knowledge, competencies and confidence in project applications and implementation.

Additional values of the project are the membership of the Youth Association Ilok  "Volja" in the Croatian Youth Network, Infocenter that will remain active after the project, the directory of the City of Ilok website that will remain available for updates of new activities. Additional values of the project will be visible after implementation, through project applications of local associations with partners from other cities in Croatia, as well as through increased number of employees through associations.

Summary of project results

Through a survey conducted with 15 civil society organizations, we have identified the following issues in our community:

1. Funding: The majority of associations rely on funding from the city''s budget, accounting for 93.33%. Other significant sources of funding mentioned by representatives of these 15 associations include support from local wineries and businesses (40%), while 33.33% occasionally seek financial support from companies across Croatia but do not always receive it. Only 6.7% request in-kind donations (refreshments, materials for activities), which they occasionally receive.

2. Employment: Out of the 15 responses, only one organization, a branch of a sports association in Borovo, employs two individuals, constituting 6.66%. (To our knowledge, no other out of the 46 associations in the city of Ilok employ anyone.) Reasons cited for this are: 69.2% do not have a need for hiring staff, 23.1% find the process of hiring too complicated, they do not have someone who could effectively manage projects, and they have not found suitable job openings through which to hire. Additionally, 15.4% state that they do not know how to write project proposals.

3. Competencies: There is a willingness to hire through associations (23.1%), but there is also a lack of knowledge and competencies for writing and implementing projects. If the mentioned 23.1% of associations in the city of Ilok were to employ one person each, this would result in 10 new job positions (currently, there are 87 unemployed youth in Ilok, source: Croatian Employment Service, Ilok branch).

4. Leadership: During the lockdown, most associations either canceled or postponed their projects.

5. Visibility and Information: Out of 46 associations, 11 are active on social media (23.91%), with all 11 of them being on Facebook and 3 (27.3%) on Instagram. None of the associations have an official website. The average rating for awareness of funding opportunities is 3.13 out of 5.

We have opened an virtual Info Center for the purpose of announcing information about open calls for proposals, competitions, donations and sponsorships.

Online mentoring support for local associations available through the Info center. 

Published a bulletin about local associations, thereby providing the local community information about their work.

The local NGOs has been impowered through different workshops witch result with five drafts of project proposals, ready for submitting for funding.

Three networking events for ne collaborations and visibility of project results.

 

 

Positive Changes for the Local Community:

1. Increased Awareness: The entire community now has a better understanding of the work of associations through accessible information resources like web directories, bulletins, and the Info Center.
2. Enhanced Knowledge of Funding: Organizations have gained a better understanding of alternative sources of funding beyond the city budget.
3. Increased Competency: The local community now better understands the process of project application and implementation.
4. Employment through Associations: There is a trend of employment through associations, leading to a reduction in unemployment rates.
5. Empowered Individuals: A new generation of leaders within associations and the local community is becoming stronger.
6. Collaboration with Other Associations: There is potential to establish friendly cities and collaborate with other associations in Croatia.

Positive Changes for Association Representatives:

1. Increased Funding Awareness: Associations are better informed about available funding sources such as grants, donations, and sponsorships.
2. Improvement in Association Work: The development of a communication plan enhances association operations.
3. Acquisition of Knowledge and Competencies: Associations have gained knowledge and competencies related to project application and implementation.
4. Local Networking: Educational activities related to project proposal development encourage local networking and application for grants.
5. Increased Application for Grants: Associations now apply more frequently for project funding opportunities.
6. Networking with Other Associations: There is potential for collaboration with other associations in Croatia, opening doors to new projects and study visits.

Positive Changes for Youth:

1. Empowerment of Individuals: Young people are becoming empowered and contributing to the community.
2. Guidance and Self-Realization: Youth are guided towards their interests and achieve their potential by contributing to the community.
3. Employment Opportunities: Young people become aware of employment opportunities through associations.
4. Creation of New Opportunities: Civil association projects create new opportunities in previously underdeveloped or deprived areas.
5. Acquisition of Knowledge and Competencies: Youth acquire knowledge, competencies, and self-confidence in project application and implementation.