In 2023, the implementation of the sixth cycle of the “Points of Support” programme started; a collaborative initiative of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, the TIMA Charitable Foundation, the Captain Vassilis & Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation, the A. G. Leventis Foundation, the Athanasios C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation, the Costas M. Lemos Foundation, the Social and Cultural Affairs Welfare Foundation – KIKPE, The Hellenic Initiative Canada, the Athina I. Martinou Foundation, as well as the Bodossaki Foundation. The new cycle of the Programme is coordinated by the Bodossaki Foundation.
The goal of the Programme is, on the one hand, to support original small-scale projects that result in maximum social impact that benefits vulnerable social groups and, on the other hand, the reinforcement of infrastructures and capacity building of Greek Civil Society Organisations as a means of bolstering the development and effectiveness of their work.
Out of 150 applications, a total of 38 projects were funded; these projects were implemented by 49 organisations, 11 of which participated as collaborating bodies. The projects had a duration of up to 6 months and fell under one of the following thematic areas:
a. Protection of Flora and Fauna in the Urban and Peri-urban Environment (Α. G. Leventis Foundation)
b. Protection of Αquatic Εcosystems: Lakes, Rivers and Wetlands (Athanasios C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation)
c. Protection of Forest and Other Terrestrial Ecosystems (Costas M. Lemos Foundation)
In addition, the selected organisations took part in free capacity building activities, funded and implemented by Social Dynamo, the NGO hub of the Bodossaki Foundation, aiming to increase the efficiency and sustainability of the organisations, with a focus on learning, professional support and networking.
For the period 2023-2024, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation supported the implementation of the following initiatives:
“Our team received funding for the implementation of the project entitled ‘Buddies at work: Inclusion in the Workplace’, through which 8 people on the autism spectrum were empowered, receiving the appropriate preparation for their integration into the work environment and first contact with potential employers. Similarly, 50 employees within the partner company Teleperformance Greece were informed and trained on issues related to autism and better management in the workplace. Without this support we would not have been able to take our first steps in the field of supported employment, which we want and now believe we can further develop.”
Vassiliki Seimeki
Psychologist
Project Manager, Best Buddies Greece
“Through the ‘CoopAbility’ project, people with disabilities were given the opportunity to develop work readiness skills and gain in-depth knowledge of social entrepreneurship. Thirty trained individuals, three good practices, four trainers with disabilities, two inspiring social partners and a freely available training manual. What brought us most joy was the composition of the manual, created with professionalism and care to be accessible to people with intellectual disabilities, special educational needs, and visual impairments.”
Ioannis E. Dovros
Coach, Team Facilitator, Adult Educator
Manager, Heath Route Social Cooperative
“At Off Stream, our vision is the equal participation of People with Disabilities in the experience of Art, Culture, and consequently in all aspects of daily life. The support we received from the Foundation through the ‘Points of Support’ programme enabled us to implement an innovative programme for the inclusion of people with sensory impairments in the museum experience. It helped us develop an original methodology for inclusive audience activities, to share and co-create inclusively, and ultimately to take another step closer to our vision!”
Christina Vlachou & Stella Anastasaki
Co-founders, Off Stream
Watch the video of the 6th cycle of the Programme here.