The project has been in realization since 01 July 2010 with the financial support of the International Fund «Renaissance» (Kiev,
Ру
Ukraine) and S.Batoriy Foundation (Warsaw, Poland). The deadline — 30 June 2011.
In July 2010 the Fund for Development of Nikolayev (FDN), known for long-term support for community initiatives, announced a competition for mini grants under the project «Micro grants for civil action in Nikolaev.»
The competition is directed to support campaigns of civil representation on the local level, reinforcing effect on the formation and implementation of local policies, protection of citizens’ rights and interests of local communities, ensuring civilian control of local government. Community organizations, charity funds, self organization bodies, coalitions and the initiative groups of citizens in cooperation with self organization bodies, community organizations and charity funds took pert in it.
Winners of the competition and the results were announced on 15 October 2010, received grants of 15 000 UAH from organizers for realization of their projects. The practical part of the projects was realized in November 2010 to April 2011.
Feature of small grants competitions held by the FDN is in the fact that usually the Fund completes a prior studying of the public. «Center of Southern Ukrainian Self Organization», acting on the basis of FDN in early August last year, conducted training for potential grantees.35 leaders of local community groups have received training, acquired skills of the organizational and financial management, writing projects and advocacy campaigns.
In 2011, we have already achieved the following results:
1. The role of civil society in addressing local development issues has increased.
2. Combined efforts of experts from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Poland were created and adapted to the Nikolayev county «Success Formula of civil action.»
3. Form seven supported projects supported 5 were successful small businesses advocacy.
4. Guidelines for the development and implementation of social projects were distributed among the interested public of Nikolayev.
The project was realized
