11.07.2001 is the date on which the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation was established
Sometimes a date says more than it seems. So many units.
Today we can smile at this symbolism. As if even then there was a sign that we would often be among the first on our way.
But the first steps are never an accident.
They start with an idea.
With a man who believes in her.
With the decision to do something that does not yet exist.
With the courage to take the first step.
25 years ago, the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation did just that.
And from this first step began a story that has been going on for a quarter of a century.
Over the years, we have launched initiatives that have left a lasting mark on the development of the civil sector in Bulgaria.
· We created the first training package for civil society organizations – “Knowledge, Success, Change”.
· We established the first corporate fund managed by a foundation in Bulgaria – the Social Responsibility Fund of First Investment Bank.
· Westarted talking about the profession of fundraiser and created a fundraiser club when there were not many people working at all to raise funds in the civil sector.
· We created the first national online fundraising platform , FloodAid, to support flood victims in 2005.
· We have also developed the first Standards for Good Governance of Civil Society Organizations in Bulgaria.
But if there’s one thing we’re really proud of, it’s not that we were first.
We are proud that for 25 years we have not stopped developing philanthropy and philanthropy, encouraging civic engagement and supporting people and organizations that make local communities stronger.
· For these 25 years, we have supported nearly 2700 civic initiatives.
· We have invested over 9.3 million euros in the development of local communities.
· We reached more than 4.5 million people.
· We’ve helped thousands of organizations and civic leaders turn their ideas into action.
But behind each number is someone’s story – of a partner, of a donor, of a volunteer, of a supporter, of a person who has chosen to make change possible.
Thank you. About trust. About the support. About the courage to walk together.
Thank you for writing this story together for 25 years.
Because the most important thing is not to be the first. The most important thing is to have the courage to start.
To take the first step. Then another one. And one more.
So for 25 years now, we have been changing communities for the better.
We continue.