Latvian society is passive in participating in social processes.
The project will develop community philanthropy and targeted donation traditions in Vidzeme by strengthening society’s, incl. youth, awareness of charity and volunteering, promote development of local communities by supporting locally important initiatives, which will be implemented by the residents.
Main activities: promotion of community philanthropy and volunteerism, support and donations attraction for current needs of the local community in Valmiera region, realization and growth of “Lab of Youth Ideas”, development of Community Foundation Movement in Latvia.
Main results: improved understanding of philanthropy, volunteering and participation opportunities for local development, improved collaboration among community foundations in Latvia, ensured systematic Fund work with donors, society and youth, thus strengthening the foundation’s long-term sustainability.
Target group: local residents, NGOs members.

Project results: The aim of the Project was to promote community philanthropy and purposeful giving traditions in Vidzeme and Latvia by strengthening society’s, including youth, awareness of philanthropy and volunteerism. The project target group were 39 NGOs, 57 NGO members, 4 NGO employees, 12 volunteers, 48 young people and Apr. 3000 residents of Valmiera region. Most of program activities took place in Valmiera area, but many measures were held throughout Latvia.
The following was achieved:
1) Promoting of community philanthropy and volunteering in Vidzeme:
• Website www.deedin.com for volunteers has been created.
• Regular communication in social media has been ensured.
• Within 2 "open door" events more than 70 people have been informed about the Valmiera Region Community Foundation.
• 186 press releases were sent to media.
2) Diversification of financial donations and fundraising:
• Concept of donors club has been developed and approved; numbers of donors has been increased till 41 people.
• 9 different events for potential donors have been organized.
• € 36,300 as donation for different objectives was received.
• 2,000 people have donated for Charity Stock; at least 200 families became beneficiaries of Charity Stock.
3) Support for the local community need in Valmiera region:
• The 3rd Citizen Forum of Valmiera has been organized.
• 10 workshops for local initiatives have been organized (119 local residents as participants).
• 3 project open calls have been carried out; 31 initiatives of locals have been supported for € 19,400.
4) Improving of program “Lab of Youth Ideas” (LYI):
• 42 young people became participants of LYI.
• 7 trainings for youth have been organized.
• 4 project open calls have been carried out; 21 initiatives of youth have been supported for € 2200.
• One international youth forum about the youth philanthropy in Europe has been organized.
• Three new Labs of Youth Ideas have been set up in Latvia.
5) Ensuring of growing of Community Foundation Movement in Latvia:
• Two new foundations became members of Community Foundation Movement.
6) Sustainability of Valmiera Region Community Foundation:
• 12 persons became volunteers of Valmiera Region Community Foundation.
• 9 new project proposals have been created for attracting financial resources.