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 actual 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, and 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 gave over 9,000 pieces of advice, and almost 15,000 NGO representatives from across Poland benefited from their help. Last year, because of the pandemic, Mobile Advisors focused mainly on supporting civil 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. In 2021 the Sector 3.0 Fund supported two projects. First of them, WhatForThat implemented by Terra Futura Association, received a grant of PLN 20,000 to create a platform allowing quick and convenient exchange of various things we don’t need any more. The other grant, of PLN 30,000, went to Santa Claus Foundation for a tool that will operate Santa Claus Scholarships program. That scholarship program counteracts educational exclusion of children from low-income families. The platform will support the foundation, schools and students in all issues related to scholarships.
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 in 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 succeeded in attracting around 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 (i.a. 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. Over 11 rounds of the Sector 3.0 conference held in Warsaw in the years 2012-2021 over 6,600 people participated. In 2020-2022 the Festival was held exclusively online. In 2022 it reached 800 Internet users.
The Foundation has disbursed $4034,515 in grants, including $258,781 for the current edition of the program.
