The program – formerly known as "ICT for Local Development" – has been implemented since 2012 and is a continuation of PAFF's activities aimed at supporting the use of new information and communication technologies for local development. Its goal is to broaden the knowledge and skills of non-governmental organizations’ employees, particularly from small local communities, in an effective use of such technologies in their everyday work.
The implementation of the program was preceded by a series of analyses which had been carried out by the Unit for Social Innovation and Research “Shipyard” Foundation. Consultations with domestic and foreign experts were held. Information collected on the progress made by NGOs in the ICT field and on the knowledge and qualifications of their staff in that area has been made available.
Under the program, thematic training for NGOs was carried out showing examples of using modern technologies in communication, marketing and management. Subsequently, some of those organizations received grants for purchase of hardware and software as well as for financing projects focusing on the practical use of ICT in third sector activities. The program’s offer also includes an ICT Mobile Advisors’ Network – 100 experts providing free educational and technological support services for local NGOs. So far, Mobile Advisors have provided counselling 4,000 times and 5,000 NGOs’ representatives from all over Poland benefited from it.
The program also comprises the financial component in the form of the Fund supporting the creation of new ICT tools that can be then used by non-profit organizations. Particular emphasis is placed on providing knowledge on how to identify potential areas where information technologies can be harnessed by NGOs. A network of TechClubs has been set up in 16 Polish cities where representatives of NGOs, business, local governments and the academic community meet on a cyclical basis to share experiences on putting the potential of modern technologies to practical use. Since 2012, the TechClub meetings have been participated by more than 15,000 people.
An important part of the program are annual international conferences – “Sector 3.0” Festivals – held in Warsaw. They gather representatives of non-governmental organizations, ICT professionals from business circles, politicians, academics as well as foreign experts (including representatives of the USA, Great Britain, South Korea and India). They constitute a platform for the exchange of information about current trends in the ICT and Internet use in social/civic activities. In 2012-2018, 4,000 people participated in the 8 editions of the annual “Sector 3.0” conference held in Warsaw.
The Foundation has disbursed $1,841,828, including $349,230 for the current edition of the program.
