tytuł artykułu 37 Another important programme in the context of local cultural projects is Europe for Citizens. Its main beneficiaries, as indicated by the programme’s name, are citizens of the European Union and of other European countries that have joined the programme. The thrust of the programme is to encourage cooperation, discussion and reflection on various aspects of European integration. Some of the programme’s specific aims are to bring together community members from all over Europe to exchange experiences, opinions and values; reach conclusions about history and build the future; encourage citizens and civic society organisations from participant countries to establish mutual contacts that would strengthen intercultural dialogue and underline both the diversity and the unity of Europe (founded on shared values, history and culture). The programme is primarily aimed at representatives and staff of local government bodies, public institutions, NGOs and other public benefit entities, and therefore at individuals and institutions rooted in local communities and capable of meeting the expectations of these communities as effectively as possible and engaging their members. In addition to projects with a European dimension, grants are awarded to grassroots transnational initiatives. For more information on the programme, visit the website of the Polish Europe for Citizens Contact Point at www.europadlaobywateli.pl. Also worthy of note is the Youth in Action Programme, geared to youth, individuals working with youth and organisations working for the benefit of youth that wish to improve their skills, develop their sphere of activity, or establish international partnerships. The programme’s long-term goals are: overcoming barriers, prejudices and stereotypes among young people and replacing them with the spirit of solidarity and tolerance, supporting youth mobility, and promoting civic participation, especially the sense of European citizenship. Cultural diversity is one of the programme’s priorities. Projects should foster reflection on differences in values, traditions, worldviews and historical perspectives. For information on the Youth in Action programme, visit the website of the Polish National Agency for Youth in Action at www.mlodziez.org.pl. Grants are awarded to projects aimed at reducing economic and social differences within the EEA. Who can apply: private and public entities, both commercial and non-commercial, NGOs constituted as legal entities in Poland, as well as intergovernmental organisations registered in Poland. The priorities of the new edition of the Mechanisms include Conservation and Revitalisation of Cultural and Natural Heritage, which offers support to soft activities aimed at promoting culture and art, raising awareness of cultural diversity and strengthening intercultural dialogue (70 million EUR), and Local and Regional Initiatives to Reduce National Inequalities and to Promote Social Inclusion (9.5 million EUR). The minimum amount of financial aid is 170,000 EUR. Under some programmes, it is possible to set up a Small Grant Fund (from 5,000 to 250,000 EUR). For information on the Financial Mechanisms, visit the website of the Ministry of Regional Development at www.eog.gov.pl. The aim of the International Visegrad Fund is to facilitate and promote the development and close cooperation between the four Visegrad countries: Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovakia, and between them and Central European, Balkan and Eastern Caucasus countries, by supporting joint cultural, scientific and educational projects, youth exchange, transborder projects and tourism promotion. Through Small Grants and Standard Grants, the Fund supports projects focused, among other things, on cultural cooperation (including festivals and publications), youth exchange (including educational and cultural events for children and young people) and tourism promotion (including guides and presentations). Most applications are submitted by NGOs, cities and towns, schools and other public institutions. For detailed information, visit the Fund’s website at www.visegradfund.org. marcela wasilewska has been engaged with issues of European integration and European funds for Polish NGOs for several years. She is the author of a number of guides to EU funds. a Romance studies graduate, Marcela also trained as a foreign service officer. European public funds The first calls for applications for the second edition of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms are expected to be announced in the first half of 2012. EEA Financial Mechanisms offer financial aid for 2009-2014 for 15 EU beneficiary countries, provided by three countries of the European Economic Area: Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland. Under this programme Poland will receive 578 million EUR.
38 Photo: Krzysztof Prałat