Poverty and Roma Programme

The fundamental aim of our grant programme, which ran until the end of the 1990s, was to strengthen the economic and social autonomy of registered Roma and non-Roma civil society organisations, particularly through the promotion of income-generating activities.

The programme was based on the premise that initiatives built on joint, productive work contribute to reducing prejudice and fostering cooperation.

The majority of the successful applications were agricultural projects, but the foundation was open to any idea that could help strengthen local communities and promote their economic development.

Between 1990 and 2000, we supported 356 organisations. In every case, the funding comprised a grant and (to a lesser extent) repayable funding.