DONATE

Author name: sofia satragno

South Africa

Welcome To My Village Model — Launch in OR Tambo, Eastern Cape

South Africa /

We are delighted to share an important milestone for our foundation: ES VICIS and its South African partners have agreed to launch the Welcome to My Village model in the OR Tambo District, one of the regions most affected by poverty and rural-to-urban migration. As ReimagineSA’s Executive Director, Luvuyo Madasa, beautifully expressed after an inspiring week of collective work: “An incredible week and an important step in the right direction. Time to activate the broad network of partners… to ensure the movement and our complementary models bring impact to the different communities we serve.” This spirit of collaboration is exactly what defines and strengthens the path ahead. We will begin in four to five communities within OR Tambo, Eastern Cape, in close collaboration with ReimagineSA, the LEAP Institute, ECRDA, and the House of Traditional & Khoi-San Leaders, with the strategic support of the Swiss Embassy. A Strong and Growing Alliance This project represents a remarkable collective commitment among community organizations, provincial institutions, traditional leadership, civil society, and Swiss cooperation partners. It embodies the shared belief that sustainable transformation emerges when local leadership, global expertise, and community voices converge. Operational implementation begins in 2026, while Swiss philanthropic partners are being engaged to complete the multi-year funding structure for 2026–2028. 👉 Read ReimagineSA executive director’s full reflection on LinkedIn  A Turning Point for Communities in OR Tambo This milestone marks the beginning of a transformative effort in one of the regions with the greatest challenges — and greatest human potential. Why a Cross-Sector Collaboration Model Matters Advancing meaningful and lasting transformation in OR Tambo requires more than isolated initiatives. The region faces a web of interconnected structural challenges — poverty, historical exclusion, limited economic diversification, youth unemployment, infrastructure gaps, and persistent rural-to-urban migration. These dynamics cannot be solved by any single institution working alone. The Welcome to My Village model provides a shared framework that aligns community leadership, government actors, civil society, traditional authorities, private-sector innovators, and international partners. Through the Hub, Deep Mapping, and plug-in solutions, the model transforms fragmented efforts into coordinated, mutually reinforcing action. Cross-sector collaboration is not optional here — it is the precondition for unlocking OR Tambo’s potential. With a model that offers common tools, a common language, and a roadmap for implementation, communities can move from complexity to clarity, from fragmentation to structural solutions, and from long-standing limitations to long-term possibility. Together Forward We are deeply inspired to walk this journey alongside partners who share the conviction that communities can regenerate themselves through their own leadership, knowledge, and collective vision of the future. Together, we take the first steps toward revitalizing rural ecosystems, expanding opportunities for youth and families, and laying the groundwork for long-term well-being across the Eastern Cape.

Switzerland

A night to remember: ES VICIS Year-End Cocktail & Art Experience

Switzerland /

Last week, we gathered in Basel for a very special moment in the ES VICIS journey. Our Year-End Cocktail & Art Experience, hosted at Sarasin Art, brought together friends, partners, and supporters to celebrate a year of growth, shared achievements, and the expanding impact of our work in revitalizing rural communities. Set against the enchanting backdrop of Anna Charaktinou’s exhibition, The Ritual of the Unseen, the evening invited guests to pause, connect, and reflect on the power of community. Gallery owner Alexander Sarasin welcomed us and introduced the exhibition, and the artist herself joined the celebration, generously sharing the stories and symbolism behind her pieces. The exhibition blended dream and reality into a poetic visual world — delicate paper cuttings, trees, birds, shells, and mythological echoes, each composition reminding us of the beauty that emerges when creativity and purpose converge. These intimate microcosms resonated deeply with our mission: nurturing places where people feel seen, valued, and rooted. During the welcome remarks, we celebrated the progress made across our initiatives this year and looked ahead to what comes next — including the launch of two new three-year projects in Argentina and South Africa. In a challenging non-profit landscape, we are grateful for the partial multi-year support already secured, and we continue working to close the remaining funding gaps with care and determination. We also shared our 2026 community goals: to grow our Instagram following from 285 to 850 and to double our memberships from 17 to 35 — strengthening the network that sustains our mission. It was a joy to share this space with everyone who joined us. Thank you for being part of the ES VICIS community and for walking alongside us as we continue building long-term impact. We look forward to all that the new year will bring.

María Teresa Village, Santa Fe, Argentina
ARGENTINA

María Teresa: a small rural village building its future with data

ARGENTINA /

The ES VICIS Foundation and María Teresa, a village in the province of Santa Fe, Argentina, with 4,000 inhabitants, carried out a comprehensive diagnostic of the town that included a survey of 40% of households to understand their social, economic, and community reality. The study reveals high levels of institutional trust, pride of belonging, and willingness to stay rooted. It also identifies challenges in making possible the desire of young people to live in their hometown. November 2025 – The Santa Fe village of María Teresa, with just over 4,000 inhabitants, took an exemplary step: together with the ES VICIS Foundation, it promoted a local survey to gain an in-depth understanding of its social, economic, and housing reality. The work, carried out between April and October within the framework of a collaboration agreement between the local government of María Teresa and ES VICIS, reached 40% of households and offers an accurate snapshot of life in the town, as well as a concrete tool for planning evidence-based public policies. The survey was developed based on a methodological framework previously prepared by the ES VICIS Foundation, with the support of an interdisciplinary team of project evaluation and local development professionals from FLACSO Argentina, ensuring the technical quality and comparability of the data obtained. “Having high-quality local data is a sign of institutional maturity. María Teresa demonstrates that a small town can lead knowledge and planning processes that inspire other towns in the country,” said Mercedes Manfroni, coordinator of the ES VICIS Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing rural towns. “This diagnostic shows us a community with trust, identity, and a desire to grow. It provides us with the tools to design fairer and more sustainable policies, from and for the town,” highlighted Gonzalo Goyechea, president of the local government of María Teresa. A snapshot of a community with identity and trust The study shows a cohesive community with a strong identity: 68.6% of residents express high pride of belonging and 29.4% medium pride. Only 2% of households reported feeling little pride in belonging to the town. Meanwhile, 63.5% trust the local government, which is the institution generating the most confidence in the community. This institutional capital, together with a strong sense of rootedness, constitutes a strategic advantage for promoting local development. In terms of housing, 58% of households own both their home and land, a value close to the national average, but with a latent demand for accessible housing solutions: more than one-third of households are seeking a housing alternative for all or some of the co-inhabitants. The local economy combines self-employment, family businesses (19.8%), and public employment (15.9%), forming a diversified structure with growth potential. The unemployment rate (9.9%), slightly above the national average (7.9%), highlights the challenge of continuing to expand employment and productive opportunities. Regarding health, 73.4% rated the local service positively: 9.9% consider it “excellent”; 25.8% “very good”; and 37.7% “good.” However, there is high demand for certain medical specialties, such as pediatrics. Indicators of digital inclusion and safety show encouraging levels: 91.9% of households have internet access, and 94% perceive the town as safe. The study also addresses the perceptions of young people, who on one hand, largely expressed high appreciation for their life in the town, but on the other hand, eight out of ten have heard that “to progress, you have to leave the town.” This is a deeply rooted narrative in the community, which the report recommends addressing through workshops, as well as employment and housing policies, to prevent the outflow of young people. Overall, the results show that María Teresa has a solid social base, reliable institutions, and a strong sense of belonging, but also structural challenges regarding housing, employment, and opportunities for young people. Capitalizing on its strengths —trust, safety, digitalization, and social cohesion— will be key to deepening its model of sustainable local development with rootedness.

Ignacio Pieckenstainer
ARGENTINA, Media

He graduated and left the city to become one of the two doctors in a village of 2,000 inhabitants

ARGENTINA, Media /

English Translation of the Clarín Article Ignacio Pieckenstainer (28) was living in Rosario when he decided to move to Maggiolo, a small rural village in southern Santa Fe. The idea came after seeing a call from the ES VICIS Foundation, which was seeking professionals willing to relocate to rural communities. By Candela Toledo — November 10, 2025, Clarín For a long time, Ignacio Pieckenstainer (28) believed that his life would take place in Rosario. That’s where he was born, grew up, studied, and trained as a doctor. But fate —and a decision made almost by chance— led him to Maggiolo, a tiny village in southern Santa Fe, where today he is one of only two doctors. “My interest in medicine started when I was a teenager. I was always drawn to healthcare, but it was specifically after my father, Jorge, died from an illness we couldn’t diagnose directly. I was 15 at the time,” he recalls. “When that happened, it motivated me to understand the causes and also to help. During medical school I realized that the most important thing is to accompany the patient — to try to solve what you can, or at least be there. Because many times you can’t solve the patient’s problem, but you can be present,” he describes. That idea — accompaniment — became the guiding principle of his profession. Ignacio trained in general medicine and geriatrics, and recently began a specialization in sexology. Before leaving the city, he worked in telemedicine and at two well-known medical centers in Rosario: Hospital Italiano del Centro and Sanatorio IPAM. “The shifts were very fast-paced, with the rhythm of the city. You can be calm for a very short time, and then everything gets hectic. It’s very important to be able to support your team. Even though it was a short stage, I learned a lot,” he emphasizes. An impulse, three interviews, and a life change The turning point came by chance. “The opportunity started as a ‘what if I apply?’” he says. He was taking his final exam when his mother showed him a news piece about a call launched by the ES VICIS Foundation. The non-profit organization, through its Bienvenidos a mi Pueblo (Welcome to My Village) program, was seeking professionals to help repopulate small rural towns with needed profiles. Maggiolo lacked a doctor. “I signed up as a student, with zero expectation that they would call me. I didn’t hesitate for a second. I packed my things and left,” says Ignacio. “It was a selection process with 34 doctors from all over the country. I had three interviews and was chosen. They were very interested in my profile. I was also very interested in village life because it’s calmer,” he explains. According to the foundation, “Ignacio Pieckenstainer’s case is an example of how a personal choice can transform the life of a community while also opening new opportunities for professional and human development.” ES VICIS works with residents and local authorities to promote settlement and sustainable revitalization of villages. In recent years, they have noted that access to healthcare is a constant challenge. That’s why Ignacio’s arrival was celebrated. “He had just graduated and moved immediately. Today he is a doctor in a village of 2,000 inhabitants. He is very well-liked; he treats patients not only in Maggiolo but also in other nearby towns that need a doctor,” the organization points out. A new life in a ten-block village The change from city to village was radical. “It was a 180-degree turn, you can imagine. Going from being in the city with friends, with family, having the possibility of doing a lot of things, the noise everywhere… and suddenly, the calm of the village. I’m still surprised that I don’t have to take a bus to go to work or study,” he says, laughing. Maggiolo has barely “ten by ten blocks.” “I like the closeness that exists with neighbors — we meet in the street all the time. I’ve been here for a year now, and we all know each other. I say we’re a big family of two thousand inhabitants. I arrived in my family’s car; they stayed with me for the first week, and luckily everyone treated me very well. There’s a lot of respect here — not like in the cities,” he tells Clarín in his calm tone. He describes the place as “a beautiful locality, with a significant population of older adults. It’s very close to Venado Tuerto; people are kind and generous, and the main activity is agriculture and livestock. I highlight the peace and the closeness with neighbors, with daily life — something I wasn’t used to in the city,” he says. The first consultation and the unexpected birth The first time he treated a patient in Maggiolo was unforgettable. “It was a woman I just ran into again yesterday, and we remembered it together. She was desperate because of lumbar pain — she had several herniated discs. She reminded me that, thanks to a recommendation I made, those pains decreased by 70 percent. I truly value those kinds of things,” he says. But the most unusual case he faced was another one. “We had been following a pregnant woman. She was due. She had come to the emergency room several times for possible labor. And it just happened to be with me,” he recounts. “It was an extraordinary moment. I still have no words. Look, I remember it, and I get goosebumps. We arrived, and she was already in active labor. It’s something that really moves you. But as a doctor and nurse, you have to accompany that process. There’s little you can actually do at that point. But yes, the most remarkable thing was precisely being there — helping with the birth and untangling the umbilical cord from the newborn’s neck,” he still says, amazed. Everything happened at the patient’s home. “In those moments, you don’t get nervous — you’re fully present and act. The

Advocacy, ARGENTINA

Presenting the “Welcome to My Village” Case at IAE Business School

Advocacy, ARGENTINA /

As part of the international initiative Cities for Families, we shared the case study: “Welcome to My Village: strengthening rootedness and economic inclusion in rural communities. From Colonia Belgrano to Maggiolo.” During the event, organized by the International Federation for Family Development (IFFD), the ES VICIS Foundation, represented by its coordinator Mercedes Manfroni, and Jorgelina Aguirre, local leader and former president of Maggiolo, presented the experience of Welcome to My Village in that village. The presentation focused on how a rural community can be transformed when local leadership, public-private cooperation, and neighborly commitment come together in the same project. Key results of the joint work between the ES VICIS Foundation, the community, and the local government included: Training more than 40 entrepreneurs through the program I Start Up in My Village A donation for productive investment for the textile cooperative CONFEMAG Planning and support for the relocation of a young doctor who today strengthens the local healthcare system A survey reaching 50% of Maggiolo households, providing a detailed snapshot of the village and an excellent basis for planning and implementing public policies The presentation also highlighted data on youth expectations: more than 60% of young people want to stay in the village. The discussion explored the challenges of the ES VICIS model in an interactive session with participants. It was an enriching opportunity for exchange and reflection with specialists, academics, and local leaders on how to continue strengthening rootedness and opportunities in Argentina’s rural communities, moderated by Héctor Rocha, professor at IAE. Rural villages have a future when their residents choose to build it together.

Adriana, Carlos, and Bruno work as a family to sustain a project that combines the effort of the countryside with local cuisine. (Photo: Carlos Laurina)
ARGENTINA

“Sabor Callejero”: they created a business that boosts the rural economy and local identity

ARGENTINA /

English Translation of the TN Campo Article In Carmen, province of Santa Fe, a village of 2,000 inhabitants, Carlos, Adriana, and Bruno transformed a hobby into a family food truck that generates work in the community and promotes sustainable practices. In the small village of Carmen, 35 kilometers from Venado Tuerto, gastronomy has not only become a business, but also a bond between family, community, and the environment. Carlos Paulina, together with his wife Adriana and his son Bruno, runs “Sabor Callejero”, a gastronomic venture that started as a family project and today is a local reference for its economic, social, and environmental impact. The project began at the end of 2018, when Bruno, freshly graduated as a chef in Venado Tuerto, joined the family team. With his culinary knowledge and the experience of his parents, both retired teachers, they decided to install a 2 by 4-meter food truck. What started as a venture in the interior of Santa Fe, offering sporadic services at fairs and birthday parties, soon consolidated as a project capable of reactivating the local economy. “The economic importance is the reactivation we give to local businesses because we work with local raw materials,” explained Carlos. Family roots and environmental awareness During 2019, the family began offering their services in nearby villages. The pandemic temporarily halted activity, but later they resumed with more strength, incorporating events and venues in the region. To date, they have completed more than 300 events. The gastronomic offering combines tradition and innovation. “Our strength is dishes with meat, but we also offer vegan options and children’s menus,” says Bruno, 25 years old. Everything is prepared with local products, and the hamburgers are homemade, made directly by the team. For larger events, they add waiters and collaborators who help maintain quality and personalized service. The venture not only focuses on flavor, but also on sustainability and the circular economy. The family collects bottles and used oil from their homes and neighbors’, which are then taken to recycling plants in Venado Tuerto and Rosario. They also participate in battery collection programs managed by municipal authorities. “We work on three pillars: environmental, economic, and legal. We strictly respect all food safety regulations and maintain traceability of our raw materials,” said Carlos. Participation in the program My business rooted in my Village, promoted by the ES VICIS Foundation, strengthened the project. There, the family received training in business management, gastronomic marketing, and social media, and was awarded for their local impact. “With the monetary award, we acquired equipment such as a fryer, a cold cut slicer, and a food warmer. This allows us to serve larger events and maintain the quality of our offering,” explained Carlos. Caring for quality and the origin of each ingredient In addition, they shared knowledge with their suppliers, giving food safety classes and advice on producing necessary inputs. This strengthened the circular economy and ensured that all products come from the village. “Prioritizing the quality and origin of raw materials is fundamental for us. We want our work to generate a positive effect on the entire community,” added Carlos. The food truck has become a symbol of rural rootedness, an example of how talent and initiative can flourish even in small villages. The family not only offers food, but also temporary employment, training opportunities, and a tangible economic impact on local businesses. Each event demonstrates how family tradition, gastronomic innovation, and environmental responsibility can come together. “What started as a hobby today is a project that fills us with pride. Maintaining quality, caring for raw materials, and giving back to our community is our daily motivation,” assured Carlos. “Seeing people enjoy our food and how local businesses benefit confirms that it was worth betting on rootedness,” he emphasized. This venture demonstrates that rural talent is not limited to agricultural production, but can also transform into economic, environmental, and social opportunities, creating a virtuous circle that strengthens the community and preserves local identity.

Urban Families Explore Opportunities in Maggiolo
ARGENTINA

Urban Families Explore Opportunities in Maggiolo

ARGENTINA /

On November 23, Maggiolo opened its doors to urban families, showcasing its rich history, vibrant community, and promising potential. Residents greeted them with warmth and joy. Saturday, November 23, was a day of connection and hope for Maggiolo. Families from nearby urban areas visited this small town, which has been facing population decline, to discover its charm, community, and opportunities for a fresh start. The locals welcomed them with open arms, offering tours of the town’s institutions and highlighting its unique activities. This visit went beyond a simple introduction—it marked a significant step toward bridging the rural-urban divide and envisioning new possibilities for revitalization. Welcome to My Village continues to transform dreams into reality, fostering connections and inspiring change. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event a success. Discover the participants’ stories and watch the highlights here:  

South Africa

‘Welcome to My Village’ Takes Root in South Africa: A Strategic Pledge with the Swiss Embassy

South Africa /

In 2024, the ES VICIS Foundation took significant steps to introduce the “Welcome to My Village” program to South Africa, focusing on partnerships and collaboration with key stakeholders. This journey culminated in a historic pledge of commitment, marking a milestone in revitalizing rural communities in the Eastern Cape. On August 23, 2024, a signing ceremony was held in partnership with Reimagine SA, with key figures from the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders, the Embassy of Switzerland in South Africa, and other partners endorsing the pledge.   On 23, August, 2024, ES VICIS Foundation, in partnership with Reimagine SA, hosted a momentous signing ceremony for the “Welcome to My Village” pledge. The pledge was endorsed by four parties: Chief Mpumalanga Gwadiso, Chairperson, Representing the Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders. H.E. Ambassador Mirko Manzoni, Representing the Embassy of Switzerland in South Africa. Johannes Matyassy, Board President, Representing ES VICIS Foundation. Thando S. Gobe, Chairman, Representing Reimagine SA.  The pledge represents a unified commitment to the “Welcome to My Village” program, facilitated through Reimagine SA’s Letsema Process. Together, we aim to: Create thriving rural communities in the Eastern Cape by promoting sustainable migration from urban to rural areas. Address critical issues like depopulation and economic decline by leveraging technology, fostering entrepreneurship, and enhancing local infrastructure. Support newcomers with housing, employment opportunities, and cultural integration to ensure a seamless transition into village life. Johannes Matyassy, President of the Board of ES VICIS Foundation, reflected on the program’s evolution: “In 2014, as the Swiss Ambassador to Argentina, I supported this groundbreaking model that challenges global trends. We achieved remarkable results in Argentina, a country with 92% of its population in urban areas. After successfully expanding the model there, we are now ready to bring our mission to South Africa.” The “Welcome to My Village” initiative is grounded in years of experience and a proven track record of revitalizing rural communities. Cintia Jaime, Co-Founder of ES VICIS Foundation, expressed her excitement about this next chapter: “We have shown that it is possible to repopulate and revitalize villages facing depopulation, defying global trends. Today, we are thrilled to sign this pledge to implement the program in Eastern Cape, South Africa—a region heavily impacted by urban migration. With Reimagine SA, the support of the Swiss Embassy in South Africa, and the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders, we invite you to join us in this impactful journey!” Reimagine SA has been instrumental in forging partnerships and aligning efforts to bring the “Welcome to My Village” model to South Africa. Luvuyo Madasa, Executive Director of Reimagine SA, highlighted the potential of this collaboration: “We are thrilled about the opportunity to bring the ‘Welcome to My Village’ model and our partnership with ES VICIS Foundation to South Africa. Our work in the Northwest has helped us build a strong relationship with the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders. This model offers an exciting opportunity to align existing programs and partners in a structured way, ensuring meaningful impact for communities that need it most.” Dr. Mamphela Ramphele, Founder of Reimagine SA, celebrated the generational effort driving this initiative: “Thank you for bringing this wonderful opportunity and for figuring out the alignments and partnerships. I hand over to you and your generation. Thank you.”

ARGENTINA

From Video Games to Food Trucks: Training and Awarding Entrepreneurs

ARGENTINA /

As part of its Welcome to My Village and I Start My Business in My Village programs, the ES VICIS Foundation provided specialized entrepreneurial development training to over 50 entrepreneurs from Maggiolo, Labordeboy, and Carmen, three small towns in southern Santa Fe. This initiative concluded with an award ceremony recognizing the best projects, supported by the Alimentaris-Argentina Foundation. The program included training on business models, project development, and four one-on-one mentorship sessions with entrepreneurs whose businesses demonstrated exceptional scalability and community impact. The process culminated in a final project presentation, or ‘Pitch,’ as it’s commonly known in the entrepreneurial world. A panel of judges, comprising members from ES VICIS and Alimentaris-Argentina, evaluated the presentations. Winners: 1st Place: Sabor Callejero A family-run venture based in Carmen (population 2,000), Santa Fe. The Paulina family operates a food truck that offers fast, healthy meals at social and sports events within a 200 km radius. They collaborate closely with local suppliers, not only sourcing ingredients but also providing support and training to help them develop new products. Since its launch in 2018, the business has served over 12,700 customers at 208 events, generating family income while stimulating the local economy. Instagram: sabor.callejero2018 2nd Place: Synkronic Labs Founded by Natasha Dubrowsky, a young entrepreneur from Labordeboy (population 900), Synkronic Labs seeks to revolutionize education in Argentina through interactive video games that promote fast and engaging learning for children. Currently, Natasha is developing an educational video game featuring a protagonist with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), aiming to foster inclusion and adaptability in learning. Instagram: @Synkronic.Labs 3rd Place: Evolution Fitness Benjamin Spadoni and his girlfriend relocated from Rosario to Labordeboy a year ago to open a gym that has transformed the town’s lifestyle. Their initiative has inspired residents to adopt healthier, more active routines and has become a social hub, attracting individuals of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. Instagram: @evolutionfitnesslb_ Other Pitch Participants: La Roca (Maggiolo, population 2,000) Juan Escudero, a long-time construction professional in Maggiolo, recently began producing and selling anti-humidity panels for walls and floors, providing a local and affordable solution to common regional moisture issues.   La Grange Hardware Store (Maggiolo) Brian Savino’s venture aims to modernize access to hardware products through both a virtual and physical store, offering electronic payment options and an updated catalog for local institutions and businesses. Within three months of launching, the store now offers 300 products and has expanded sales to other towns and provinces. Instagram: @lagrangeferreteria Environmental Management Labordeboy (Labordeboy) Yanina Campos and Paola Galván are committed to reducing, reusing, and recycling urban solid waste, fostering a cleaner and more sustainable environment in their community. In addition to operational tasks, they promote environmental awareness, with increasing local participation in waste separation efforts. Instagram: @recicladolabordeboy Media Coverage: Distinctions for Entrepreneurs from Carmen, Maggiolo, and Labordeboy From Video Games to Food Trucks: Training Entrepreneurs in Small Towns in Southern Santa Fe

Cintia Jaime at Basler Stiftungstag 2024
Switzerland

Small Foundations: Cintia Jaime and Prof. Georg von Schnurbein at Basler Stiftungstag 2024

Switzerland /

August 27, 2024. At the 2024 Basler Stiftungstag, Cintia Jaime, Co-Founder and Executive Manager of the ES VICIS Foundation, had the honor of co-leading Workshop Nr. 2: “Management Challenges for Small Foundations” alongside Prof. Georg von Schnurbein, Director of the Center for Philanthropy Studies. This engaging session explored the distinct challenges faced by small foundations—those managing assets below CHF 10 million or operating with annual budgets under CHF 1 million. The discussion provided practical, innovative solutions to promote growth, ensure sustainability, and enhance the long-term impact of these organizations. Understanding the Challenges Small foundations play a vital role in driving meaningful change at a local and global level. However, their limited resources often present hurdles, including: Building Recognition: New foundations may find that simply having a strong purpose does not guarantee visibility or support. Strategic communication is essential. Establishing Legitimacy: Partnering with trusted organizations and stakeholders helps validate the foundation’s mission and strengthen its impact. Managing Dependency: Heavy reliance on a few donors increases financial vulnerability, highlighting the need for diversified funding. Defining Positioning: Small foundations must differentiate themselves in a crowded philanthropic landscape to ensure long-term relevance. Engaging Board Members: Recruiting and retaining voluntary board members can be challenging. Clear communication, structured agendas, and consideration of compensation can improve board effectiveness. Balancing Responsibilities: Unlike larger organizations, small foundations often concentrate fundraising, management, and operational tasks within a single role, straining resources. Exploring Solutions Through the workshop, several practical strategies emerged to help small foundations overcome these challenges: Flexibility: Remaining adaptable to new opportunities and changes in the external environment is key to staying resilient. Long-Term Planning: Succession planning for board members ensures continuity and stability. Identifying candidates early allows for smoother transitions. Peer Learning: Collaborating with other foundations provides valuable insights and shared experiences. Participation in associations and events fosters networking and mutual growth. Technological Support: Leveraging digital tools and support programs from tech companies can significantly enhance operational efficiency, often at reduced or no cost. ES VICIS Foundation’s Journey During the session, Cintia Jaime shared the journey of the ES VICIS Foundation, highlighting the challenges and innovative solutions that have shaped the organization’s evolution. From its inception, ES VICIS has focused on creating sustainable impact through collaboration, adaptability, and leveraging technology to amplify its mission. As the philanthropic landscape continues to evolve, small foundations have a unique opportunity to thrive by embracing innovation, building strong networks, and sharing knowledge. Together, we can strengthen the sector and empower communities worldwide.

©2024. ES VICIS FOUNDATION All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimer

Privacy Policy

Scroll to Top