Background of the SCEF
In response to growing local demand for development cooperation in the region, The Sasakawa Central Europe Fund (SCEF) was established in 1990 with a 4-billion yen endowment from the Nippon Foundation. As one of the special region-specific Funds set up and operating within The Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF), the SCEF conducts both grant-making and self-implemented projects. The programme is currently focused on the countries of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia.
In planning and implementing the SCEF’s assistance activities, we work from our unique position as a private, nonprofit Fund to develop mutual understanding in order to continue to build new and enduring relationships between Japan and the states of Central Europe. We seek to explore and develop new, innovative forms of cooperation. At the same time, we support and collaborate in region-directed activities initiated by other international foundations in the U.S. and Europe. In all of these pursuits, we are committed to conducting our activities in a manner that recognises and respects the particular characteristics and needs of each of the region’s countries.
The SCEF’s two programme objectives
In sum, two primary objectives underscore the SCEF programme:
To promote mutual understanding between Japan and the Countries of Central Europe;
To contribute to the progressive development of Central European societies by supporting activities aimed at enhancing intra-regional and international cooperation across a wide range of fields.
Project Priorities
Based on these objectives, the SCEF has operational guidelines which places funding priorities on projects. The current operational guidelines emphasise the following three categories.
Enhancing Mutual Exchange Between Japan and Central European Countries: The SCEF will promote exchange programmes aiming at mutual understanding and stronger ties between Japan and Central Europe such as ”the formation of civil society and NGOs,” ”eco-tourism and the community,” ”the shift to democracy and the market economy in Eastern Europe,” and ”cultural pluralism.” Support will be also extended to Japanese studies in Japan, and thought will be given to exchanges of researchers. This should lead to better understanding of differences in value systems and, it is to be hoped, create more opportunities to learn about ideas for resolving problems in both Japan and Central Europe.
The Role of Central European Countries in the Twenty-First Century: Today, a decade after the democratic revolutions in Central Europe, the economic and social transition is not complete. Henceforth these countries must seek a way to build a road that will take them through the reconstruction of social and market systems. They must also find a way to balance the differing value systems and ways of thinking of Eastern Europe and Western Europe. A road for better cooperation with East European countries in transition must be sought. With this situation in mind, the SCEF will provide supports to those programmes aiming at enhancing regional cooperation among Central European countries, transfer of experience to neighbouring countries, and seeking the role of Central European countries on global issues.
The Role of NGOs in Creating Civil Society: Non-governmental organisations in Central Europe grew out of grass-roots activities led by people who played a major role in the democracy movement. These NGOs have worked out their own ways for doing things. It can be said that they are creating a model for NGO cooperation in civil society. From now on NGOs will be asked to bring their activities into better line with social needs, and they will be asked to help in the creation of civil society. To meet this expectation, the SCEF wSill provide support to NGO activities such as information supply to NGOs, community development, environmental protection, and public policy formulation