We receive many letters, the authors of which are asked to share their experience with the Foundation “Towards Change”. Mostly write our colleagues, initiators of projects for children. Those who plan to take part in the competition of the Fund, or are already contestants. And we decided it was time to tell our story. We will explain in detail, step by step, what is worth paying special attention to those who are just starting this path.
1 stage
Our work with the Foundation began with an application for participation in the competition. First of all, thank you to the organizers for it. To complete it, we had to make a serious study of goals, financial model, strategic plans and mission. Filling out the application took more than one day and a couple of times we were ready to refuse to participate. But we did, and it was a very necessary experience. We have not received this in any competition.
An important point for those who have yet to complete the application. Of all the points, pay special attention to the video message. This is the material that the organizers of the competition carefully review. Don’t miss information about limiting the number of signs.
2nd stage
If your application is approved, wait for invitations to training seminars. We were lucky, and seminars for our region were held in Novosibirsk. They lasted two full working days, during which time we prepared for the next stage of the competition and worked on our projects. All this was led by representatives of the Fund and invited specialists.
3rd stage
The following is the presentation of the project by the jury, which includes the Foundation team and experts from partner companies. Note: the style of communication as in an interview. The stage can be taken in person or via video link. But in-person presentation is much more comfortable and productive.
4th stage
At this qualifying stage, the finalists meet in Moscow. You present the project to the adult and children's jury. The team of adult judges consists mainly of experts from partner companies of the fund: Tele2, CTC Media, Viasat, Metro newspaper. And it is at this stage that the winners of the competition are determined – the projects that receive a grant.
Our project became a finalist in the contest of the Foundation for Support of Social Initiatives in the Sphere of Childhood “Towards Change” in February 2016. We are not among the winners (grantees), but we continue to develop the project with the support of the Foundation.
This is the most important advantage of the competition: the finalists, along with the winners, take part in the business incubator of the fund. And now we understand that this scheme provides more than financial support. During six months of work in a business incubator, we have gained the knowledge, experience and qualified help of the best experts in a volume that no grant can give.
Now we continue to work with the Foundation: we are constantly in touch with the organizers of the competition. We also communicate with our mentors from the Tele2 team, participate in training seminars held by the Foundation in Moscow. And even managed to take part in the "Duck Swimming" - a charity event of the foundation. So it's just getting started.
And most importantly, what you need to know about the fund and the contest. You become part of a large team of social entrepreneurs. Organizers, partners and participants are a real community in which you will always receive support, advice and help.
Good luck, dear contestants! See you soon in our community.
