This program, launched in 2012 (previously under the name “ICT for Local Development”), is a continuation of earlier actions implemented by PAFF to support the use of modern information and communication technologies in local development and civic activity. Its purpose is to broaden the knowledge and increase the skills of NGO activists and employees, in small towns and villages in particular, for effective ICT use in their daily work.
The program was preceded by an analysis conducted by the Shipyard Foundation, as well as consultations with Polish and international experts. Information was gathered and published about the advancement of non-governmental organizations in utilizing digital tools, including adequate knowledge and competencies of their staff.
Under the program, thematic training for NGOs was carried out showing examples of effective use of modern technologies in communication, marketing, and management. Some of the NGOs received grants to buy hardware and software, as well as to carry out projects aimed at practical use of ICT in the third sector.
The program offer also includes a Mobile ICT Advisors’ Network, currently consisting of 80 experts who provide free training and technological support for local non-governmental organizations. So far, the Mobile Advisers have given over 9,000 pieces of advice; almost 15,000 NGO representatives from across Poland benefited from their help. Last year, because of the pandemic, Mobile Advisors focused mainly on supporting civic organizations in performing their tasks online.
The offer of the program also includes the means to support creating new ICT tools that could then be used by non-profit organizations. The 2020/2021 Sector 3.0 Fund provided support to two projects. Having received PLN 30,000, “Patients for Patients” is being implemented by the People and Medicine Foundation and aims to create a mentoring application which will help chronic disease patients cope with their illnesses. With the other project, “Find: Induction Loop,” the Culture without Barriers Foundation seeks to use PLN 20,000 to create a database of locations and events where induction loops are available for the hearing impaired so that they too can enjoy a full social life.
Particular emphasis is placed on providing knowledge that enables the identification of potential areas where IT could be used in non-governmental organizations. A network of TechClubs was created for this purpose in 16 cities in Poland. The clubs hold regular meetings (online since 2020) for representatives of NGOs, businesses, local governments, and academia with the aim of sharing experiences related to the use of modern digital tools. Since 2012, TechClubs have succeeded in attracting nearly 18,000 people.
Annual international conferences, “Sector 3.0” Festivals, play an important role in the program. These events attract representatives from non-governmental organizations, business ICT experts, politicians, scientists, and foreign experts from the USA, the UK, South Korea, Israel, and India. They offer a platform to share information about modern trends in how to utilize ICTs for social actions. More than 7,400 people participated in 12 rounds of the Sector 3.0 conference held in Warsaw in the years 2012-2022. From 2020 to 2022 the Festival was held exclusively online. In 2022 more than 800 people participated in lectures, seminar, and Q&A sessions.
The Foundation has disbursed $4,343,852, including $105,700 for the current edition.
