Sergei Kiriyenko met with leaders of non-profit organizations at the RUSSIA EXPO

First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Kiriyenko held a meeting with leaders of non-profit organizations and representatives of regional authorities. It took place within the framework of the Day of Non-Profit Organizations, which was held at the International RUSSIA EXPO on February 24.

Over the seven years of work of the Presidential Grants Fund, 43 thousand projects have been implemented by socially oriented non-profit organizations, with 19 thousand NPOs being their authors. Thanks to this, 15 million people have received assistance.

"Success in this sphere is not determined by the amount of rubles or the number of projects. It is determined by the fates of people who have been able to receive aid, support, and were helped to overcome a difficult life situation," emphasized Sergei Kiriyenko.

At present the interaction between the state and non-profit organizations is based on respect - Russian President Vladimir Putin and the entire state administration, the society treats NPOs as an equal partner that can be relied on in a difficult situation, Kiriyenko noted. For example, non-profit organizations helped millions of people during the isolation associated with the coronavirus infection.

Photo: Ilya Pitalev/Fotohost-RIA News agency

"Non-profit organizations and the public sector in our country are a powerful force, a real serious partner for the state, which in a difficult situation comes and lends a helping hand - and is ready to solve complex problems together with the state and society," he said.

Currently, a transparent and convenient system of support for non-profit organizations has also been built, the First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office stressed. In particular, all applications and reports in the Presidential Grants Fund are accepted digitally, experts check projects without knowing who is their author, and evaluate them with the involvement of beneficiaries, regional authorities and those whom the work of non-profit organizations is aimed at.

The decision of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to create the fund is unique in the world practice. "This is really a unique decision of the President - as far as I know, there is nothing like it anywhere in the world, when huge funds are distributed every year in an open and transparent competition," said Sergei Kiriyenko.

 He thanked representatives of non-profit organizations, noting that the existing system can be created only by joining efforts. Sergei Kiriyenko discussed with NPO leaders the development of a training system for employees of non-profit organizations, partnership with business, creation of a platform where one could learn about events held by non-profit organizations, and a number of other initiatives.

 The thematic day at the RUSSIA EXPO brought together NPO leaders from all over the country. The Exposition hosts thematic discussions, talk shows, masterclasses, quizzes and performances arranged by non-profit organizations themselves.

The International RUSSIA EXPO is the most important achievements of the country gathered in one place. During the whole period of the Exposition, guests are welcomed with cultural events, a rich business and educational program. The expositions of 89 Russian regions, leading federal agencies, corporations and public organizations are presented to the visitors. More than 7 million people have already visited the Exposition. The International RUSSIA EXPO takes place at VDNH in Moscow from November 4 to July 8.