Development of digital capabilities of ""Vidusdaugava NGO Center""

Project facts

Project promoter:
Vidusdaugavas NGO Center(LV)
Project Number:
LV-ACTIVECITIZENS-0156
Status:
Completed
Final project cost:
€19,846
Programme:

Description

The aim of the project "Development of Digital Capabilities of Vidusdaugava NGO Center" is to improve the digital capacity of the association for optimizing management processes, modernizing its activities and introducing new solutions in the work of the association with the intention to more effectively achieve the goals set in the statutes.
The project envisages 4 consecutive activities in the 12-month period from August 2022 to July 2023. Three of the project activities provide for the training of employees and participants of the association in digital skills, organizing seminars, consultations and workshops for 80 NGO participants. The fourth activity is the organization of two digital campaigns to improve existing practices and gain new experiences. The aim of the campaigns is to increase the share of non-project income of the association by at least 10% in order to stabilize the overall operation. All activities are aimed at increasing the association''s operational capacity in the digital field, which is becoming an increasingly important part of today''s "new normal".
As a result of the project, the association''s professional skills in using various digital solutions, creating digital content and organizing digital campaigns will increase. This will increase the prestige of the association as a civil society organization that implements modern long-term solutions in its work, is financially independent and regularly provides information on its work and services to the general public.
The implementation of the project will promote the interest of young participants in civil society organizations, as the amount of information about NGOs in the digital environment will increase.
The implementation of activities, involving a large part of the participants of the Vidusdaugava NGO Center, will promote their cooperation, smooth development of understanding of NGO opportunities in the digital environment, increase of knowledge and skills. In the long run, this will s

Summary of project results

The project aimed to address several issues related to the organization''s capacity and effectiveness in the digital era. The key challenges the project sought to resolve included:

  1. Lack of Digital Competency: The project aimed to improve the digital capabilities of the association, which were essential for optimizing management processes, modernizing operations, and introducing new technological solutions. This would help the NGO work more efficiently and meet its goals in alignment with modern expectations for civil society organizations.

  2. Limited Financial Sustainability: Another issue was the limited ability of the NGO to generate non-project income. The project sought to address this by organizing digital campaigns that would enhance the NGO’s existing fundraising practices and increase its non-project income by at least 10%, thereby stabilizing its financial situation.

  3. Need for Capacity Building: There was a need for the association''s staff and participants to develop skills in digital content creation, campaign organization, and the use of various digital tools. By training 80 participants, the project aimed to equip them with essential digital skills, fostering a better understanding of the digital landscape and how it can benefit their work.

  4. Increased Public Awareness: The project also sought to improve the public’s awareness of the association’s activities and services. As digital visibility grows, it was anticipated that the organization would be able to regularly share its work and services, enhancing its reputation and outreach in the community.

Through these activities, the project aimed to help the association become more modern, financially independent, and able to adapt to the digital transformation affecting civil society organizations. This would, in turn, increase youth interest in participating in such organizations, as the digital footprint of NGOs would expand.

The project successfully achieved all of its initially set goals, which were centered around improving the digital capacity of the association and its members. Over a 12-month period, four activities were implemented to build digital skills and optimize the association''s work. These activities were designed to strengthen the digital capabilities of the staff, volunteers, board members, and other participating NGOs.

  1. Training and Workshops: Three activities focused on enhancing digital skills through seminars, consultations, and workshops for association members and other participants. This helped increase the digital competence of those involved.

  2. Digital Campaigns: The fourth activity involved organizing three digital campaigns to improve existing practices and gain new experiences. These campaigns helped optimize the association’s practices, while providing valuable learning experiences.

  3. Improved Digital Practices: The project contributed to the professional development of the association’s ability to use various digital solutions, create digital content, and run digital campaigns. This enhanced the association’s operational efficiency, helping it modernize and streamline its processes.

As a result, the association became more digitally proficient, leading to greater public visibility and engagement. The digital campaigns, particularly for the "Dienas centrs ''Kopā būt''" (Day Center "Being Together"), significantly improved attendance and stability during the summer months, which had previously been a period of low visitor numbers. This contributed to the financial stability of the association.

The project successfully increased the digital skills of the staff, volunteers, and members of the association, which led to improved digital management and more effective implementation of the association’s goals.

  1. Increased Digital Competence: The project had a significant impact on the digital capacity of the association and its stakeholders. Employees, board members, volunteers, and other NGOs improved their ability to utilize digital tools, which enhanced the association''s efficiency in managing its operations and achieving its statutory goals.

  2. Increased Public Awareness and Engagement: The digital campaigns raised the association’s visibility in the digital space. This contributed to a higher profile for the association as a modern civil society organization committed to long-term, sustainable solutions. This also helped increase interest among younger participants in engaging with civil society organizations.

  3. Financial Impact: One of the specific goals was to increase the association’s non-project income by at least 10%. The digital campaigns helped achieve this by stabilizing and even increasing the attendance at the "Dienas centrs ''Kopā būt''" during the summer, which was previously a low period. This directly contributed to the financial stability and growth of the association.

  4. Long-Term Impact: The project’s effects will be assessed in the coming year based on several indicators, including visitor and participant growth, the increase in social media followers, and other performance metrics. This long-term evaluation will help track the continued success and impact of the digital strategies introduced through the project.

Overall, the project benefited the association and its members by equipping them with the necessary digital skills to operate effectively in today''s increasingly digital world. Additionally, the digital campaigns led to greater financial and operational stability, positioning the association for future growth.

Information on the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants is provided by the Programme and Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States, who are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information.