Situation in Hungary
The Hungarian non-profit sector embodies human values, such as independence, individual initiative, pluralism and solidarity. In Hungary about 60,000 non-governmental organizations have been registered at courts in accordance with the regulations in force. This large civil community has provided an increasingly distinctive framework for social self-organisation. As a result, clear signs of autonomy, voluntarism, independent activity and charitable giving have emerged. Public services are beginning to be delivered on a multi-sectoral basis. Non-governmental organisations can offer alternatives or additional options mainly in the fields of education, culture, health and social care. Non-profit organisations have proved to be creative and have great empathy working with marginalized groups. Unfortunately the sector is divided and dominated by rivalry rather than collaboration. No solid representative models have been established and efforts are scarce in this respect. A number of umbrella organisations exist, some of which try to present themselves as being the only legitimate representatives of civil society.
Source: Strategy Paper Of The Government Of Hungary On Civil Society 22, 2002, www.nonprofit.hu NIOK
Anikö Porkolab
1024 Budapest, Margit krt. 43-45. IV/3
Tel:
contact@niok.hu
www.niok.hu
Europahaus (with network: European Forum of Hungarian NGOs)
The European House association was founded with the basic idea of promoting links and co-operation between Hungary and Europe with the specific means of civil society.
- initiating and organising Civiliada, the annual exhibition, meeting and conference of Hungarian civil society organisations
- publishing 'European Thought', a series of books on civil society and European integration
- co-ordinating the 'European Civil Forum in Hungary', a network of Hungarian civil society organisations working in the field of European integration
- organising seminars, conferences, training sessions, presentations, etc.
Founded in: 1990
Based in: Budapest
Miklos Barabas
Dezsö u. 3
1016 Budapest
Tel:
Fax: +36 1 356 8499
civil@elender.hu
www.europeanhouse.hu
NIOK
Niok was founded by the Non-profit Research Group Association with the support of several umbrella organisations and experts. The mission of Niok is to strengthen civil society in Hungary by providing capacity building services to the non-governmental organizations and by building an environment supportive of the long-term future of NGOs. The foundation has been working hard to ensure that the growth in the number of NGOs is accompanied by a qualitative improvement in their activities. The organisation’s working areas are the non-profit / civil service center, information for and about NGOs, developing a culture of giving and wide-ranging cooperation.
Founded in: 1994
Based in: Budapest
Anikö Porkolab
1024 Budapest, Margit krt. 43-45. IV/3
Tel:
contact@niok.hu
www.niok.hu