16 NGO projects won the city social project competition "Open Nizhny".

      16 projects of Nizhny Novgorod non-profit organizations became winners of the city social project competition "Open Nizhny". This was announced by the Department of Social Communications and Youth Policy of the Nizhny Novgorod Administration.

      According to department director Artur Shtoyan, the "Open Nizhny" competition has been held by the city administration since 2008 and aims to support socially significant initiatives that promote the development of Nizhny Novgorod. Over the course of its existence, more than 820 organizations have participated, and nearly 400 projects have been implemented.

      "City head Yuri Vladimirovich Shalabaev pays great attention to this competition. On his instructions, over 35 million rubles have been allocated over the past three years specifically for the implementation of social projects within the framework of the 'Open Nizhny' grant competition, which is a significant support for public organizations. This is not only rare for municipalities but also in many regions," emphasized department director Artur Shtoyan.

      The competition was conducted across seven thematic areas: "Friendly Nizhny", "Active Nizhny", "Cultural Nizhny", "Green Nizhny", "Social Nizhny", "Patriotic Nizhny", and "Young Nizhny". A total of 45 organizations participated. Only 42 projects were allowed to proceed to the expert council meeting, where the winners were determined.

      Among the 16 finalists were projects aimed at developing interethnic relations, patriotic education, family values, inclusion, as well as cultural-educational and social initiatives.

      Among them is the project of the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Public Organization "Perspective". The NGO has been providing free social services to families raising children with visual disabilities for over 20 years. With the support of the city administration, the organization has implemented numerous initiatives for both adults and children. This year, the NGO submitted a project titled "Nest for Owlets" to the competition.

      "Numerous studies show that children with physical or sensory deviations find it more difficult to adapt to the school learning process. Therefore, adaptation becomes a real challenge for such children. The 'Nest for Owlets' project is aimed at organizing sensory integration to help children maximize the use of their body's resources, prepare for school, and become more independent. We are grateful to the city administration for their support and for the opportunity to use the premises provided for our center free of charge. This is a huge contribution for us, which we truly feel and appreciate," said Galina Lipina, Executive Director of the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Public Organization of Parents of Visually Impaired Children "Perspective".

      "A strong and sovereign country is also characterized by an active population and functioning civil society institutions. The 'Open Nizhny' competition, like the 'You Decide!' project and other similar forums and events, have become effective tools for citizen initiative and NGO development. We always expect participants to propose bold and creative ideas for improving various aspects of city life, whether solving environmental problems, strengthening intergenerational bonds, or innovations in the social sphere," noted Inna Vankina, Deputy of the Nizhny Novgorod City Duma of the VII Convocation.

      "The 'Open Nizhny' competition plays an important role in the social life of our city. Its popularity confirms the active interest from youth and community organizations. The competition provides an opportunity for participants not only to present their ideas but also to receive support for their implementation. I should mention that most projects this year relate to social support. Participants propose various initiatives aimed at helping people with disabilities, elderly citizens, large families, and other groups needing additional assistance. Such projects not only improve the quality of life for specific individuals but also foster a cohesive and responsible society overall, transforming the city’s social environment," emphasized Tatiana Druzhinina, Deputy of the Nizhny Novgorod City Duma of the VII Convocation.

      Winners of the "Open Nizhny" social project competition in 2025:

      - Autonomous Non-Profit Organization "Restoration, Development of Social Connections and Social Projects in Society with Participation of All Generations 'Our Heritage'" – project "Heritage of Heroes";

      - Nizhny Novgorod Regional Public Organization of Parents of Children with Visual Disabilities "Perspective" – project "Nest for Owlets";

      - Autonomous Non-Profit Charitable Organization "Mercy" – project "Not Just Lunch – Emergency Social Help on the Street" (comprehensive assistance to people in difficult life situations and on the streets of Nizhny Novgorod through provision of long-term stored food, hygiene kits, psychological support, and accompaniment in cooperation with social services and NGOs);

      - "Assistance to Art and Creativity" Association – project "Working Lunch";

      - Autonomous Non-Profit Creative Association "VOSTORG" – project "BUY TOGETHER. RELOADING";

      - Autonomous Non-Profit Culture Organization "Neskuchny Nizhny" – project "Walk through Nizhny Fair";

      - Autonomous Non-Profit Additional Education Organization "Center for Creative Development" – project "Find Yourself";

      - All-Russian Public Movement "Fathers of Russia" – project "City Father's Day 2025";

      - Private Institution "Nizhny Novgorod Regional Center for the Rehabilitation of Visually Impaired People 'Camarata'" – project "Optimal Route";

      - Public Organization "Local National-Cultural Autonomy of Tatar of Nizhny Novgorod" – project "Nizhny Meets";

      - Autonomous Non-Profit Agency for the Development of Children's and Youth Project Activities and Initiatives "DIA" – project "City Mirror";

      - Nizhny Novgorod Regional Public Organization of People with Disabilities "Social Rehabilitation" – project "Family Code: Literacy + Resilience";

      - Nizhny Novgorod Regional Public Organization "Family Center 'LADA'" – project "Young Family. Focus on Well-being";

      - Alumni Association of Nizhny Novgorod State University named after N.I. Lobachevsky – project "Path to Tomorrow. Value Orientations of Student Youth: From Crisis to Future Formation";

      - Nizhny Novgorod Regional Charitable Public Organization "Care" – project "Forum of Young Innovators";

      - Prioksky District Public Organization of Veterans (Retirees) of War, Labor, Armed Forces, and Law Enforcement of Nizhny Novgorod – project "Frontline Triangles".