Starting in September 2026, local communities will be able to apply for funding for rescue operations, crisis communication, and survival education. Project implementation, scheduled for October 2026, marks a significant step toward the professionalization of the third sector in the region.
The MOC MAŁYCH SPOŁECZNOŚCI (POWER OF SMALL COMMUNITIES) – Mazowsze Lokalnie Odporne program is a comprehensive strategy for strengthening the safety of residents in rural areas and smaller urban centers across the voivodeship (excluding Warsaw and cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants). The initiative is carried out by a proven partnership: the Europa i My Association, the BORIS Association, the Sokial Association, and the Cooperation Fund Foundation (Fundacja Fundusz Współpracy).
This year’s edition of the competition introduces a points-based scoring system aimed at driving a systemic shift in how local safety is approached:
- Professionalization of activities (+4 pts): Priority is given to projects carried out in close cooperation with safety institutions (Volunteer Fire Brigade, Police, Sanitary Inspectorate). The requirement to hold at least one joint meeting with residents is intended to build a lasting bridge of trust between professional services and civic organizations.
- Leveling the playing field (+2 pts): A bonus will be awarded to applicants from municipalities that did not receive support from the program in 2025. This is a deliberate measure aimed at eliminating “blank spots” on Mazovia’s activity map and ensuring that resources reach where they are needed most.
These criteria promote the durability of outcomes – the grant is meant to be the start of long-term cross-sector cooperation, not a one-off event.
Who the funds are for
The program directs financial support toward entities with the greatest grassroots potential but often limited resources. Grants may be applied for by:
- Small and medium-sized local NGOs (MiŚLOP): NGOs with average annual revenue below PLN 200,000, rooted in small communities.
- Informal groups: teams of at least 3 residents who want to make a real impact on the safety of their local area.
- Local leaders and community animators: individuals key to mobilizing communities in crisis situations.
The total allocation is PLN 1.5 million, to be distributed among nearly 170 micro-projects (up to PLN 9,000 each).
The program’s focus on areas outside metropolitan centers allows help to be precisely targeted where access to institutional support structures is more difficult.
“Mazovia’s resilience is not measured solely by the amount of equipment purchased, but above all by the quality of connections between people. Our goal within the Partnership is to build a social network ready to cooperate in the first, most difficult hours of any crisis. Through the Mazowsze Lokalnie Odporne program, we are investing in local organizations, trust, and concrete competencies that will become the most important line of defense for our communities in a moment of trial” – says Daniel Prędkopowicz, President of the Cooperation Fund Foundation.
The MOC MAŁYCH SPOŁECZNOŚCI – Mazowsze Lokalnie Odporne project is carried out by a partnership of: the Europa i My Association, the BORIS Association, the Sokial Association, and the Cooperation Fund Foundation.
The project is co-financed by the National Freedom Institute – Centre for Civil Society Development as part of the #MocMałychSpołeczności program.
Implementation period: September–October 2026.
More information available at:
www.mazowszelokalnie.pl
