1st edition of the Strong NGO Award is concluded

After nearly 100 hours of training on management-related themes, such as compliance, communication, fundraising and planning, the personalized consultancy delivered by the Norberto Odebrecht Foundation (FNO) for the Santa Luzia Set Residents Association has come to an end. Granted as part of the Strong NGO Award, won by the Association, the consultancy provided valuable insights for both teams involved and marked the resumption of the Foundation’s work in the city of Salvador.

Initiative concluded with an in-person meeting involving representatives from the Norberto Odebrecht Foundation, Maria Emília Foundation, and Santa Luzia Association.

The conclusion of the consultancy – and of the 1st edition of the award – took place in a face-to-face meeting last Tuesday (20), with the presence of leaders of the FNO, the Association, and Maria Emília Foundation (FME), partner in the execution of the award. On the occasion, Maria de Lourdes Nascimento, general coordinator of the NGO, was able to share the effects that the advisory has had for the institution. “We have very different stories. But in the time we had together, we were able to create a transformation, which has already made a big difference in our day-to-day lives. I hope you will continue to make other NGOs strong, as you have done with us,” she said.

In addition to the consultancy, Santa Luzia Association received a grant of BRL25,000 for one of its education projects and financial support to participate in the 12th GIFE Congress in São Paulo, an event where they were able to establish connections with institutes, foundations, and third sector associations – both granted by the Maria Emília Foundation. Representatives from the NGO also visited the Southern Bahia Lowlands and got to know the Casas Familiares, rural schools that are partners of the Norberto Odebrecht Foundation in carrying out the PDCIS, its Social Program.

Strengthening

For Cláudia Pimentel, Sustainability and Partnerships coordinator at the Norberto Odebrecht Foundation, the advisory was a learning opportunity for all the teams involved. “We all came out stronger. Based on our reference, which is the PDCIS, we had the knowledge of how to start supporting another NGO. But, always highlighting the protagonism, a concept so dear to all of our initiatives, we also emerged better and more capable from this whole process,” she said.

Connections between teams from FNO and Santa Luzia Association facilitated the process of strengthening.

Conexões entre equipes da FNO e da Associação Santa Luzia facilitaram o processo de fortalecimento

For Thamile Accioly, executive director of the Maria Emília Foundation, the Strong NGO Award demonstrates the value of networking. “We had a pleasant surprise when we approached the Santa Luzia Association, composed of amazing people, and acknowledged how much these individuals were already doing, and in a very efficient manner.” However, we still saw an opportunity for them to receive more knowledge,” she said. Thamile expressed the hope that bridges and connections like these will continue to flourish and expand.

For the members and volunteers of the Association who participated in the trainings, the adaptation of the advisory contents to the organization’s reality made all the difference. “It was never something imposed. All the knowledge was adapted, discussed, and built with us,” said Solange Sousa, who works as a librarian at Santa Luzia Association.  “At all times our history has been respected, and this is very important for our team. We are left with a huge feeling of gratitude,” she concludes.