SUMA seeks experienced organizations for KA2 partnership

SUMA is actively seeking partnerships with experienced organizations for upcoming KA2 projects (KA210 or KA220) in the field of youth and school education. As a youth-led organization with strong experience in other Erasmus+ actions, we are eager to expand our expertise into KA2 projects.

About us
SUMA - Association for Sustainable Development is a youth-led organization based in Podravske Sesvete, Croatia. Founded in 2020 by young individuals from the Đurđevac Podravina region, SUMA has quickly grown into a nationally recognized association focusing on sustainable development and rural youth empowerment.

Our primary areas of focus are sustainable development and rural youth engagement. We've successfully implemented over 300 diverse activities targeting both young people and the general public. Our team consists of 18 regular members, predominantly young people aged 15-30, with 80% holding higher education degrees in fields such as psychology, social work, law, languages, economics, marketing, agronomy, and international business.

SUMA is an active member of the Croatian Youth Network (MMH), where we contribute to shaping youth-oriented policies. Our commitment to youth empowerment is further exemplified by our ongoing collaboration with the City of Đurđevac to develop their first youth program, a pioneering public policy instrument for young people in the area.

We are looking for:
- Experienced organizations to lead KA2 projects
- Opportunities to contribute as partners in KA2 initiatives
- Chance to learn from experienced KA2 project implementers

Our areas of interest:
1. Environmental education and climate action
2. Rural youth empowerment and skill development
3. Social inclusion and diversity
4. Active citizenship and democratic participation
5. Digital skills and media literacy
6. Sustainable agriculture and rural development
7. Mental health and well-being of young people
8. Intercultural learning and European values

Our expertise and experience:
- We have extensive experience in managing EU-funded projects, particularly Erasmus+ youth programs (KA152, KA153, KA154, KA155) as both applicant and partner.
- Our project "From dump to art" was selected among the top 5 out of 80 projects across Europe by the Civics Innovation Fund, funded by Robert Bosch Stiftung. This achievement placed SUMA on the NECE Impact Spots map as the first organization from Croatia in this category.
- We have organized and participated in numerous youth exchanges, training sessions, conferences, and seminars, enhancing our skills in civil society and youth work while expanding our partner network.
- We are actively involved in youth policy creation through our membership in the Croatian Youth Network (MMH), with our member serving on the MMH board.

Examples of our ongoing projects

a) YOUTH4SDGs: Youth for Sustainable Development of Podravina

Focus: Strengthening youth advocacy and watchdog roles in sustainable development
Budget: €29,043.33
Funded by: EU and Office for NGOs of the Croatian Government (CERV Program)
Duration: 16 months (October 2023 - January 2025)

b) Diversity Express: Connecting People and Cultures

Focus: Promoting social inclusion, diversity, and intercultural skills through a 14-day train journey across Europe for youngsters with fewer opportunities
Budget: €38,848.00
Funded by: Erasmus+ Program (KA155)
Duration: 10 months (March 2024 - December 2024)

c) Health is in the Countryside: Young Health Ambassadors in Rural Areas

Focus: Promoting health and well-being of young people in rural areas, connecting youth with decision-makers
Budget: €59,042.00
Funded by: Erasmus+ Program (KA154)
Duration: 18 months (March 2024 - August 2025)

d) From Dump to Art: Confronting Illegal Waste Dumping

Focus: Environmental responsibility, awareness-raising about illegal dumping, and developing replicable models through art and film
Budget: €12,000.00
Funded by: Civics Innovation Fund, Robert Bosch Foundation
Duration: 12 months (October 2023 - September 2024)

Our strengths:
- Diverse, highly educated team with backgrounds in various relevant fields
- Strong volunteer base with 20 volunteers contributing 1250 hours in the past year
- Stable financial management with expected turnover of more than 100 000 EUR in 2024
- New office space in Đurđevac with an educational hall from June 2024
- Experience in managing EU-funded projects
- Strong network of local and international partners

We offer:
- Enthusiastic and dedicated project team eager to learn and contribute
- Strong experience in other Erasmus+ actions (KA152, KA153, KA154, KA155)
- Expertise in non-formal education methodologies
- Innovative approaches to sustainability and youth engagement
- Access to diverse youth groups in rural and urban areas of Croatia
- Strong network of local partners and stakeholders

If you are an experienced organization looking for an energetic and committed partner for your KA2 project, we would love to hear from you!

We are excited to learn from your expertise and contribute our unique perspective and skills to your project. Contact us at udrugasuma@gmail.com to discuss potential collaboration.