The May meeting at Café Louvre offered a space for inspiration, sharing experiences, and reflecting on the journey of the Stronger Roots program community. Nearly a hundred representatives of civil society organizations looked back on what long-term cooperation, trust, and building strong relationships across sectors can bring.

Community is a safety net that keeps us afloat — and we remembered with gratitude that it is thanks to the organizations and experts involved in the Stronger Roots program that civil society in the Czech Republic can grow, strengthen, and help where needed.

On May 27, 2025, we organized a Celebration of Community Power, an event that allowed us to share best practices and thank everyone for their inspiring cooperation.

Marie Peřinová, program director of the OSF Prague and manager of the international consortium, presented the development and impact of the program, which was established more than five years ago in cooperation with partners from Glopolis (Czech Republic), NIOK Foundation (Hungary), and Open Society Foundation Bratislava (Slovakia). In 2025, Poland joined the consortium.

“Building strong communities of supporters and partners is vital for civil society organizations. Whether these are communities of parents who want to improve their children’s education, or people who exchange seeds to contribute to biodiversity. With a strong community behind us, we can always achieve more.”

Marie Peřinová

In the second round of the program which is now ending, 34 organizations and networks in the Czech Republic that improve education, help people in need, or protect the environment were supported. Six networks focused on developing cooperation with strategic partners, thirteen organizations built communities of supporters, and fifteen embarked on crowdfunding campaigns. Their efforts were supported with 15 million CZK and an intensive educational program.

Adam Pýcha, creative marketer, creator of the #knižnízávisláci (in English #bookaddicts) online community, and one of the invited guests, emphasized that a community is formed when we start listening to people and create a safe space where they feel seen and heard:

“Community can truly be very magical, and it’s up to you how much you let it influence your life. So do your best to make it positive. I’ve tried it, and it works.”

Adam Pýcha

The supported organizations themselves appreciate the program primarily for the fact that, despite the great diversity of the non-profit sector, everyone faces similar obstacles and can advise each other. Thanks to the program, a community has been created in which organizations support and inspire each other even after its completion. Watch the video from the event and listen to what else the Stronger Roots program has brought.