Sustainable Energy for Social Services: 35 Civil Society Organizations Supported by the EU and Soros Foundation Moldova
Civil society organizations are receiving financial support to implement initiatives that promote responsible energy consumption and energy efficiency solutions in buildings where social services are provided. These projects are carried out in partnership with local public authorities.
Grants of approximately €87,000 each are awarded under the project “Local Partnerships for Energy Efficiency in Social Services”, funded by the European Union, co-funded and implemented by the Soros Foundation Moldova, in partnership with IP Keystone Moldova and the Social Innovation Fund Moldova.
With these grants, social service buildings will be transformed into energy-efficient, safe, and sustainable spaces, helping to reduce operational costs and reinvest the savings into improving social programs.
The funds will be used for thermal insulation of walls and roofs, modernization of heating systems, replacement of windows and doors, as well as the installation of photovoltaic systems and energy-efficient LED lighting to optimize resource consumption.
These improvements will benefit shelters for women and children at risk, elderly care centers, facilities providing services for people with disabilities, and other social institutions that support vulnerable groups across the country.
“The European Union supports Moldova’s efforts to enhance energy efficiency and promote sustainable development. Through this program, we ensure that resources are used wisely and that the savings can be reinvested in expanding and improving social services. This initiative not only optimizes energy consumption but also improves the quality of life for those in vulnerable situations who need continuous support,” stated Jānis Mažeiks, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.
In addition to building renovations, grant recipients will work on engaging their local communities. They will organize awareness campaigns to promote responsible energy use, involving social service beneficiaries, local communities, and authorities. This initiative will help foster behavioral changes towards more efficient resource consumption.
“The Soros Foundation Moldova believes that an open society cannot exist without an active civil society capable of responding to people’s needs and contributing to inclusive public policies. This initiative, supported by the European Union, demonstrates the power of local partnerships between civil society, public authorities, and donors to drive the transition towards a sustainable development model based on solidarity, efficiency, and responsible resource use. By investing in civil society’s capacity to act locally, we contribute to systemic change with a nationwide impact,” said Daniela Vidaicu, Executive Director of the Soros Foundation Moldova.
The total budget of the project exceeds €4.8 million, with approximately €4.2 million provided by the European Union and €600,000 co-financed by the Soros Foundation Moldova.
The project runs for 36 months, starting in February 2024, and aims to support civil society organizations in developing energy efficiency solutions, improving social services, and promoting the sustainable use of resources in communities.
