https://climatejournal.news/ en https://climatejournal.news/news/building-a-pipeline-for-social-and-climate-innovation-in-portugal <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><span>Building a pipeline for social and climate innovation in Portugal</span> </div> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="https://climatejournal.news/news/building-a-pipeline-for-social-and-climate-innovation-in-portugal" data-a2a-title="Building a pipeline for social and climate innovation in Portugal"><a class="a2a_button_linkedin"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin_hover.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_facebook"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/facebook.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/facebook_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_twitter"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/twitter.svg" border="0" alt="Twitter" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/twitter_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Twitter" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_email"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/email.svg" border="0" alt="Email" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/email_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Email" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_dd" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"> Share </a></span> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/social-entrepreneurship" hreflang="en">Social Entrepreneurship</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/climate-innovation" hreflang="en">Climate Innovation</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/portugal" hreflang="en">Portugal</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/social-innovation" hreflang="en">Social Innovation</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/circular-economy" hreflang="en">Circular Economy</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Topic</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/topic/social-innovation" hreflang="en">Social Innovation</a></div> </div> </div> <img alt="Building a pipeline for social and climate innovation in Portugal" title="Building a pipeline for social and climate innovation in Portugal" class="img-responsive" src="/files/styles/news_full_main_image/public/bsp-images/news/1281.jpg?itok=kbslUx6s" width="687" height="687" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3890 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3891 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Social innovation has gained significant attention in Portugal in recent years, with various initiatives, policies, and organisations focused on addressing social and environmental challenges through innovative solutions.</p> <p><a href="https://casadoimpacto.scml.pt/en/" target="_blank">Casa do Impacto</a> is Portugal's biggest impact entrepreneurship hub, based in Lisbon, incubating over 60 startups.</p> <p>Inês Sequeira, Founder and Director of Casa do Impacto, highlights that since its opening in 2018, this hub for social innovation has put Portugal on the map of the impact ecosystem, gathering the resources and network to grow an impact venture.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3894 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--58-42"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3892 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>It is a dedicated space where stakeholders contribute and collaborate to make the necessary paradigm shift in business, with over 3 million euros already invested in supporting social innovators throughout its activity.</p> <p>The hub aims to create an exciting pipeline of innovative solutions linked with the 17 SDGs through accelerator and incubator programs and investment.</p> <p>“Given the scope of Casa do Impacto's work, we intend to articulate the different interventions regarding their complementarity to constitute a "pipeline" capable of covering the various stages and needs of entrepreneurship initiatives and social and environmental innovation,” says Inês.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3893 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1282.jpg" width="505" height="375" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Inês Sequeira, Founder and Director of Casa do Impacto, Portugal.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3895 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>They run accelerator programs, such as the Triggers to help develop and support innovative projects focusing on environmental issues while responding to societal challenges induced by the climate emergency.</p> <p>“As part of the process, we offer access to training, mentoring sessions, exchange of experiences and case studies, and, in addition to rigorous monitoring of the work carried out,” Inês further explains.</p> <p>Furthermore, participants can benefit from accessing an extensive network of program partners.</p> <blockquote> <p>“At Casa do Impacto, we strive to accelerate change and focus our efforts on bringing solutions to life that are able to combine climate justice and social justice.”</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3899 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--58-42"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3896 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Inês thinks we need to create conditions where socially and environmentally responsible projects can emerge, saying that providing proper training, for instance, can significantly enhance the chances of having more and better ideas that can be transformed into enterprises.</p> <p>They aim to support the consolidation and expansion of innovative, environmentally sustainable products and services in the market to become alternative responses and thus contribute to a fair and socially balanced climate transition.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-callout paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--width--full callout-style--b" id="callout-3898"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="callout-body"> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3897 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>“Social enterprises can contribute to building a more sustainable and just economy in various ways. I believe we need to collaborate more, pilot new solutions, invest when they’re ready, and close the circle.”</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3900 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>She emphasises that social enterprises are well-placed to change the tide in climate and social innovation while playing a vital role in creating future jobs, attracting investments and inspiring change.</p> <p>They are keen to create a supportive environment where collaboration with other social innovators, organisations, and stakeholders is encouraged so they can have all the resources, expertise and support to bring their projects to life.</p> <p>Regarding funding, Inês adds:</p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-callout paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--width--full callout-style--b" id="callout-3902"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="callout-body"> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3901 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>“Access to capital through grants, loans, or equity investment can remove financial barriers and support the growth of these projects. Casa do Impacto provides these innovators with the necessary tools and initiatives to help pre-seed and seed-stage projects secure finances.“</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3903 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>A rising topic in the country is the circular economy, which could be the most potent multifunctional instrument to tackle the current triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity and pollution.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3906 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--66-33"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3904 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Social enterprises from the Casa do Impacto community are also embracing circularity, such as <a href="https://lavirgule.eco/en-eu" target="_blank">La Virgule</a>, which upcycles discarded sports and outdoor equipment to reduce waste and transform materials into usable products or <a href="https://www.studio8.pt/matterpieces/" target="_blank">Matterpieces</a>, which design high-end cladding material made out of inert waste from demolitions, like glass, bricks, cement, stones.</p> <p><a href="https://circulareconomy.pt/en/" target="_blank">Circular Economy Portugal</a> (CEP) is an initiative that aims to accelerate the transition to a circular economy in Portugal through knowledge-sharing, capacity-building and hands-on action.</p> <p><a href="https://circulareconomy.pt/en/circular-pioneers/" target="_blank">Circular Pioneers</a> from their community include Novonovo, a digital platform that helps the creative community to locate second-hand materials and products, reCloset, an online second-hand fashion platform and Vintage for a Cause, a vintage style clothing brand using industrial textile waste and support women through training.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3905 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1283.jpg" width="300" height="300" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Portuguese social enterprise La Virgule upcycles sports and outdoor equipment. Image: La Virgule</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3909 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--58-42"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3907 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1284.jpg" width="480" height="360" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Nãm is Portugal&#039;s first circular urban farming project, producing mushrooms and natural fertiliser from coffee grounds collected in Lisbon. Image: Circular Economy Portugal</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3908 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Portugal is also addressing the challenges of climate change with initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, increasing the use of renewable energy, and promoting sustainable practices backed by governmental grants and tools besides EU support.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.eif.org/index" target="_blank">European Investment Fund</a> (EIF) has recently announced that it will help to facilitate investments in Portuguese businesses involved with the sustainable energy transition, climate resilience, sustainable use of the marine environment and the circular economy.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3910 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>One of the financial instruments launched as part of the Growth Blue I initiative involves a €28m blue economy-focused private equity fund, a trailblazer construction in southern Europe, according to EIF, allocating resources for blue economy investments with climate impact and sustainable development goals.</p> <p>Inês looks into the future with much hope and envisions a new Hub in Lisbon where they can triplicate the number of projects incubated and promote more and more pilots with corporate and public organisations with Casa do Impacto’s Startups.</p> <p>She also wishes to expand their activity to other locations in Portugal and scale abroad.</p> <p> </p> <p class="text-align-right"><span style="font-size:10px">Headline image: Pexels</span></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-background-style field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Background style</div> <div class="field--item">Light</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-sponsored field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Sponsored?</div> <div class="field--item">No</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden field--item">October 2023</div> <div class="field field--name-field-collaborative-content-with field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Collaborative content with</div> <div class="field--item"> <a href="/partner/profit-with-purpose-magazine">Profit with Purpose Magazine</a> </div> </div> Wed, 11 Oct 2023 13:34:20 +0000 Szilvia Szabó 286 at https://climatejournal.news https://climatejournal.news/news/at-the-forefront-of-empowering-civil-society-leaders-for-a-decade <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><span>At the forefront of empowering civil society leaders for a decade</span> </div> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="https://climatejournal.news/news/at-the-forefront-of-empowering-civil-society-leaders-for-a-decade" data-a2a-title="At the forefront of empowering civil society leaders for a decade"><a class="a2a_button_linkedin"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin_hover.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_facebook"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/facebook.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/facebook_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_twitter"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/twitter.svg" border="0" alt="Twitter" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/twitter_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Twitter" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_email"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/email.svg" border="0" alt="Email" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/email_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Email" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_dd" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"> Share </a></span> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/social-economy" hreflang="en">Social Economy</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/social-entrepreneurship" hreflang="en">Social Entrepreneurship</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/social-innovation" hreflang="en">Social Innovation</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Topic</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/topic/social-impact" hreflang="en">Social Impact</a></div> </div> </div> <img alt="At the forefront of empowering civil society leaders for a decade" title="At the forefront of empowering civil society leaders for a decade" class="img-responsive" src="/files/styles/news_full_main_image/public/bsp-images/news/1246.jpg?itok=0GyrlQn5" width="687" height="687" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3768 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3769 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>The <a href="https://ngoacademy.net/" target="_blank">NGO Academy</a> has become one of the strongest ecosystem builders in the Central Eastern European (CEE) region, dedicated to strengthening Civil Society through capacity-building training and educational activities to empower leaders.</p> <p>Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Peter Vandor, one of the Founders and Academic Directors of NGO Academy, founded together with the <a href="https://www.erstestiftung.org/en/" target="_blank">ERSTE Foundation</a> in 2013, shares insights about their impact over the years.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3772 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--42-58"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3770 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1247.jpg" width="563" height="465" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Peter Vandor, one of the Founders and Academic Directors of NGO Academy, Co-Founder of Social Entrepreneurship Center at the Vienna University of Economics and Business. Image: Igor Ripak</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3771 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <blockquote> <p>“In recent years, the environment for Civil Society in the Central Eastern European region has increasingly become a `shrinking space`, suffering from difficult and unpredictable political and economic environments and lack of international support,”</p> </blockquote> <p>Peter describes the current situation.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3773 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>He adds that by the beginning of 2000, many organisations that previously supported the civil sector had left the region, which left organisations providing social services or working on human rights or environmental protection vulnerable to external factors.</p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-callout paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--width--full callout-style--b" id="callout-3775"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="callout-body"> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3774 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>“We try to support these organisations by helping them to grow their talent and competencies.</p> <p>We train their leaders and key staff in a range of organisational topics, from fundraising and innovation to impact measurement, burnout prevention and strategy development.”</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3776 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Peter has a broad overview of the sector by working shoulder-to-shoulder with his colleague, Reinhard Millner, Head of the <a href="https://www.wu.ac.at/en/sec/" target="_blank">Social Entrepreneurship Center</a> at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, where they provide academic learning experiences and promote the development of social entrepreneurship and social innovation.</p> <p>In the past ten years, NGO Academy has reached hundreds of organisations and trained over 6000 leaders through 290 workshops, management courses and MSc programmes focusing on Social Innovation and Management.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3779 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--58-42"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3777 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1248.jpg" width="490" height="456" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Number of NGO Academy member organisations in the CEE region. Image: NGO Academy</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3778 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <blockquote> <p>”NGO Academy began as a start-up – a small team with a profound belief in the idea, with total commitment and high ambition.</p> <p>Today, the NGO Academy exists through the interactions of many people and organisations and has established itself as an important educational institution,”</p> </blockquote> <p>said Nicole Traxler from the ERSTE Foundation.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3780 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Based on their recent <a href="https://ngoacademy.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/NGO-Academy-Impact-Brochure.pdf" target="_blank">survey</a>, nine out of ten participants said they benefited from the new knowledge they acquired through these programs, and almost 80 per cent confirmed that they would find it financially challenging to take part in other offerings that are not supported.</p> <p>Lejla Šehić Relić, one of the members and participants of the program, shared:</p> <p>“NGO Academy is a unique, important programme of capacity building, connecting people and organisations. It provides inspiration, knowledge and support and is a vital bridge between the energy of civil society and the wisdom of an academic community that offers hope.”</p> <p>Available programmes target leadership, executives and managers from a pool of outstanding civil society organisations within 14 Central and Eastern European countries, bringing knowledge from various areas, such as management, finance and communication skills.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3783 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--42-58"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3781 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>“We try to attend as many of our activities in person as possible and talk with our members to understand their experiences and needs,” Peter explains.</p> <p>However, the team had to experiment and innovate rather quickly in terms of delivering meaningful and engaging learning experiences due to COVID-19, which heavily impacted most members but, in the end, helped them create a broader selection of course offers that stayed popular post-pandemic.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3782 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1249.jpg" width="800" height="534" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">NGO Academy celebrated ten years of impact in Vienna in September 2023. Image: Igor Ripak</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3784 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <blockquote> <p>Their results speak for themselves, as 84.6 per cent say that being a member of the NGO Academy has contributed positively to their organisational development, and 57.3 per cent reported having started new projects or activities as a result of NGO Academy training.</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3785 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Peter adds:</p> <p>“The part I enjoy most is teaching and discussions with our members in the classroom. Since one of my topics is innovation management, there is often a lot of discussion about where they see society moving and how they plan to respond. Being able to provide a helpful structure and seeing them bring new ideas to life is very rewarding.”</p> <p>A <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11266-019-00106-7" target="_blank">study </a>that Peter worked on found that many civil society leaders still have an overall positive assessment of this sector in the past 10-15 years, mainly due to the favourable legal frameworks, eye-level dialogue with public authorities and easy access to funding promoted by the European Union.</p> <p>However, this is mostly the case among countries in the pre-accession phase to become EU members, while member states are not so optimistic anymore.</p> <p>Member state representatives see an improvement in relationships with municipalities, but working with the central government has often become more challenging, and civil society organisations have become the targets of anti-liberal narratives, framing them as “foreign agents”, threatening their funding or their right to operate.</p> <p>Other trends include an overall increasing professionalising of the sector, shifting from informal to more formalised activities, and embracing newer forms of operations, including social entrepreneurship.</p> <p>To celebrate their achievements and shared impact, NGO Academy hosted a 10th-anniversary event in Vienna in September, including TEDx Talks sessions showcasing many of their members` stories and impact.</p> <p> </p> <p class="text-align-right"><span style="font-size:10px">Headline image: Igor Ripak</span></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-background-style field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Background style</div> <div class="field--item">Light</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-sponsored field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Sponsored?</div> <div class="field--item">No</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden field--item">October 2023</div> <div class="field field--name-field-collaborative-content-with field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Collaborative content with</div> <div class="field--item"> <a href="/partner/ngo-academy">NGO Academy</a> </div> </div> Tue, 03 Oct 2023 12:13:28 +0000 Szilvia Szabó 279 at https://climatejournal.news https://climatejournal.news/news/trailblazer-social-innovators-awarded-with-funding-in-dublin-to-scale-up-impact <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><span>Trailblazer social innovators awarded with funding in Dublin to scale up impact</span> </div> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="https://climatejournal.news/news/trailblazer-social-innovators-awarded-with-funding-in-dublin-to-scale-up-impact" data-a2a-title="Trailblazer social innovators awarded with funding in Dublin to scale up impact"><a class="a2a_button_linkedin"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin_hover.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_facebook"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/facebook.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/facebook_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_twitter"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/twitter.svg" border="0" alt="Twitter" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/twitter_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Twitter" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_email"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/email.svg" border="0" alt="Email" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/email_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Email" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_dd" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"> Share </a></span> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/social-enterprise" hreflang="en">social enterprise</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/social-innovation" hreflang="en">Social Innovation</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/award" hreflang="en">Award</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/ireland" hreflang="en">Ireland</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Topic</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/topic/social-enterprise" hreflang="en">Social Enterprise</a></div> </div> </div> <img alt="Trailblazer social innovators awarded with funding in Dublin to scale up impact" title="Trailblazer social innovators awarded with funding in Dublin to scale up impact" class="img-responsive" src="/files/styles/news_full_main_image/public/bsp-images/news/1243.jpg?itok=n7fIlSli" width="687" height="687" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3740 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3735 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Local social enterprises addressing societal and environmental challenges received €60,000 in funding at the annual Dublin Social Enterprise Awards 2023 to enhance their operation and scale their impact.</p> <p>The six awardees work in diverse areas, including sustainability, unemployment, education, health, homelessness and ex-offender reintegration, supporting disadvantaged people while advocating for inclusion in their communities and beyond.</p> <p>Minister Joe O’Brien, Minister of State with the Department of Rural and Community Development, emphasised the role of social enterprises in his keynote address at the award ceremony:</p> <blockquote> <p>“They are tangibly helping to address key issues regarding our economy, society and environment while providing employment, opportunities and positive impact.”</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3738 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--42-58"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3736 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>One of the awardees is <a href="https://paceorganisation.ie/social-enterprise/" target="_blank">The Mugshot by PACE</a>, which works with people who have criminal records, supporting people back to the community since 2014 to give them work experience and ease their way into mainstream employment.</p> <p>With three locations across Dublin, this social enterprise provides training and learning opportunities on a professional and personal level.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--video paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3737"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="video-embed-field-provider-youtube video-embed-field-responsive-video form-group"><iframe width="854" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-hBfMNRWyX4?autoplay=0&amp;start=0&amp;rel=0"></iframe> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">The Mugshot by PACE is one of the awardees of Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards 2023.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3739 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Maggie Clune, representing PACE, says that the funding will allow them to improve their equipment, which they couldn`t have done without this support.</p> <blockquote> <p>“This year’s awardees clearly highlight how social enterprise can lead positive change in a sustainable way, showing the possibilities when profit and purpose work hand in hand,”</p> </blockquote> <p>added Ross Curley, Head of Economic Development, Dublin City Council.</p> <p><a href="http://www.rediscoverycentre.ie/rediscover-furniture/" target="_blank">Rediscover Furniture</a> runs its operation at the <a href="http://www.rediscoverycentre.ie/" target="_blank">Rediscovery Centre</a>, the National Centre for the Circular Economy, aiming to keep all kinds of furniture in use for as long as possible through restoration, conservation and upcycling to stop them from ending up in landfills.</p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3741 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>“The Social Enterprise Award Dublin is going to help us to rent premises where we can display the furniture and the public can come in and buy it all from us, and also to host events like repair cafés,” says Nessa Doran O`Reilly from Rediscover Furniture.</p> <p>She adds that this support will go a long way so they can improve logistics, marketing and employment, ultimately getting more people involved with a sustainable lifestyle.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3744 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--42-58"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3742 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Gemma McCabe, Co-Director and COO of the social enterprise <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/hair-together-clg/" target="_blank">Hair Together</a>, also received an award for delivering wellbeing and life skills programmes through the art of hairdressing and barbering.</p> <p>For her, this recognition means they can expand their services, involve more kids and young adults, and create a three-year plan to sustain their operation financially.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--video paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3743"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="video-embed-field-provider-youtube video-embed-field-responsive-video form-group"><iframe width="854" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CSWscxTqDw8?autoplay=0&amp;start=0&amp;rel=0"></iframe> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Hair Together social enterprise received funding and support through the Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards 2023.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3745 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Other awardees include <a href="https://www.dubsimon.ie/charityshops/" target="_blank">Dublin Simon Community Charity Shops</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Mellow-Spring-Childcare-100083134197465/" target="_blank">Mellow Spring Childcare Development Centre</a> and <a href="https://www.newcreationcleaningservices.ie/" target="_blank">New Creations Cleaning Service</a>.</p> <p>Besides the financial support, awardees were presented bespoke trophies handmade by The Yard at Solas Project, a local social enterprise and previous awardee, and they will also benefit from additional support to grow their organisation.</p> <p>Now in its ninth year, the Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards is organised and managed by various stakeholders in partnership, such as the Dublin City Council, Dublin City Social Enterprise Committee, Inner City Enterprise, Economic Development Office, Local Enterprise Office Dublin City and the Department of Rural and Community Development.</p> <hr /><p><span style="font-size:11px">Headline image: Left to the Right - Pearse O'Reilly, Nessa Doran O'Reilly, Minister Joe O'Brien, Erika Pena, Eileen McHugh, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Paul Donoghue, Rachael Duff</span></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-background-style field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Background style</div> <div class="field--item">Light</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-sponsored field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Sponsored?</div> <div class="field--item">No</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden field--item">September 2023</div> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 17:24:01 +0000 Climate Journal reporting 276 at https://climatejournal.news