Case
Enhancing community collaboration – Business Development for Local Civil Society Organizations in Söder
The Community Lab was a capacity-building initiative designed to support the work of local civil society organizations in Helsingborg's Söder neighborhood. This program focused on developing organizational and operational skills to enable associations to engage effectively with their communities, navigate funding opportunities, and implement impactful projects in public spaces.
Background
Söder is home to a vibrant network of local associations, many of which are part of Inva-sam, an umbrella organization representing over 45 civil society groups primarily working with immigrant communities. These associations are critical in fostering social inclusion and addressing isolation, making them vital partners for neighborhood public and civil society initiatives.
Recognizing the potential of collaboration, four partners – Helsingborgshem, Inva-sam, Söderscen (represented by Creative Insights Studio), and Studiefrämjandet – joined forces to design the Community Lab program. Their shared goal was to pool resources and expertise to strengthen local associations' operational and strategic capacities.
Creative Insights Studio led the program's design while all partners co-facilitated the workshops.
Five associations participated in the program: Fyra Färger (3 participants), Stadsdelsmammor (3 participants), Somaliland Aktivungdomar (2 participants), Mitt Speciella Barn (2 participants), and SADDA Förening (2 participants). Participants were selected through dialogue with Inva-sam, invitations to specific associations, and an introductory meeting presenting the program. Twelve participants (four male and eight female) attended.
The Challenge
Through co-creation processes and dialogue with associations, the following challenges were identified:
Understanding the roles and support offerings of various actors.
Navigating municipal guidelines, policies, and bureaucratic procedures for funding.
Developing project ideas and securing funding.
Utilizing public spaces for engagement through a place-based, placemaking approach.
Enhancing digital, technical, and organizational skills of association leaders.
Fostering collaboration and creating opportunities for exchange between associations.
Program Design
The program engaged participants through project-based learning, peer-to-peer and collaborative approaches, and a coaching methodology. Key considerations included ensuring language accessibility in Arabic and Swedish, addressing varying levels of digital literacy, and providing opportunities for testing and experimentation to enhance practical understanding. The learning objectives were:
Understand the importance of building a strong brand and identity for their association or project, and learn how to effectively utilize available platforms to achieve this.
Develop the ability to generate project ideas, create comprehensive plans, and draft detailed budgets.
Acquire skills in project administration, including effective communication and organizational management..
The program included seven workshops covering the following topics: Associations & Democracy, Idea Development & Project Management, Communication Strategy & Tools, Communication and Professional Competence, Funding, and Reflection and Evaluation.
Outcomes
Total Workshops: 7 sessions, 18 hours.
Attendance Rate: 70%.
Funding Applications: Two associations applied for project funding.
Projects Implemented:
Collective Painting Workshop: Artist Yahya Ashmawi (Fyra Färger) organized a public acrylic painting workshop at Söder Art Fest.
VR Inclusion Workshop: Mitt Speciella Barn invited children with special needs and their families for an inclusive VR experience.
Enhanced Collaboration and Skills Development
Improved skills in decision-making, project planning, marketing, and organizational structure.
Increased understanding of leadership, conflict resolution, and group dynamics.
Greater confidence in planning activities, particularly for special needs groups.
Post-Training Survey Results
63% applied tools and skills learned.
76% reported increased knowledge of learning objectives.
75% collaborated with other associations after the program.
87% noted operational changes within their associations.
Lessons Learned
Clear, bilingual communication is essential for conveying session objectives and outcomes.
Targeted outreach engages the most active and collaborative association members.
Scheduling workshops during less busy periods or on weekends improves attendance.
Allowing time between sessions helps participants absorb materials and practice skills.
Preparatory meetings align expectations and ensure readiness.
Sharing materials in advance and focusing on practical exercises mitigates information overload.
Real-life examples and case studies enhance contextual understanding.
Continuous coaching supports long-term funding success.
Peer learning fosters collaboration and reduces competition.
Partnering with local authorities ensures alignment on governance and funding mechanisms.
Conclusion and Future Plans
The Community Lab successfully strengthened the capacities of local associations in Söder, enabling them to better serve their communities. The program's design and implementation fostered collaboration, increased skills, and enabled associations to engage in impactful placemaking projects.
Based on participant feedback and evaluation, the program will return in 2025 with a refined focus on placemaking, community engagement, and collaboration. The updated format will further emphasize idea and project development to sustain and expand the impact of local civil society organizations.
