Organizations, associations and informal groups from all regions of the Czech Republic, except Prague, could apply for financial support. The record interest confirms that organizations across the country perceive the mental health of the young generation as an urgent topic and are actively looking for ways to strengthen the available support directly in their communities. An expert committee is now evaluating all applications and selecting projects that will share a total amount of CZK 1.5 million.
"The number and variety of submitted projects prove that the need to address the mental health of children and young people is very strong in the regions. We are pleased that not only non-profit organizations are applying, but also schools, which make up almost 20% of all applicants. It is an environment where young people spend most of their time, and therefore it is important that they are also able to function as a safety net for them," says Bára Pšenicová, director of the organization Nevypusť duši z.s.
The grant call focused on supporting community initiatives outside of Prague, which connect schools, families, leisure organizations, social and health services and other important people around children. It aims to strengthen prevention and create an environment in which children and young people can receive support before their difficulties get worse.
"We perceive the record number of applications primarily as confirmation that the need to support the mental health of children and young people in the regions is really high. Most organizations applied from the South Moravian, Central Bohemian, Ústí nad Labem and Moravian-Silesian regions. In addition, the projects are thematically very diverse and well-processed. It will not be easy to choose just a few," adds Zdeněk Mihalco, director of the Via Foundation.
Non-governmental non-profit organizations operating in the given community, community, cultural and low-threshold organizations, contributory organizations such as schools and school facilities, libraries or children's homes, public universities and informal groups based or operating outside Prague could apply. The maximum amount of support for one project is CZK 200,000 and the results will be announced at the end of June.