Strengthening Civil Society and Belonging
We support the development of community centers, active citizen engagement, and the competencies of non-profit organizations.
Strong regions arise not only thanks to infrastructure or economic growth, but above all thanks to the people who live in them. Relationships between people, trust, a willingness to cooperate, and active participation in what happens around them are the foundation of a cohesive and resilient society. At the ŠKODA AUTO Endowment Fund, we therefore provide long-term support for the development of civil society and for strengthening people's relationship to the place where they live.
We strive to create an environment in which people feel involved and heard and want to take part in local activities. We support initiatives that strengthen a sense of belonging between people, develop community life, and help build a positive identity for regions.
Communities as the foundation of strong and vibrant regions
We focus on supporting community activities that naturally connect different groups of residents. These include the creation and development of community centres, neighbourhood gatherings, non-commercial events organised by local associations, and volunteer activities. These projects create space for meeting, sharing experience, and cooperation across generations and social groups.
An important role is also played by support for cultural and artistic activities that nurture a relationship to a place, recall local history, and strengthen a sense of belonging. We support both smaller local initiatives and more significant cultural projects that have wider reach and can bring a broader community together.
Engaging people, openness, and long-term development
A key principle for us is the active involvement of residents in planning and carrying out local activities. We support projects that give people the opportunity to help shape their surroundings and to take part in solutions that stem from their real needs. At the same time, we place emphasis on openness and inclusion so that community activities are accessible to various age and social groups.
Our support also includes developing the competencies and professionalisation of non-profit organisations and of local government leadership. Strong local actors and functioning cooperation are a prerequisite for long-term sustainable community life. We are aware that the impacts in the area of social cohesion are difficult to measure, yet we believe that systematic support for communities, trust, and cooperation is of fundamental importance for the quality of life in the regions where the ŠKODA AUTO Endowment Fund operates.