Those Who Left Their Mark: Farewell to the Active Citizens Fund – Slovakia Program


In today’s world, it often feels as though individuals cannot influence society and its direction. However, the Active Citizens Fund – Slovakia program has proven otherwise. This initiative, aimed at supporting active citizens striving to bring positive change to their communities, became a powerful tool for creating a better and fairer society.

The Active Citizens Fund – Slovakia supported Slovak civic organizations in engaging citizens in decision-making and public policy development, improving governance, protecting human rights, providing civic education, and enhancing the status of vulnerable groups in society. Special attention was devoted to young people and their participation in public life. Cross-cutting priorities included fostering bilateral cooperation between Slovak organizations and partners from donor countries and strengthening the capacities and positions of civic organizations in society.

The program was part of financial assistance provided by Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway to 15 EU member states. In Slovakia, the program was managed by the Ekopolis Foundation in partnership with the Open Society Foundation and the Carpathian Foundation. The involvement of these organizations ensured the program’s reach across Slovakia, including less-developed regions, and made it accessible to smaller organizations with less experience in grant applications.

From 2018 to 2023, the Active Citizens Fund distributed 8.5 million EUR through 20 grant calls for Slovak civic organizations. It also provided additional support activities, such as training in project management, organizational development, and self-financing.

The program culminated in a final event titled Those Who Left Their Mark, held on June 19, 2024, in Banská Bystrica at Záhrada – Center of Independent Culture. A closing brochure was also released, offering a comprehensive review of the program and a summary of the supported projects.

Closing Event

We express our heartfelt thanks to all grantees who tirelessly worked to develop and grow these projects. Thanks to you, the ACF Slovakia program has been a remarkable success, supporting many incredible people.

The closing event, “Those Who Left Their Mark – Civil Society Organizations in Slovakia: Challenges and Perspectives”, took place on June 19 at Záhrada – Center of Independent Culture in Banská Bystrica. The event featured outstanding speakers, to whom we are deeply grateful for their contributions and expertise, which significantly contributed to the event’s success and inspired all participants.

 

Program Highlights:

The event was part of a regional civic society initiative, organized by the Ekopolis Foundation, Carpathian Foundation, and Open Society Foundation as the ACF Slovakia consortium, in collaboration with Nadace OSF (Czech Republic) and Solidarna – Foundation for Human Rights and Solidarity (Croatia).

If you’re interested in the stories and successes of the supported projects, download our brochure for more information about Active Citizens Fund Slovakia and other inspiring examples. The brochure offers a detailed insight into how we can work together to create a better world.

Download the brochure by clicking here.

Together, we can leave a mark visible to future generations. You are part of this change!

Photo Gallery from the Closing Event

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