Since 2001, the Nógrád County Association of Roma Minority Representatives and Advocates (NMCKKSzSz) has been running a dedicated network of tanoda (after-school learning centres) to support disadvantaged young people. With centres in Bátonyterenye, Lucfalva, and Mátraverebély, its programmes reach around 100 children and adolescents every year.
The Association’s goal is to provide long-term, consistent support to children from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Through structured after-school learning and personal development activities, it aims to:
Promote academic achievement
Reduce dropout rates
Help students attain higher-level qualifications
Currently, the afterschool network operates primarily through state funding. Whilst this funding includes minor annual increases, it fails to keep pace with rising costs—especially utility bills and teacher salaries. This puts pressure on the Association’s ability to retain qualified educators and fund enrichment activities such as theatre visits, museum trips, or excursions—programmes that are crucial for motivation and broadening horizons.
To continue and expand its work, NMCKKSzSz requires additional revenue sources. However, the team currently lacks the internal capacity to increase fundraising – particularly building relationships with corporate sponsors or individual donors. The management team works entirely on a voluntary basis, alongside other full-time jobs, which severely limits fundraising activities.
NMCKKSzSz has been a long-standing partner of the Foundation since 2016. (See here). To help overcome the above challenge, the Foundation provided funding towards a part-time fundraiser and communications staff member, with additional expert support.
With a dedicated team member, the Association aims to strengthen its online presence, showcase its impact, build community trust, and attract new supporters—both individuals and corporates. The ultimate goal is to develop a wider base of supporters, whose contributions can provide flexible and sustainable income for programme expansion.
