Description
The project is about building a model system for additional income for NGOs from rural areas, coming from business activity based on the idea of "thematic villages". Results of surveys show that income of rural NGOs is based in 90% on public grants, mainly from local government. It is not a favorable situation for independent social initiatives. We will prepare standards for operation of "villages" organized by rural associations and for network cooperation between such organizations throughout Poland. A system of certification of "villages" will be developed in order to guarantee the highest quality of paid services offered by organizations. 30 rural organizations will create a network to test paid services. A nationwide network of business consultants will be built for rural organizations interested in additional income from business activity. Partners of the project will bring their expertise, and when the project ends they will serve as regional coordinators of the network.
Summary of project results
"As shown by surveys led by the Klon/Jawor Association, rural organisations get 90% of their funds from public subsidies, obtained mainly from municipalities. The situation makes independent social activity more difficult for them. The aim of the project was to build a model system for obtaining additional income for rural NGOs from economic activity based on the operational idea of ""thematic villages"". The standards of operation of the ""villages"" and of cooperation under the created network of 32 organisations conducting activity of that kind were developed. The system for certifying the ""villages"" was prepared in order to guarantee the highest quality of the paid services offered by them. 37 rural organisations tested the products, and 30 of them have already started paid activities. A team of 9 business advisers was also created for rural NGOs interested in obtaining income from business activity. 54 organisations got acquainted with methods and opportunities for diversifying their sources of income. The following activities were implemented: 911 hours of advisory services (52 villages), 450 hours of coaching (53), 10 trainings (47), six study visits (30), five regional meetings (45). Three conferences and the 1st Congress for Thematic Villages were organised with participation of representatives of 89 organisations and institutions. 7 original training materials and presentations on ""thematic villages"" were prepared. Two strategic games were developed for trainings. The building being the headquarters of the project was refurbished. The project benefited 60 rural NGOs operating ""thematic villages"". Various events organised under the project gathered in all 1121 persons. 4 partners contributed to the project their experiences in creating products, management of villages, conducting business activity and cooperation with business partners. After the activities were completed, they became regional coordinators of the network."
Summary of bilateral results