NGO Fund Lithuania

Project completed
A man holds a crate of food in front of a van displaying the “Schweizer Tafel” and Coop logos.
The Lithuanian foundation benefits from the experience of the Schweizer Tafel project. © SDC © SDC

The overall goal is to promote civil society's contribution to economic and social cohesion as an important actor of development and to contribute to further development of the NGO sector in Lithuania. The project empowers  in decision-making especially when it comes to socially disadvantaged groups.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Lithuania
Strengthening civil society
Non-governmental organisations
01.01.2010 - 31.12.2014
CHF  5’552’775

Note: the texts under all the headings, with the exception of 'Results achieved', describe the situation before the start of the project.

Background

As neither a detailed analysis of the NGO sector, nor a governmental institution responsible for execution of the sector policy was available, the Ministry of Finance started with the feasibility study to assess needs of the NGO sector and the sector itself. In the meantime, the Government of Lithuania approved a Concept on NGOs (Concept) and assigned the Ministry of Social Security and Labour (MoSSL) as the institution responsible for implementation of the Concept. Therefore MoSSL will participate in all further activities planned under this project. Both the Concept and feasibility study revealed that priority areas of intervention are: (i) advocacy on issues of public interest; (ii) strengthening of civic participation; and (iii) capacity building of NGOs, including fund-raising.

Objectives

The Block Grant will allow Lithuania to enhance the contribution of civil society – as a key actor of development and civic participation - to economic and social cohesion. Specific objectives are to strengthen NGOs institutional capacities as well cooperation between NGOs and local municipalities via financing joint sub-projects.

Activities

The project envisages: (i) effective administration of the block grant; (ii) preparing rules for open calls; (iii) organizing of the open call(s); (iv) preparing of selection criteria; (v) assessment of submitted sub-projects; and (vi) implementation of the approved sub-projects.

Results

Achieved results:  

  • 97 NGO projects were successfully implemented.
  • 32 (out of 97) sub-projects focused on strengthening voluntary activities and attracting new volunteers to the activities of the NGOs.
  • Overall, the partners conclude that the project has been successfully implemented, promoting civil society’s contribution to economic and social cohesion.
  • NGOs were able to strengthen their institutional capacities, proficiency and financial independence.
  • The programme has helped strengthening the cooperation between NGOs and local municipalities. This has positively influenced the participation of NGOs in decision-making.

 

 

 


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Swiss Contribution to the enlarged EU
Project partners Contract partner
Foreign state institution
  • Central State of South East


Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    5’552’775 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    5’469’382
Project phases

Phase 1 01.01.2010 - 31.12.2014   (Completed)