| The Via Foundation - Nadace Via | ||
| Established | 1997 | |
| Exec. Dir. | Jiří Bárta | |
| Office | Prague, Czech Republic | |
| Homepage | www.en.nadacevia.cz | |
The Via Foundation, Nadace Via, is a charitable foundation located in Prague, Czech Republic.
The Via Foundation provides small grants and expertise to non-profit community initiatives in the Czech Republic. Where 50 years of totalitarian government dampened people's initiative, the Via Foundation now supports peoples' efforts to improve their communities through a variety of programs and activities.
Mission
The Via Foundation supports and strengthens public participation in the development of a democratic society in the Czech Republic.
This includes:
- Supporting the growth of nonprofit organizations. As the idea of private action for public good is re-born in the Czech Republic, Via works with nonprofit organizations to develop their means to operate efficiently, to effectively address the needs and opportunities of their communities, and to become self-sufficient.
- Developing the culture of philanthropy. The government cannot support all immediate needs of any community. Via works to demonstrate that individuals throughout the Czech Republic can take the lead in positively changing their communities.
- Supporting the cooperation between non-profit organizations, local authorities, and local businesses. Collaboration within communities – working, planning, and implementing changes together – is the best tool to assume joint responsibility for the public good.
History
In 1997, the Via Foundation was created as the local, Czech-run successor to the Foundation for a Civil Society. Since then Via has supported nearly 2000 community projects in over 260 cities, towns and villages making it one of the most active grantmaking organizations in the Czech Republic.
The name "Via" (Latin for "path") was chosen to evoke the image of a common path towards a vibrant, active, and democratic society.
Via Bona Award for Philanthropy
2007 marks the 10th year of the Via Foundation’s annual Via Bona Award for Philanthropy. The award acknowledges exemplary philanthropy of companies and individuals who have a history of strong support of the work of non-profit organizations in the Czech Republic.
This award is presented each September at a ceremony held at the American Ambassador’s Residence in Prague. The Via Bona Award is given to those who serve as an example to others through their material and financial support, as well as their willingness to tread untried paths. These donors move the Czech Republic ever closer to the renewal of a healthy tradition of giving and philanthropy.
The Via Bona Awards are made possible with the support of Citibank and the Citigroup Foundation and in partnership with the Foundation for a Civil Society.
Video
In the Media
Helping Hands September, 2006 Prague Post article about the Via Foundation's Via Bona Award for Philanthropy by Kathleen Kralowec.
External Links
- The Via Foundation in English
- Nadace Via in Czech
- Friends of Via Nadace Via - The Via Foundation's USA - based partner organization