Local support network - the key to organisational sustainability

Project facts

Project promoter:
Diakonie ČCE - Středisko Světlo ve Vrchlabí(CZ)
Project Number:
CZ-ACTIVECITIZENS-0213
Status:
Completed
Final project cost:
€90,761
Programme:

More information

Description

According to the analysis of social services funding by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (2019), non-profit organisations in social services do not have stable funding. The community plans for social work in the territory of the administrative district of Vrchlabí 2021-2025, but also Jilemnice 2018-2026 state that there is very low public awareness of services and therefore people have prejudices, use services late, do not want to support them. It is not possible to care for clients from the other county at county borders. 
The aim of the project is to increase the capacity and sustainability of Diakonia Vrchlabí and Jilemnice ORP by setting up a clear communication strategy and linking with local supporters. We will train 6 leaders and 6 employees of Diakonia in public information, fundraising and volunteering. We will set up a Communication strategy and a Plan of work with supporters. We will create our support network by implementing 4 communication campaigns for each of social services and linking with 10 local companies and 10 volunteers. Our campaigns will actively reach a minimum of 60 people from Vrchlabí and Jilemnice and will result in 80 people in the newsletter for supporters. 
People will understand us - the survey will show that the public understands the activities of social services. New clients will not perceive the existence of information barriers to using the services. The financial stability of the organisation will be increased by introducing another source of funding. Financial support from donors at the end of the project will be at least 3%, optimally 5% of the organization''s budget, thanks to this we will be able to provide support to people living on the border of the second region or partially pre-fund the shortfall of the subsidy.

Summary of project results

 1. non-profit organizations have unstable funding. They are funded by subsidies, grants and regional authorities. Therefore, it is important to start with fundraising and engaging the local community in support.

2. Lack of awareness about social services. There is a lack of awareness and education of the general and professional public in the field of social services. Social services in the locality are evaluated as high quality, but closed and incomprehensible for the neighbourhood. Disadvantaged people come to services late - they do not know what to expect, they fear stigmatization of the environment. Incomprehensibility also discourages people from engaging with and supporting organisations.

 

The long-term positive impact of the project is a trained team of 6 leaders and 6 employees in PR, FR and volunteering. The team is able to work with communication 

strategies and create background material for posts and articles. The team can also document the evidence base for the fundraiser''s work. They know how to motivate 

volunteers. A significant impact of the project is allocating 1.5 FTE to public communications and working with supporters. Two strategic documents have been introduced 

into the organisation - a communications strategy and a Plan of work with supporters. These two documents have become an integral part of the PR and FR manager''s work. 

The most significant impact of the project has been the overall visibility of Diakonia Vrchlabí, which has led to increased interest in the Diakonia''s campaigns. 

The local community of supporters and fans has grown, both from the public and from local businesses and organisations. 

Information about the services and organisation was also communicated through a newsletter which became a regular source of information for the public. 

Another important impact has been the long-term cooperation with volunteers. 

 

 

The long-term positive impact of the project is a trained team of 6 leaders and 6 employees in PR, FR and volunteering. The team is able to work with communication 

strategies and create background material for posts and articles. The team can also document the evidence base for the fundraiser''s work. They know how to motivate 

volunteers. A significant impact of the project is allocating 1.5 FTE to public communications and working with supporters. Two strategic documents have been introduced 

into the organisation - a communications strategy and a Plan of work with supporters. These two documents have become an integral part of the PR and FR manager''s work. 

Thanks to the project, 4 online campaigns for individual social services and 4 public events were held. The project has attracted several supporters and volunteers. We also trained volunteers to be motivated and willing to work with us. Through increased communication with the public, we have formed 13 partnerships with local businesses that support us. A newsletter has been created for better communication.

 

A significant impact of the project is allocating 1.5 FTE to public communications and working with supporters. Two strategic documents have been introduced into the organisation - a communications strategy and a Plan of work with supporters. These two documents have become an integral part of the PR and FR manager''s work. The most significant impact of the project has been the overall visibility of Diakonia Vrchlabí, which has led to increased interest in the Diakonia''s campaigns. We have established relationships especially with the local media. The media then published several articles and interviews about the centre. The local community of supporters and fans has grown, both from the public and from local businesses and organisations. Information about the services and organisation was also communicated through a newsletter which became a regular source of information for the public. In this way we have introduced the services and work of the centre to potential clients and the public knows who to contact in case of need. Another important impact has been the long-term cooperation with volunteers

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.