grow4autism: Networking – Collaboration – Empowerment – Sustainability

Creation and development of a network to strengthen the capacities and sustainability of civil society actors in the field of autism.

The grow4autism project: Networking – Collaboration – Empowerment – Sustainability is implemented within the framework of the Active citizens fund program, with the implementing body the Child and Adolescent Center (KPE) and the Hellenic Association for the Protection of Autistic Persons (EEPAA) as a partner.

Objectives of the project:

The creation of a Network of associations of people with autism, parents/carers and service providers for people with autism and their families
The functional interconnection between the members, the exchange and development of good practices
Strengthening the capacities of network members
The Training of executives of the members of the Network

so as to:

increase their ability to seek financing and develop according to their goals
regularly, systematically and authoritatively inform their members
further and systematically develop their available human resources through the development of their volunteer network,

and finally , to improve the effectiveness of their actions and strengthen their sustainability.

The project is implemented over a period of 13 months (March 2022 - March 2023).

Contact person: Christos Sifnaios

Department of Scientific Documentation and Education

sifneos@kpechios.org Phone: 210573 1581- 6980068724

Contact days and hours: Monday-Wednesday-Friday 09:00 to 13:00

Project actions:

Networking and network development actions
Training on a) seeking funding, b) creating and operating structures and c) volunteer services and management
Creation of a Digital Practical Guide for parents
Use of a digital platform to inform and connect members of the Network
Internal evaluation of member satisfaction

Groups - goals

Associations of people with autism
Associations of parents / carers of people with autism
Non-profit organizations that provide services to people with autism and their families.

Emphasis will be placed on the participation of associations and civic not-for-profit corporations with a complementary profile in terms of years of operation, geographic distribution, and operating or non-operating structures.

Contact details of the organizations - members of the Grow4Autism Network

Testimonies of members of the Network

It was one of the most useful seminars for a special education Center in Greece. The knowledge gained is applicable and valuable for resourcing and project continuation.

It was indeed a very positive experience because:

I was informed and learned about programs and procedures that I was unaware of

I met and came into contact with other agencies and actions from all over Greece

I have been concerned about changes that need to be made in the body I belong to

I met great people that I want to keep in touch and relationship with

It was a pleasant experience starting from the basics, that is, seeing other people and parents fighting for the same things that you are fighting for in your small town and many times you feel isolated.

The experience so far has been more than positive. You have perfectly organized what we have watched so far. We gained knowledge and saw programs from various clubs that we might not have considered.

Our experience of participating in the grow4autism program was excellent, as we were informed about many useful things, which will help us a lot in our work and in our effort.

We also hope for future collaborations that will be very enlightening.

In the context of the participation of the G. K. & F. Association of People with Autism of the Prefecture of Larisa in the under development Network of civil society organizations dealing with Autism, I attended, representing the association, the first training program of the Grow4autism Project on the subject of search for funding sources.

During the thorough and fruitful training, the opportunity to meet and communicate was also given to those who attended

The Active citizens fund program

Active citizens fund

The Active citizens fund program, amounting to €13.5 million, is financed by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway and is part of the financial mechanism of the European Economic Area (EEA) for the period 2014 – 2021, known as EEA Grants.

The program aims to strengthen and strengthen the sustainability of civil society and to highlight its role in promoting democratic processes, strengthening citizens' participation in society and defending human rights. The management of the grant of the Active citizens fund program for Greece has been jointly undertaken by the Bodosaki Foundation and SolidarityNow.

More information

Bodosaki Foundation

The Bodosakis Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 1972 with the aim of continuing the contribution of its founder Prodromos Bodosakis – Athanasiadis to Greek society. His vision is a society of equal opportunities, with potential and perspective for all.

In order to achieve its vision, the Bodosaki Foundation, with transparency, accountability and credibility, finances, plans and implements actions and programs related to its four strategic pillars: the promotion of education, the upgrading of health, the protection of the environment and the strengthening of Civil Society.

From its foundation until today, it has allocated more than 450 million euros to achieve its goals. At the same time, the Bodosaki Foundation also acts today as a catalyst for the creation of a framework for a wider offering in Greek society, managing third-party resources - donors, international bodies, companies and other large donors - who wish to finance programs of significant social impact for critical needs of education, health protection environment and strengthening of Civil Society.

EEA Financial Mechanism

n 1992, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway signed a Partnership Agreement with the European Union, creating the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA Financial Mechanism, better known as EEA Grants, is a financial assistance tool created by these three countries and is available to 15 EU member countries, among which is Greece.

EEA Grants - Norway Grants

SolidarityNow

SolidarityNow (SN) is a non-governmental organization founded in 2013 to respond to the needs and ensure the rights of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups, without discrimination. The organization's vision is to improve people's lives and empower them to fight for a fairer and inclusive society.

The vision is realized through three main strategic pillars: a) Defense of safety and security, b) Support of livelihood opportunities and integration into the labor market, c) Strengthening the independence of civil society and defending the values of an open society. SolidarityNow has supported more than 320,000 people to date, both through the direct implementation of programs and through donations to support civil society actions.