The “Rodzynki z pozarządówki” Award Winners Honored
They actively support the development of civil society every day, and today (September 8) they gathered at the Music Theatre in Toruń for the awards ceremony of the 19th edition of the Marshal’s Office’s “Rodzynki z pozarządówki” competition. Six projects carried out by non-governmental organizations were recognized from among 34 submitted initiatives. One organization also received a special award.
“Non-governmental organizations operating in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region are important partners of the regional self-government in virtually every area of social and economic life. We are pleased to recognize and support representatives of the third sector,” Marshal Piotr Całbecki emphasized.
The event was also attended by Vice-President of the Regional Parliament Katarzyna Lubańska and Regional Parliament members Tadeusz Pogoda and Sławomir Kopyść.
The “Bydgoszcz na Orientację” Foundation was recognized for creating Green Control Points accessible also to blind people. The project combined physical activity, tourism and environmental awareness by creating a network of trails in forested areas equipped with control posts, the YourWar system and a tactile information board for blind people. It is an innovative initiative on a national scale.
Among the award-winning initiatives was “SAMI SWOI” Senior Citizens’ Club Association in Świerczynki (Toruń County). “Seniors on the Stage of Tradition” was a unique project in which 16 senior citizens not only performed on stage but also created the entire production themselves, taking care of the scripts, music, costumes and set design.
The “Lejdis” Rural Housewives’ Association in Lisewo (Chełmno County) was recognized for the implementation of the initiative “Summer Cinema – A Neighbourhood Film Space at Jordanki.”
The Spectrum Zdrowia Foundation from Inowrocław County won the jury’s recognition for its project “I’m Not Shouting – I Need Support.” The initiative created a safe space for families of children on the autism spectrum to gain knowledge, support one another and exchange experiences. Its lasting outcome was the establishment of an independently operating parents’ group.
The BEZPIECZNI.EU Foundation from Toruń was recognized for a road safety project. Using modern and engaging methods, including virtual reality, simulators and practical demonstrations, the project teaches road safety in a way that translates knowledge into real skills needed in emergency situations.
The Twórcze Manowce Association for Creative Initiatives from Chełmno County was recognized for revitalizing the folklore of the Chełmno Land. The activities combined regional education with theatre, music and outdoor performances, including “The Chełmno Wedding” and night-time walks. A lasting result of the project was the establishment of a local singing group.
The Competition Jury awarded each of the organizers of the winning projects an equal cash prize of PLN 6,600. The special award granted by the Public Benefit Council amounted to PLN 5,000.
This year, a special award was also presented to the Borowiackie Cultural Society in Tuchola for organizing the initiative “And Do You Know, Brother…? – If Not, Come See, Listen, Taste and …” The project aimed to help people discover and promote the cultural heritage of the Tuchola Forests through regional education, historical events, an outdoor performance, and presentations of traditional cuisine and handicrafts. Its main objective was to provide residents with regional and historical education while strengthening their identity and connection with the culture of the Borowiacy people of the Tuchola Forests.
Last year’s award-winning projects included initiatives by the PRO FUTURO Association from Lipno, recognized for organizing a walking expedition in search of a sunken tank, and the Entrepreneurship Support Centre for its project “I Choose Myself”, as well as the 533 Association from Toruń County for “Three Steps for Local Nature.”
“Rodzynki z pozarządówki” is a long-standing competition organized by the regional self-government. See last year’s report: “We Honored the Best NGO Projects.”
In the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region, cooperation between NGOs and the regional self-government is built around the Public Benefit Council and the Sejmik of Non-Governmental Organizations of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region – a body made up of representatives of the NGO sector from across the region. Both bodies work closely with the Office for Cooperation with Non-Governmental Organizations, operating within the Marshal’s Office, and play an important consultative role.
Every year, the regional self-government supports projects carried out by non-governmental organizations in the fields of culture, sport, addiction prevention and support, social assistance, healthcare, tourism, and activities for people with disabilities. In 2026, the total funding allocated as part of cooperation with non-governmental organizations will amount to nearly PLN 10 million.
Beata Krzemińska
Spokesperson of the Marshal’s Office
September 8, 2026
