In this project, we engage 300 residents of the Warmian-Masurian Province in civic activities. We prepare them to implement local initiatives, co-create with them development strategies of their communities, teach them how to manage an NGO and reinforce the need for participation. There are more than 7,000 social entities in the Warmian-Masurian Province. Our research shows that NGOs in our region face several problems. They have limited advisory and animation support, e.g. municipal plenipotentiaries for cooperation with organisations deal with other issues than working with NGOs. There is a lack of successors to current leaders, the information about the 3rd sector available online is scattered, and rural and urban organisations differ greatly in their knowledge and commitment to activities.

As part of the project, we are implementing two educational cycles for community animators and local leaders. Participants receive animation, educational, advisory and coaching support. We create 5 local partnerships that will jointly implement local initiatives. In cooperation with local residents, we prepare 5 project fiches that will be used to raise additional funds for activities. We regularly inform interested residents about events, dates, competitions and training programmes using a free CLOSER NGO – Warmia and Masuria mobile application. Thanks to this project, we strengthen local democracy in the Warmian-Masurian Province, we teach people how to manage local resources and the NGOs they act for, we show ways of implementing local initiatives and creating partnerships. We support around 60 organisations. Beneficiaries of the project are representatives of NGOs, local governments and residents of the Warmian-Masurian Province of all ages.