Through the Stronger Roots programme, we will support a total of 37 crowdfunding campaigns across the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary with nearly 120,000 euros (equal shares of 40,000 euros in each country). The selected campaigns will receive funding and expert consultations.

OSF Czechia, in collaboration with partners and with support from the European Union’s Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values (CERV) programme, will support 11 Czech projects under the Stronger Roots program that use crowdfunding as a tool to build strong communities of supporters. Together with our partner organizations, the Open Society Foundation Bratislava and the NIOK Foundation, we will provide financial and expert support to 11 civil society organizations in Slovakia and another 15 in Hungary.

“On behalf of the entire team, I would like to congratulate the organizations that received funding, and we look forward to working with them. I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who applied for this call for proposals. The selection process was not easy, and we greatly appreciate the time, energy, and dedication you put into each project. It would be our dream to support all of you.” says Adéla Nejedlá, Manager of the Czech Stronger Roots team.

How Was the Evaluation Conducted?

The selection of funded projects was carried out in collaboration with the evaluation committee and external evaluators. Each application was assessed with an emphasis on the quality of the project, its impact, community involvement, and the potential for a successful crowdfunding campaign.

The evaluation also took into account the needs of smaller regional organizations, which often have more limited capacity for fundraising and communication. As a result, regional organizations and projects received bonus points.

Key Program Dates?

The program will enter its preparatory phase on September 1, 2026, when organizations will begin working on their campaigns. The public launch of the crowdfunding campaigns is scheduled for October 15, 2026, at the earliest. The campaigns will run through April 30, 2027, after which the organization will begin implementing the funded projects.

What Awaits Successful Organizations?

A comprehensive package awaits organizations to help their projects grow deep roots in their communities:

• Matching Grant : If the organizations raise at least 90% of their target amount through their crowdfunding campaign, we will double the amount. The program will thus increase the funds raised and support the further development of their activities.
• Training and Consultations : The program includes expert consultations, hands-on workshops, and individual consultancy. Participants will receive support from experienced experts who will guide them through all phases of preparing and implementing a crowdfunding campaign—from strategy planning to communicating with supporters.

Who Received Support?

• The Czech OSF Czechia
• The Hungarian NIOK Foundation
• The Slovak Nadácia otvorenej spoločnosti (Open Society Foundation Bratislava)

We are wishing the selected organizations every success. At the moment, we are developing a series of autumn webinars for the Stronger Roots Academy. Please stay tuned for further details.

Photo: The Czech Stronger Roots evaluation committee and team during the selection meeting in Prague.