1. Non-for- profit sector in Latvia Ieva Pundina Civic Alliance - Latvia 21.11.2006 9 th NGO FORUM VILNIUS

2. Legislation and figures Legislation: New legislation in 1st of April 2004; Separating political parties from associations and foundations; Definition of each legal form; Re-registration of the NGOs; October 2004 law on public benefit organizations – special status; Public benefit commission; 828 public benefit organizations; ?Question regarding sport and culture.

3. Challenges of the NGO sector 1.Improvement in support from government; 2.Channels of funding for non-profit sector is in developing process 3.NGO reform – substantial change of sector itself; 4.Wider scale of activities required with joining EU; 5.Watchdog functions requires other type of approach than service delivery - new skills 6.Participation in EU platforms = improved national networking 7.Low citizen participation

4. Development in 2005 and 2006 1.State programme to support civil society 2005-2009; 2.200 000 LVL co-financing for the NGO EU projects; 3.VAT deduction for the NGO providing social services; 4.10%, about 5 m EUR in special NGO fund from EFTA and Norwegian instruments; 5.Memorandum of understanding with government; 6.Parliament declaration; 7.NGO involvement in structural funds and planning next period 2007-2013; …let us have enough CAPACITY to participate in all activities…

5. NGO participation Legislation is advanced and allows NGO participation in policy process Methods: working groups, public hearings, consultations, joint events, lobbying etc. Examples: State secretary meetings; Steering committee of the memorandum of understanding; NGO working group on Structural funds; Working group with Ministry of finances; Etc.

6. Civic Alliance – Latvia Aim: To improve environment for associations and foundations in Latvia; Established in 2004 by 39 NGOs and individuals; Board – 7 people; Currently 57 members Programmes: Education, information, legal advise, participation in State secretary meetings, international consultations and projects, advocacy and lobbying for the non-for profit sector; Internship programme; Research; Consultations; Portal www.nvo.lvwww.nvo.lv

7. Thanks! ‘Civic alliance - Latvia’ Ieva Pundina, ieva@nvo.lv Gertrudes street 19/21-3, Riga LV-1011 Phone: +371 78 46 464 www.nvo.lv