Non-for- profit sector in Latvia

Ieva PundinaCivic Alliance - Latvia

21.11.20069th NGO FORUM

VILNIUS

Legislation and figures

Legislation:

• New legislation in 1st of April 2004;

• Separating political parties from associations and foundations;

• Definition of each legal form;

• Re-registration of the NGOs;

• October 2004 law on public benefit organizations – special status;

• Public benefit commission;

• 828 public benefit organizations;

• ?Question regarding sport and culture.

Challenges of the NGO sector

1. Improvement in support from government;2. Channels of funding for non-profit sector is in developing process3. NGO reform – substantial change of sector itself; 4. Wider scale of activities required with joining EU;5. Watchdog functions requires other type of approach than service

delivery - new skills6. Participation in EU platforms = improved national networking7. Low citizen participation

Development in 2005 and 2006

1. State programme to support civil society 2005-2009;

2. 200 000 LVL co-financing for the NGO EU projects;

3. VAT deduction for the NGO providing social services;

4. 10%, about 5 m EUR in special NGO fund from EFTA and Norwegian instruments;

5. Memorandum of understanding with government;

6. Parliament declaration;

7. NGO involvement in structural funds and planning next period 2007-2013;

…let us have enough CAPACITY to participate in all activities…

NGO participation

• Legislation is advanced and allows NGO participation in policy process

Methods: working groups, public hearings, consultations, joint events, lobbying etc.

Examples:

• State secretary meetings;

• Steering committee of the memorandum of understanding;

• NGO working group on Structural funds;

• Working group with Ministry of finances;

• Etc.

Civic Alliance – Latvia

Aim: To improve environment for associations and foundations in Latvia;

• Established in 2004 by 39 NGOs and individuals;• Board – 7 people;• Currently 57 membersProgrammes:• Education, information, legal advise, participation in State

secretary meetings, international consultations and projects, advocacy and lobbying for the non-for profit sector;

• Internship programme;• Research;• Consultations;• Portal www.nvo.lv

Thanks!

‘Civic alliance - Latvia’Ieva Pundina, ieva@nvo.lv

Gertrudes street 19/21-3, Riga LV-1011Phone: +371 78 46 464

www.nvo.lv