News

Non-profit organisations have submitted 1,283 project applications to OKD Foundation, i.e. by one third more than last year

OSTRAVA (5 April 2011) – During this year's call for grant applications, the OKD Foundation received 1,283 projects submitted by non-profit organisations, municipalities and other applicants. The number of applications increased almost by one third as against last year.“It indicates the great reputation of the Foundation, spreading also beyond the borders of Moravia-Silesia region, as well as higher demand for funds on the part of non-profit organisations caused by budgetary cuts and reduced availability of other resources,“ stated Jiří Suchánek, the Director of the Foundation, with reference to the higher number of applications.

The Foundation intends to distribute CZK 60 million, i.e. triple the amount provided last year, with ten million to be provided as a support to sheltered workshops, this year's priority. Roughly 80 percent of funds shall remain in Northern Moravia. “We will give support to top quality projects and to projects that are of utmost importance in the prevailing hard times,“ added Suchánek, specifying the selection criteria. The plans of applicants are to be evaluated by an independent grants committee, with the Board of Directors having the final say. Successful projects will be published by the Foundation in the first half of June.

As expected, the highest demand is reported within the For Health programme that offers support e.g. to care for senior citizens, disabled persons or abandoned children. In the framework of this programme, the organisations request a total of CZK 172 million for 539 projects, while last year altogether 355 projects were submitted requiring CZK 93 million.

Vladislav Sobol

Spokesman of the OKD Foundation

telephone:       596 262 293
mobile:            725 595 417
e-mail:             vladislav.sobol@okd.cz