We are excited to present a series of inspiring case studies from 23 organizations and networks that participated in the latest round of the Stronger Roots program which is jointly implemented by Open Society Fund Prague (Czechia), Glopolis (Czechia), Open Society Foundation Bratislava (Slovakia) and NIOK Foundation (Hungary). In 2025, Stefan Batory Foundation joined the consortium and expanded the program to Poland.
You can read stories from organizations and networks across Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary. Launched in October 1, 2023, and running until June 30, 2025, the Stronger Roots program supported organizations and networks focused on two main pillars: social base building and transversal network collaboration. These organizations represent a wide spectrum of thematic areas, demonstrating that the principles of community building and cooperation are universal.
The success of these projects was not achieved in isolation. Throughout the program, participating organizations and networks benefited from a comprehensive support system tailored to their specific needs, including specialized educational sessions, mentorship, consultations, peer-sharing sessions, and networking events.
These case studies are a source of inspiration for any organization looking to increase its resilience, and impact. We invite you to dive into these stories and discover the practical strategies that helped these organizations thrive.
Case Studies on Social Base Building:
Czechia
- Association for International Affairs – Reviving a Dormant Network: The PSS Alumni Club
- Arnika – Centre for Citizens’ Support – New Communication Tools for Young People and Civic Associations
- Seedlibrary –How Do You Build a Community Remotely, Especially When You Don’t Have an Office and Have Limited Resources?
- Teach Live –When We All Want to Pull on the Same Rope, Even if Everyone Holds on to It Differently
- Parents’ Union – From a New Website to a New Voice
- ZO ČSOP VERONICA – How to Research Supporters and Implement a CRM
- Aevis – Rediscovering Identity in the Shadow of Its Own Success
- Anténa – network for independent culture – Revitalising a Cultural Network From the Bottom Up
- KC PRIESTOR (Community Center) – When Vision Meets Opportunity
- Bardejov Community Foundation – Journey of Renewal and Growth
- Platform of Families of Children with Disabilities – When Stories Change the System
- Stará jedáleň – Getting to Know Our Community Better
- Bátor Tábor Foundation – Together for the Long Haul: Bátor Tábor‘s Journey Towards Committed Supporters
- Élménylelő Youth Association – How Did Ad Hoc Corporate Supporters Become Committed Partners?
- Gólyahír Foundation for Adoptive Families – Building on Values: Grassroots Development and Communication on New Foundations
- Konnekt Association – How Did Konnekt Association Identify and Effectively Reach Its Target Group?
- Pécsbánya Cultural Association – Community Building and Advocacy
Case Studies on Network Transversal Collaboration:
Czechia
- Platform for Training Environment – Cross-Sector Cooperation Is Changing Employment Policies and Helping People With Social Disadvantages Keep Their Jobs
- Standing Conference of Associations in Education – How to Move From Distrust to Effective Collaboration With Public Institutions
- Association of Children’s Forest Clubs – Building Alliances Across Sectors for Forest Kindergartens in Slovakia
- Climate Coalition – How to Find Stability and Strengthen Influence Even in Uncertain Times
- Egalipe – Network for Roma Equality – A Path Toward Greater Cohesion: How to Strengthen Internal Cooperation and Clarify Strategic Objectives
- Szabad Terek – How to Overcome Burnout and Spark Collaboration Between Community Spaces and Municipalities
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
