Good Neighbor Supported Thirteen Community Projects in 2022

Distributed €30,000 for Volunteer Ideas

Every good idea on how to improve public spaces, organize sports or cultural events, or create a safe environment for children’s play requires not only hard-working hands but also funding. This year, the Good Neighbor grant program supported 13 exciting projects, distributing a total of €30,000 to active communities. 

Three school projects focused on improving outdoor spaces for children’s education or leisure activities are gradually coming to life. Thanks to a grant from Good Neighbor, the popular children’s traffic playground in Ostredky Park in Ružinov was improved. Support was also given to athletes: the organizer of the 10th annual Vrakunský Run received a grant, and funding went to rowers from Zlaté Piesky and the Hockeyball Club from Podunajské Biskupice to enhance training conditions for children. In the village of Rovinka, the grant will allow locals to plant a stretch of greenery along houses in cooperation with firefighters. Good Neighbor also supported the Odyseus civic association, which works with communities of drug users and people in the sex trade, involving them in renovating and cleaning the day center in Pentagon. This improved environment will help motivate the center’s clients toward a positive change.

This year, funding was also provided for the first public community garden project in Podunajské Biskupice and the sheltered workshop Top-Art. With support from Good Neighbor, Top-Art will organize the second year of creative workshops for disabled children in Ružinov, raising awareness about their lives.

The Good Neighbor grant program has been supporting community activities for four years, focusing on initiatives from people living near the Slovnaft refinery in three districts of Bratislava and the village of Rovinka. “Since 2019, 45 good ideas have received grants to foster a vibrant, healthy, and functioning urban environment. People living here know the local shortcomings of public spaces and can find suitable solutions. Good Neighbor welcomes these initiatives and provides not only understanding but also financial support for quality execution,” said Ľubica Štúberová, Program Manager for Good Neighbor.

The Good Neighbor grant program is Slovnaft’s targeted effort to improve the quality of life near the refinery. The program is managed and project assessments are made in collaboration with the Ekopolis Foundation.