News

Applications of Socially Oriented Non-Commercial Organisations for Moscow Subsidies Screened

The end of June was the deadline for socially oriented non-commercial organisations (SO NCOs) applying for Moscow city budgetary subsidies. Two target areas were available for applications, namely 'Moscow's Children' and 'Agreement and Cooperation'. On 3 July 2014, the Moscow Social Relations Committee held a session with the Board of Experts, where our director Elena Beregovaya is a member. The Board oversees the above competition. The topic discussed at this session was titled 'Single Approaches to the Expert Appraisal of SO NCO Programmes'. The 2014 competitive screening and the appraisal of SO NCO programmes were high on the agenda. Soon the Expert Board will finalize its appraisal efforts and announce competition winners.

Film 'Mama, I Gonna Kill You' Has Been Awarded at Italian Film Festival

The 50th International Festival of New Cinema (50a Mostra Internazionale del Nuovo Cinema) had been held from 23 to 29 June 2014 in the Italian town of Pesaro on the Adriatic. The film "Mama, I Gonna Kill You" by Elena Pogrebizhskaya received the Amnesty International Award. We congratulate Elena on her victory! We are pleased that our Foundation is involved in the arduous yet necessary effort to reshape the views of the community on orphanage problems in Russia.

Business Lunch Dedicated to NCOs Issues

On 26 June, the Lawyers for Civil Society Non-Profit Partnership and a Branch of International Centre for Non-commercial Law arranged a regular business lunch within the cycle named " How to Improve NPOs" for NPO specialists. The agenda listed such items as

- The Special Evaluation Working Conditions, which replaced on 1 January 2014 the traditional Rating of Work Places, in view of RF Federal Law No. 426-FZ adopted on 28.12.2013;

- information about draft laws on public control, volunteering and patronage of the arts; and

- legal framework for NCO site maintenance.

Business lunches organized weekly provide an excellent opportunity for employees of various NPOs not only to obtain information they need in their work and legal advice from specialists, but also to share their experience. The next similar event will take place in late August as summer is summer, and most of the business lunch participants will be on vacation to gather strength for their further fruitful work.

RF Government Board on Guardianship in Social Sphere

On 25 June 2014, the RF Government Board on Guardianship in the Social Sphere held a session at the House of Government on preliminary efforts to design a federal state educational standard for learners with disabilities. The discussion focused on the organization and affordability of education for children with disorders and disabilities attending preschool institutions, and preschool education for children between two months and three years of age in Moscow. Not all the organisations were ready for a dialogue. For example, so far it is not clear how to solve the problem of parents whose temporary certificate of residence prevents their preschool children from attending a kindergarten.

Participation in Workshop on Social Impact Measurement Methods: International Experience"

On 24 June 2014, the Alexander House Business Centre held a workshop titled 'Social Impact Measurement Tools: International Experience' organized by Evolution & Philanthropy, a non-profit organization, and the Russian Council for International Affairs. NCOs heads and programme managers, representatives from businesses, public authorities and local governments, experts, analysts and our Foundation employee, attended the meeting. Cristina Umani, Director of the European Venture Philanthropy Association (EVPA), shared her experience. The workshop covered issues related to the measurement of impact made on society by social and charitable programmes and projects; advanced social impact measurement methods. It was helpful experience for us. We would like to thank the organizers!

News from Ostrovsky Orphanage in Kostroma Region

At last, a suitable plot has been found for the new building of the Ostrovsky orphanage for boys to be built from the funds raised at 'LonDom' charity photo show. The news that came early this week from the Kostroma Region was about a land plot allotted near the 'Hope House'. Next week, a relevant action plan will elaborated. Hurrah!

Visit to Blood Centre of Russian Federal Biomedical Agency

On 20 June 2014, Vladimir A. Smirnov, the founder of our Foundation, made a regular visit to the Blood Centre to donate blood. The Blood Centre, which looks nicely decorated, recently became the winner in the category 'Only Man Can Do' for raising awareness of society about blood donation issues in Russia, a pioneering and innovative approach to them employed in the Blood Donor Planet project. We congratulate all the Centre's employees!

Meeting of Russian Labour Ministry Social Council

On 19 June 2014, the Russian Labour Ministry Social Council held a meeting where the fulfilment of Russian President's decrees issued in May was also discussed. Decree No. 606 on Demographic Policy Measures in the Russian Federation has instituted an allowance for the third child and successive siblings amounting to the living minimum per child established in the relevant region to be paid monthly from 2013 to large families in Russia. The first four months of this year saw a rise in births despite a decline in the number of women of active and reproductive age.

Contest of Children's Works Winners from Luga and Roslavl Boarding Schools Are Awarded

All the participants and winners of the Contest of Children's Art Works held last spring at the 'LonDom' photo show were awarded in June. All winners received gifts and diplomas. The first place winners have been awarded with a trip to Moscow and, between 14 June and 16 June 2014, young artists with unique creative abilities from Luga Sanatorium Boarding School came to us to receive valuable prizes for their unique artworks. Luga School, located in the Leningrad region, is a state-run health-improving educational institution for children needing long-term care. The girls were fascinated by a visit to the Tretyakov Gallery, the Planetarium, the Pushkin Museum and strolls along Arbat Street and Gorky Park. Think you, all talented artists, for your artworks.

International Best Practices Conference 'The White Nights of Fundraising'

On 12 June, Kazan hosted the 7th International Best Practices Conference 'The White Nights of Fundraising: Search for Funds for the Development of People, Organizations, and Territories.' During four days, about 150 participants exchanged experience and discussed both general -- fundraising trends in Russia and beyond, ethical norms -- and practical aspects of resource attraction. One could feel the support of a strong professional community and get fresh ideas, drive and strength for further work. Private donations sparked special interest, as according to findings presented at the conference, they have been consistently rising in recent years. Over 900 people from 18 countries and more than 150 cities and towns as well as our Foundation leader attended The White Nights of Fundraising Conference.

VLADIMIR SMIRNOV FOUNDATION