The Pontis & Via Capital Campaigns are Underway!

For the past eleven years, The Foundation for a Civil Society has been meeting the challenges of emerging democracies in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Our work and experience have given us both great hope and evidence that the new democracies of the region will continue to move forward. Our legacy — in the form of two organizations, the successors to our offices and now affiliates, the Nadace VIA Foundation in the Czech Republic and the Pontis Foundation (formerly NOS) in Slovakia — illustrates our successful contribution to the non-profit sector to help build and strengthen civil society and democracy in the sometimes precarious transition effort. But, as we well know in this country, the road to democracy is rarely “neat.”

Both Via and Pontis — each in its capacity as a major player in its own country — have the experience to learn and work through the understanding that time, commitment, and constant work are required to ensure success and longevity. You might recall some of the most significant accomplishments they have achieved: NGO development programs (like the successful Democracy Network programs), support of corporate philanthropy through the Corporate Citizenship Award, community building, or encouraging young voter participation in the 1998 elections (like the Rock the Vote program or assistance with the Civic Campaign 98). All of these have consistently helped individuals plan and develop an infrastructure in their own countries in order to foster and institutionalize civil society.

On November 15, 2001 in New York, the new Czech Ambassador to Washington, Martin Palous, the Slovak Ambassador Martin Butora, along with Robert Vlasic, Director of Pontis, and Jiri Barta, Director of the VIA Foundation, FCS President Wendy Luers, and members of the FCS Board of Directors — launched the national campaign for the Friends of Via Foundation and the Pontis Future of Slovakia Fund in the United States. A panel discussion moderated by Deborah Harding (Vice President of the Open Society Fund) on “The Current State of Affairs in the Czech Republic and Slovakia” was a highlight of the program. The event was organized and co-sponsored by the Czech Consulate, the Czech Center, and the Friends of Slovakia.