More information
Description
The aim of the project is to improve the long-term capacity of Valmiermuiža Association of Culture (VAC). Necessary tools will be created to strengthen the grounds of the organization, promote recognition and move towards independence from project-based financing. To achieve results the strategy of VAC will be created (a long-term document until 2030), where the action plan will be adjusted annually, based on the set performance indicators. The strategy will provide a tactical action plan to increase efficiency, financial stability, local community’s involvement and activity plan to implement the mission. The development of effective communication tools – the creation of a website and a support offer for sponsors – will promote the information and involvement of stakeholders about the activities of the association. After the implementation of the project, by improving the availability of communication and information and various opportunities for involvement, we expect a greater activity of donors and supporters, which is related to the independence of project-based financing.
Summary of project results
Lack of planned, result-oriented activity – the basic document of the association is the statute with the goal and objectives, but in order to develop in the long term, it was necessary to define its values, mission, vision, priorities, to gather ideas, to create an action plan both to achieve the goal and to ensure the long-term functioning of the association.
There was no unified public information about the association – press releases about specific events, very general descriptions on the Valmiera municipality website, some cooperation in the promotion of cultural events, but there were no specific places to get a comprehensive picture of the association, its activities and current events. This limited access to information was not conducive to attracting partners, supporters, donors, volunteers, the local community and other stakeholders to the organisation.
The organisation was financially dependent on projects, unstable other sources of income and lack of financial supporters (there were some service and outreach supporters for specific events), due to lack of capacity there was no work done to interest and attract donors.
Limited capacity and lack of human resources, which challenge the stability and sustainability of the organisation.
The aim of the project was to improve the long-term capacity of Valmiermuiža Association of Culture. Necessary tools were created to strengthen the grounds of the organization, promote recognition and move towards independence from project-based financing. To achieve results there is made the strategy of association – a long-term document until 2030. The strategy provides a tactical action plan to increase efficiency, financial stability, local community’s involvement and activity plan to implement the mission. In the project are developed effective communication tools – website and support offer for sponsors – that promote the information and involvement of stakeholders about the activities of the association. After the project implementation, by improving communication and information accessibility and various engagement opportunities, more donor activity and supporter interest is expected, which increases the non-project income of the association.
The share of non-project income has increased by more than 10 % - the association has come to the conclusion during the project that passive income is an important financial support, as demonstrated in this case by the production of the book "Valmiermuiža" and the services provided by the association in organising events, which have increased its income by 38.4 % compared to the reporting period a year ago. This gives confidence that, with targeted and measured action, it is possible to find additional sources of funding other than through calls for proposals. In the longer term, the association will continue to look for further opportunities to secure a share of the non-project income from calls for proposals.
Through the newly created website, the association has successfully communicated its activities and regularly updates information on upcoming events. The association also carries out various publicity activities (press releases, inclusion in other organisations'' social networks, interviews in print and electronic media, etc.) and participates in various public events, thus ensuring the regular circulation of information about the association''s activities and activities in a wide range of information spaces.
The association uses a target-setting and target-assessment approach in its daily work and uses and follows the quality management methods/principles included in the long-term strategy of the association, which is used in the organisation and evaluation of its work. The plan is to carry out an annual evaluation of the qualitative and quantitative results achieved and to set priorities for the next period in order to improve the capacity of the association and the use of resources.