Baltic-American Partnership Program – Estonia
Implemented by the Open Estonia Foundation

BAPP-Estonia 2001
In 2001, BAPP-Estonia continued to devote considerable attention to the task of building public awareness of and support for the NGO sector and its activities. This included ongoing support for a highly popular supplement, "The NGO Special", in a major Estonian newspaper, and a weekly Russian language TV program highlighting issues related to NGOs and civil society development. Additionally, the BAPP-Estonia sponsored the second annual NGO forum entitled "From Vision to Change", which was attended by over 500 participants from the NGO, business and government sectors. It focused upon critical issues such as how best to promote third sector sustainability, and stimulate volunteerism and civic action throughout Estonia.

BAPP-Estonia also supported two projects intended to develop institutionalized mechanisms by which the third sector can participate in national decision-making processes. The first is being carried out by the recently established Council of the Roundtable of Estonian NGOs, which has been charged with developing an implementation plan for the Estonian Civil Society Development Compact (EKAK), a document currently awaiting approval in the Estonian Parliament. The Compact, modeled upon similar initiatives in other countries, outlines a conceptual and practical framework for future relations between government and the third sector. Among the issues that the Council is addressing with BAPP-Estonia’s support are the development of transparent criteria for state financing of NGOs, as well as the elaboration of a code of ethics for the third sector as a whole. The second project is an Internet-based forum established by the Estonian Law Center, first supported by BAPP in 2000, that enables NGOs to provide the government with comments on draft legislation. In 2001, in order to build NGO capacity to participate more actively and effectively in the law-drafting process, the Center convened a series of workshops for NGO representatives to discuss actual pending legislation and its potential impact together with government officials in a variety of issue areas.

In 2001, BAPP Estonia continued to provide direct support grants and training in such areas as strategic planning, financial management and fundraising to NGOs working at both the national and local level. BAPP also provided its third year of support, on a matching basis, to the network of NGO resource centers, which provide much needed information, consultation and training to NGOs based outside of Tallinn. In 2001, many of the centers were increasingly oriented to the task of bringing together NGOs, local government representatives and businesses to discuss issues of common concern, and to build support for the Estonian Civil Society Compact mentioned above.

BAPP-Estonia 2001 Grant List

External Environment

Network of Regional NGO Resource Centers Network of Estonian Non-profit Organizations, Tallinn $15,177
For the provision of materials and training to nine regional resource centers, which offer information, training and consultations to NGOs in the regions, disseminate information on non-profit sector activities, publicize opportunities for volunteer work and facilitate cooperation between citizens, local governments and businesses. The centers also received support grants, as listed below, which consist of 75% of the total budget -- the centers were required to provide the remaining 25% from outside sources.

Narva NGO Support Center $8,382
Läänemaa NGO Support Center $7,604
Tartu and Jõgevamaa NGO Support Center $9,700
NGO Support Center of South-Eastern Estonia $7,314
Hiiumaa NGO Support Center $2,945
Saaremaa NGO Support Center $6,655
Virumaa NGO Support Center $9,950
NGO Support Center of South and South-Western Estonia $12,284
NGO Support Center of Heartland Estonia $9,989

Media Programs
Estonian Newspaper Association, Tallinn $13,844
Daily "Postimees," Tallinn $28,803
For preparation and distribution of The NGO Special, a monthly supplement to an Estonian daily newspaper that focuses on the non-profit sector's activities and issues of interest and brings the issues of civic participation to prominence in current public debate.

Estonian TV, Tallinn $17,353
For a weekly Russian-language program on the non-profit sector and its activities.

Promoting Cooperation between the Public and Non-Profit Sectors on Policy Issues
Estonian Law Center, Tartu $35,000
For support of an electronic network allowing NGOs to provide comments on legislation to government ministries, and for training programs to improve NGOs' skills in providing input on draft legislation.

Estonian Civil Society: Partners and Change Advocates
Council of the Estonian NGO Roundtable (representing 500 NGOs from throughout Estonia) $55,000
For activities to support the passage and implementation of the Compact for the Development of Estonian Civil Society, for the development of proposals to improve the system of state financing of NGOs, and for promotion of communication among Estonian NGOs and better relations between NGOs and state institutions.

2nd National NGO Conference & Fair
"From Vision to Change," Tallinn, November 5-6, 2001 $23,627
For a two-day event that attracted over 400 participants from the public, private and third sectors, consisting of presentations, debates and working groups focusing on models of civil society and assessment of the current state and future of the third sector in Estonia.

Institutional Development

Community NGO Development Program

For support to the following 18 small- and medium-sized non-profit organizations for their organizational development and strategic planning activities. All grants were designated for core support, and were matched by local government or business offices.

Open Kihnu Foundation, Kihnu $2,941
For core support to the sole nonprofit organization on Kihnu island, working to improve local community life by strengthening local third sector organizations and public awareness of them.

Rakvere Child Protection Association, Rakvere $7,059
For core support to an organization working to guarantee children's rights and welfare and to promote volunteer work for children's welfare within the community.

Estonian Nature Protection Society, Viljandi $7,059
For core support to an organization focusing on preserving both the natural environment and economic livelihood of Viljandi.

Tallinn Chamber of Disabled People, Tallinn $4,412
For core support to an umbrella organization for 16 NGOs representing and protecting the interests of the disabled.

Viljandi County Youth Center, Viljandi $4,412
For core support to an organization providing counseling for youth in Viljandi.

Head Start Association, Tartu $7,059
For core support to an organization promoting and supporting the implementation of teaching programs for young school children.

Rapla Municipalities' Development Foundation, Rapla $2,941
For core support to an organization supporting programs fostering the development of Rapla County.

Tuuru Foundation, Kärdla $7,059
For core support to an organization working on the social and economic development of Hiiu county.

Vapramäe-Vellavere-Viti Foundation, Nõo $2,941
For core support to an organization working on nature conservation and enhancing tourism in Nõo parish, Tartu county.

Estonian Home Assistance Society, Lihula $5,882
For core support to an organization providing care and support for needy families in the form of direct assistance, training social workers, and providing advice with regard to social service questions.

Pärnu County Chamber of Disabled People, Pärnu $2,941
For core support to an organization uniting and representing the interests of over 900 disabled people in Pärnu County.

Sootaga Women's Association, Lähte, Tartu county $1,765
For core support to an organization working to unite local women and improve their quality of life by organizing education, cultural and social events on the local level.

Youth Association Juventus, Põltsamaa $2,941
For core support to an organization providing volunteer opportunities for local youth.

Roela Community Center, Roela $2,941
For core support to an organization promoting and hosting cultural, education and sport events in Roela.

Estonian United Nations Association, Tartu $3,824
For core support to an organization promoting the principles of the United Nations Charter, sponsoring discussion sessions on these principles and conducting activities advancing the goals of the United Nations.

Foundation for Visually Impaired People, Tallinn $5,882
For core support to an organization providing training for the visually impaired with the aim of assisting their integration into and participation in society.

Läänerannik, Vormsi parish, Lääne county $2,941
For core support to an organization promoting the economic development of Western Estonia.

Sillamäe Social Assistance Center, Sillamäe $4,412
For core support to an organization providing social, legal and psychological assistance to individuals in Sillamäe.

National NGO Development Program

For core and project support to organizations with an advocacy or policy development orientation. Grants provided to these NGOs have enabled them to commit resources toward strategic planning and staff training sessions.

Open Education League, Tartu $8,824
For core support and training to an association of over 30 organization throughout Estonia aiming to raise civic engagement and promote learning and information exchanges.

Youth Association Händikäpp, Tartu $2,795
For core support and training to an organization uniting disabled youth and advocating for better conditions for Estonia's handicapped.

Estonian Nature Foundation, Tartu $10,588
For core support and training to an organization working to promote natural conservation, protection of endangered species and their habitats, promote sustainable use of natural resources, raising public awareness of environmental issues and working to ensure a clean environment in the future.

Federation of Estonian Student Unions, Tallinn $3,529
For core support to an organization representing and defending students' interests, and working to improve academic standards in schools.

Movement of Estonian Small Towns and Villages, Viljandi $6,471
For core support to a membership organization aiming to support the survival and development of Estonian rural communities and villages through technical assistance, networking and communication, and national-level advocacy.

Jaan Tõnisson Institute Civic Education Center, Tallinn $3,529
For core support to an organization fostering democratic development and strengthening civil society and civic participation in Estonia.

Narva Association of Non-profit Organizations, Narva $4,706
For core and project support to an association of nine umbrella organizations focusing on conducting regular roundtable meetings with the Narva mayor.

Caritas-Estonia, Tallinn $3,529
For core support to an organization working to integrate disenfranchised populations, such as street children or ethnic Russians, into Estonian society.

Association of People with Muscular Disorders, Tallinn $3,529
For core support to an organization aiming to improve quality of life for those suffering from muscular disorders.

Network of Estonian Non-profit Organizations, Tallinn $8,824
For a training program for the organization's 120+ members in networking, advocacy and policy development.

Civic engagement & Cross-sectoral Cooperation Small Grants for Civic Initiatives $30,000
Grants to be awarded in beginning of 2002 to local civic groups and small NGOs who have identified a particular area for improvement within their community and a strategy for engaging the local population to solve it.

Pan-Baltic Community Philanthropy/Participatory Planning Pilot Project
For a project conducted simultaneously in all three Baltic countries to bring together individuals, local governments and local business representatives to identify issues of priority for their communities, and to mobilize local resources to address these issues. The project is intended to introduce effective mechanisms for individuals to participate in, or have an impact upon local decision-making processes, as well as to develop viable approaches to community-based philanthropy in each site.
Grants were made to the following implementing partners for this project:

Peipsi Center for Transboundary Cooperation $21,765
To oversee implementation of the project in two pilot sites of the country and to enhance the organization's capacity to provide guidance for similar initiatives in other regions in the future.

Jarvamaa Small Business Advising Center $11,765
For implementation of the project in the pilot site of Jarva county by arranging and facilitating meetings of community stakeholders, and for participating in training sessions on participatory planning and community philanthropy.

Viljandimaa Small Business Advising Center $11,765
For implementation of the project in the pilot site of Viljandimaa county by arranging and facilitating meetings of community stakeholders, and for participating in training sessions on participatory planning and community philanthropy.

Matching grants of up to $5,000 will be made available to each site for the support of community initiatives identified through the participatory planning process.

Special Needs and Opportunities Fund
As approved by the BAPF board, BAPP-Estonia reserved $50,000 from its 2001 budget to enable it to respond flexibly to proposals submitted outside the framework of regularly scheduled grant competitions, that are nevertheless consistent with BAPP-Estonia's strategic objectives for 2001.
As of the end of 2001, BAPP had made three grants, as follows:

NGO Schools of Politics for Youth, Tartu $1,176
Support for a non-partisan summer school program on the Estonian political system and civic participation .

Estonian United Nations Association, Tartu $1,424
Support for a simulation game of Tartu City Municipal Council's sessions, conducted by students at Tartu University.

Training for NGO Resource Center Representatives
Silva Anspal, NGO Resource Center of Heartland Estonia Saima Mand, NGO Resource Center of Northwestern Estonia Villu Vatsfeld, NGO Resource Center of Saaremaa $1,780
To the above listed representatives of regional NGO resource centers for participation at the European Forum on Venture Philanthropy in Budapest, Hungary.