The core of a partnership is an Initiative Group which consists of beneficiaries of various Foundation’s initiatives and is subsequently joined by local governments, companies, local media, NGOs and other institutions. Both Act Locally Centers and organizations participating in one of the following programs: “English Teaching”, “Equal Opportunities”, “Learning Schools”, “PAFF Leaders”, Library Development Program and “Region in Transition” (RITA) can play the role of partnership leaders.

On July 28, the Recommendation Committee of the 5th edition of the “PAFF Local Partnerships” Program selected projects submitted by eight Initiative Groups which will establish partnerships operating in 12 communes recognized as the most active in implementation of the Foundation’s programs. For implementation of their projects they will obtain funds of up to PLN 100,000 each. Activities planned by them relate to, among others, creation of a regional product, care of clean air, improvement of local NGOs cooperation, involving young people in triggering the potential of their regions or building a network of places that are friendly to young people.

The following Initiative Groups were awarded:

– the Initiative Group whose leader is W.A.R.K.A. Association (Act Locally Center) – a grant for implementation of the “Fruit of our passion” project. The members: PSP Konary (“Projector–Student Volunteers”), Monika Górniewicz and Małgorzata Dąbrowska (“PAFF Leaders”). The project will be implemented in Warka commune, Mazowieckie voivodeship.

– the Initiative Group whose leader is the Association of the Będkowicka Land Lovers “Sokolica” (“English Teaching”) – a grant for implementation of the “Wielka Wieś (Large Village) mission – low emission” project. The members: Commune Public Library in Wielka Wieś (Library Development Program), Elementary School in Bębla, Junior High and Elementary School in Biały Kościół, Elementary School in Wielka Wieś (“Projector-Student Volunteers”). The project will be implemented in Wielka Wieś commune, Małopolskie voivodeship.

– the Initiative Group whose leader is the Inspiration Generator Foundation (Act Locally Center, involved also in the “Equal Opportunities” and the Bridge Scholarships Program) – a grant for implementation of “A network of youth-friendly places” project. The members: the Sub-Carpathian Center of Hippothereapy Foundation (“Equal Opportunities”), Commune Public Library in Chmielnik (Library Development Program, “Equal Opportunities”), Municipal Culture Center in Boguchwała (“Equal Opportunities”), Adam Ptasiński (“ICT for Local Development”). The project will be implemented in Błażowa, Boguchwała, Chmielnik, Lubenia communes, Podkarpackie voivodeship.

– the Initiative Group whose leader is Kaczawskie Association (Act Locally Center) – a grant for implementation of the “Young people discover secrets and potential of the region – we are building the Volcano Activity Center” project. The members: “Our Rio” Association (“Equal Opportunities”), Barbara Zwierzynśka (“PAFF Leaders”). The project will be implemented in Złotoryja commune, Dolnośląskie voivodeship.

– the Initiative Group whose leader is the Commune Culture Center in Główczyce (“Projector – Student Volunteers”, “Equal Opportunities”, “Third Age Universities”) – a grant for implementation of the “We shape the village. Copasetic village administration” project. The members: “Commune Support for Civic Initiatives” Association (“Equal Opportunities”), Paweł Żmuda (“PAFF Leaders”). The project will be implemented in Główczyce commune, Pomorskie voivodeship.

– the Initiative Group whose leader is the Social Educational Association in Prusinowice (“English Teaching”) – a grant for implementation of the “With traditional bread into the 21st century”. The members: John Paul II Elementary School in Prusinowice (“English Teaching”), Municipal and Commune Public Library I in Szadek (Library Development Program), Anna Dąbrowska (“PAFF Leaders”). The project will be implemented in Szadek commune, Łódzkie voivodeship.

– the Initiative Group whose leader is Sempre a Frente Foundation (“Region in Transition” -RITA) – a grant for implementation of the “Youth forest guard” project. The members: Commune Social and Professional Activation Center (“Third Age Universities”, “Act Locally”), Complex of Educational Institutions in Ciecierzyn (“Projector – Student Volunteers”), Mateusz Małyska (“PAFF Leaders”). The project will be implemented in Niemce commune, Lubelskie voivodeship.

– the Initiative Group whose leader is the Foundation of Art, Adventure and Pleasure – ARTS (Act Locally Center) – a grant for implementation of the “Partnership kaleidoscope” project. The members: Municipal Public Library in Dobczyce (Library Development Program, “Third Age Universities”), the Culture Society of Myślenice (“Equal Opportunities”), Agnieszka Dudek (“ICT for Local Development”), Izabela Janczak-Bizoń, Anna Kapusta and Paweł Piwowarczyk (“PAFF Leaders”). The project will be implemented in Myślenice and Dobczyce communes, Małopolskie voivodeship.

The implementation of projects will be launched in September 2016 and will last till October 2017.

A total of 38 partnerships operating in 85 communes and involving almost 500 partners have been established over five editions of the program.