Social Innovation Fund (SIF), Lithuania

The SIF began its activities in 1994 by providing free computer literacy training courses for unemployed and socially disadvantaged women in Kaunas, with the support of the Dutch governmental programme 'Assistance in Social Welfare in Lithuania'. In 1997, following the establishment of the Community and Training Centre for Women under the European Union's PHARE LIEN programme, the Fund began offering educational services, such as computerised accounting programmes, English language courses, and nursing courses.

Today, the SIF offers educational and professional re-/training programmes targeting unemployed and socially disadvantaged individuals, equipping them with the skills and knowledge required by the current job market, and fostering their economic independence and social integration. The SIF designs tailored training programmes to support the integration of vulnerable individuals. The organisation also engages in advocacy and builds partnerships and coalitions to influence public policy and promote the enforcement and implementation of Lithuania’s equal opportunities legislation. Additionally, the SIF develops and implements social innovation initiatives to improve the socio-economic status of marginalised populations while developing and expanding national, European and international networks. Finally, SIF organises training programmes for NGO staff to reinforce their fundraising, networking and service delivery capacities for disadvantaged groups.