Former Programs

The Romas Integration Program (2003 – 2007)

The program was focused mainly on integration of the Roma communities and strengthening inter-sectoral cooperation in selected regions. The Ekopolis Foundation realized it in cooperation with Partners for Democratic change Slovakia (PDCS) and their partners in Hungary and the Czech Republic. The organizations involved supported various types of activities, while projects arising directly from the Roma communities environment had the highest priority. In such projects, the Romas were the authors of analysis, suggested solutions and, of course, realized the very projects. We worked in three geographical areas: Kezmarok, Rimavska Sobota a Presov. The applicants always attended the process of cooperative planning, where the have an opportunity to create their common projects for the Romas integration in their respective communities as well as the cycle of trainings focused on improvement of communication, conflict solving and coalitions building. One of the tools helping to deliver the goals had been local Reconciliation Committees. The program was financed by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). 

Philanthrophy (1999 – 2006)

The Ekopolis Foundation had supported establishing and development of organizations supporting philanthropy for several years. The aid was directed mainly to community foundations, which had been continually struggling to build their financial independency and increase the level of individual and organized donorship in Slovakia. The financial help supported their effort to create their own long-term financial reserves, enabled their education, or participation in exchange programs in Slovakia and abroad. 

NGOs Strengthening Program (2002-2005)

reflected urgent needs of the Slovak nonprofit sector and endeavored to strengthen the institutional and financial sustainability of the key non-governmental nonprofit organizations in our country. Grants, those of which lengths and amounts overlapped the standard grants awarded by the Ekopolis Foundation, supported 19 NGOs considered the frame of the Slovak non-profit sector. The program was aimed at improving the conditions of the non-profit sector in Slovakia as well. The progress of the 19 organizations supported within the program will be evaluated in 2005.

Rural Livelihoods (2001-2003)

This international program was implemented within the Environmental Partnership association in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. It promoted sustainable economic and social development of rural areas. In Slovakia, it supported 3 regions: South Sitno (south from Banská Štiavnica city), Ramža (in the center of the Law Tatra) and Babia Hora (upper Orava region). The program was focused primarily on rural tourism development, growing and processing of traditional crops, energy savings and alternative energy resources usage. It supported study trips round Central Europe, educational workshops and implementation of selected projects.

Rural Leaders - A nice village - Citizens to Village (1997- 2003)

The lag of rural areas behind cities, typical in those years, leads us to think about the first program aimed at identification and support of local leaders. The Rural Leaders program was launched in 1997. The following small grant program called A nice village reflected the consequential needs - participation and ability to cooperate among citizens of villages. The third descendant - Citizens to village program was launched in 1999. It supported 703 projects in 491 small villages all around Slovakia. In the form of small grants (average amount 20 Ths. SKK/over 500 EUR) it supported e.g.: 333 projects of beautifying villages and development of rural tourism (playgrounds, parks, greenery, tourist and cycle paths etc.), 182 projects of education, communication and information channels development (Internet centers, libraries, PC clubs, local newsletter, tourist information offices, etc.) as well as 188 projects of local culture and traditions revitalization (cultural events, traditions, crafts, folklore, museums, clubs for youth and seniors, etc.)

Your Land Program (1999-2002)

This $2 million grant making scheme supporting involvement of citizens in public affairs was funded by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in 1999-2002. The four following subprograms were involved in the Your Land Program: Advocacy, Advocacy of the 3rd sector, Community Development and Women-Minorities-Tolerance. It was implemented in partnership with ETP Slovakia (later renamed the Center for Philanthropy). Two of the subprograms were closed in 2003, the rest continue to grant Slovak NGOs activities.

Closed subprograms:
Women-Minorities-Tolerance
During 5 years of its implementation, the program supported 100 projects in the total amount of 15.8 Mil. SKK (405 Ths. EUR) which stimulated development of womens organizations and movements, and helped to address new issues in this field. It was aimed at contributing to elimination of violence against women, bringing back social status and the respect of motherhood, self-support group development and the increase of participation of women in decision-making. The first network of crisis centers and mother’s centers in Slovakia were developed thanks to this program.
Advocacy of the 3rd sector
The purpose of this program was to support NGOs and citizens groups enforcing positive changes in legislation and the fiscal environment of the nonprofit sector in Slovakia. The program merged with the Advocacy Program in 2004 and the program adopted its goals.

Energy for Primary Schools (1999)

The international program supported energy audits, energy regulation, education and implementation of practical energy savings projects in primary and secondary schools. The Ekopolis Foundation administrated the program in partnership with the Ekoenergia Association of Rajec. Energy for Primary Schools was the first joint program of EP foundations and corporations in CEE, and enjoys a special recognition among others despite the fact it lasted but one year. It was financed by Honeywell co.