Community Alphabet in Serbia
In mid-June, a group of 20 community builders from 7 European countries gathered in Subotica, Serbia, to talk about conflict, tension and facilitation in community work. They are participants in Via’s international peer learning program, Community Alphabet (CA). You may remember the name Subotica from an earlier blog post featuring Anamaria Tumbas, a CA participant…
...
Springtime community landscape restoration
Among many Via grantees, springtime is about rejuvenating the landscape and transforming neglected corners of the Czech Republic into places where people feel good again. In Nová Dědina na Hané, neighbors are planting an allee of fruit trees along a restored 18th century field road, in Prague-Radlice residents are building terraces in the spirit of…
...
Community Alphabet Call for Applicants
We have released a Call for applicants for Community Alphabet 2026-27. We are looking for active residents in European countries who are interested in inclusive participatory approaches and exchanging with peers. The application deadline is 25 May. You can find the complete call here.
...
art re use: stopping the circle of waste in the cultural industry
The founders of the Prague-based art reuse center believe that it is not human nature to throw away useful things. The center was created as a response to the huge amount of material that is left over after art installations, exhibitions, film production, etc. Boards, display cases, fabrics, wool, carpets and linoleum used to end up…
...
From a social ghetto to emancipation: How Roma communities are changing their future
Since 2021, Via Foundation’s program On the Starting Line has supported small-scale community projects led by residents of socially excluded localities. The aim is to strengthen the capabilities and self-confidence of Roma community leaders and enable them to play an active role in community affairs. Micro-grants of up to EUR 800 (CZK 20,000) support implementation…
...
When young people give back: Young Philanthropists in Czech communities
Via Foundation supports children and young people who want to give back to their communities – by raising money to help those in need, collaboratively improving their communities or restoring the landscape. Today we take a look at three groups of young changemakers supported through Via’s Young Philanthropists program. BUDIŠOV NAD BUDIŠOVKA: A HOLIDAY MIRACLE…
...
First we knead the dough, then we talk: baking brings communities together
The fragrance of fresh bread, “mazanec” Easter cake or small “koláčky” is no longer confined to home kitchens in many Czech villages and towns. Increasingly, the delightful aroma can be detected wafting from bread ovens owned by the municipality, or located in community centers. In Židlochovice in South Moravia, for example, residents are baking cakes…