In this year's edition of the competition, Baltic Hub has received a record number of 19 applications for projects that respond to the needs of the local community. - The jury selected winners who will receive a total of PLN 250,000 in funding, including for educational workshops for children and elders, promotion of physical activity, dance classes and the creation of a multimedia and music studio at a local school.

 The third edition of the competition, organised and financed by Baltic Hub, attracted the interest of numerous non-governmental organisations, schools, kindergartens and other institutions that operate in the area of Stogi, Przeróbka and Krakowiec-Górki Zachodnie. Submitted projects covered a wide range of initiatives, from environmental protection and education to activities supporting social integration. The recruitment process lasted from 18 June to 16 July 2024. The projects were evaluated by a competition jury made up of representatives of the Baltic Hub, the Port of Gdańsk and the City Council. Seven ideas were awarded, which will be implemented over the next year in the neighbourhoods adjacent to the terminal.

– Choosing the - projects was not easy, as each of them brought significant value to the local community, but the Jury had to choose seven of them. -We are counting on these projects to bring about positive change and significantly improve the daily lives of the residents of the neighbourhoods that are so close to our hearts. Our support through Busole distric grant is an expression of care for our neighbours and a beautiful tradition that we plan to continue – says Charles Baker, CEO of Baltic Hub.

The Great Seven – the Winning Projects

• One of the selected projects is the “Senior’s Digital World” initiative, proposed by the “Ostoja” Nursing Home in Gdańsk. The project involves the organisation of cyclical, open-ended educational workshops aimed at seniors both from Nursing Home “Ostoja” and those from the local community. The classes will counteract the digital and social exclusion of older people.

• The Polish Allotment Association, specifically the Ivan Miczurin Family Allotment Garden, has proposed the project “Safe Waters of Stogi: Retention and Environmental Education Project”. The initiative will focus on improving water retention and raising environmental awareness among allotment holders.

• The Blitz Association, in turn, presented an idea for a dance workshop called “Dance Adventure with Blitz”. The funds raised will be used, among other things, to purchase costumes and to subsidise participation in dance competitions.

• The project selected for implementation from the Busole grant “Get into motion!!!”, developed by the School and Kindergarten Complex No. 11 in Gdańsk, will promote physical activity among the kindergarten community. Funds raised will go towards retrofitting the gymnasium with new sports equipment, as well as organising outdoor games and workshops.

• The School and Kindergarten Complex No. 3 - presented the “SoundMakers” project. The beneficiaries plan to create a modern multimedia and music workshop at Primary School No 72 in the Stogi district.

• Voivodeship and City Public Library named after Joseph Conrad Korzeniowski in Gdańsk will carry out a series of artistic, environmental and bibliotherapeutic activities. These initiatives aim to strengthen mental health and integrate the local community around the new Stogi Library site.

• The School and Kindergarten Complex No. 4 in Gdańsk, on the other hand, intends to implement the “Si-Wyspa-początek” project in the near future, which envisages the creation of a friendly, safe and relaxing place for pupils in grades 1-8, teachers and parents, conducive to tranquility and rest.

The awarded projects will be implemented in the following districts: Przeróbka, Stogi and Krakowiec-Górki Zachodnie. Each initiative is unique, addressing the needs of different social groups – from the youngest to adults and the elderly. Moreover, in this year's edition, beneficiaries for the first time indicated in their grant application a specific area of activity, in line with Baltic Hub's CSR strategy. These included education, caring for the environment, health, social inclusion and safety. Baltic Hub believes that these projects will not only fulfill its educational purpose and have a positive impact on the neighbours’ health but they will also bring a lot of joy.