Impact

Successful Collaborations Between NGOs and Companies Interested in CSR – a Community-Led Event by Viitor Plus

On September 8–9, 2025, Viitor Plus organized the event “Successful Collaborations Between NGOs and Companies Interested in CSR” in Sibiu, as part of the NGO Academy Community-Led Events. Over two days, social entrepreneurs and business representatives discussed how purchasing decisions can become a real tool for positive impact and long-term sustainability. The event’s mission was clear: to build genuine bridges between the social economy and the corporate sector.

Day 1 – Collaboration and Exchange in Nature

The first day took place in the orchard at Roua din Vurpăr, where participants joined the Solidarity Lab, an interactive session led by Ancuța Vameșu, founder of Romania’s first social economy think tank.

In the second part of the day, NGO representatives took part in workshops exploring both success stories and challenges, identifying new opportunities for collaboration and ways to optimize their services to reach more beneficiaries.

It was a day of authentic exchange — a space for learning, networking, and mutual support among organizations united by the same purpose: creating positive, lasting change.

Day 2 – Building Bridges with the Business Sector

The second day brought participants to MyContinental Sibiu, the event’s partner venue, for a Circular Economy Fair. The fair offered NGOs and companies the opportunity to connect directly, share experiences, and present their products and services with measurable social and environmental impact.

The NGO representatives met with business leaders to explore collaboration models that create shared value — for organizations, companies, and the vulnerable communities they support.

Social enterprises bring more than quality products or local, sustainable solutions. They also deliver social inclusion, empowerment, and community resilience.

Key Takeaways – Concrete Steps Toward a More Sustainable Community

From discussions and workshops, participants identified several strategic directions for strengthening partnerships and fostering sustainable growth within the social sector:

  • Authentic partnerships between NGOs and companies mean mutual support and shared growth, not just one-off collaborations.

  • Measuring impact helps demonstrate the real value of social initiatives.

  • Beyond motivation and values, business and management skills are essential for long-term sustainability.

  • Collaboration among NGOs leads to systemic change and more efficient resource use.

  • Dedicated start-up, training and acceleration programs for the social economy are needed, including targeted grants.

  • Diversity — in activities, target groups, and funding sources — is key to resilience.

  • Real impact requires strategy, planning, and consistency, not isolated actions.

A Strong and Engaged Community

The event brought together a diverse network of changemakers, including:

Centrul FILIA, OilRight Helyénvaló Helyi, Atelierul de Pânză, UtilDeco, Touched Collection, Ophori, Ateliere Fără Frontiere, remesh, Fundația Inimă de Copil, Asociația Solidară Emmaus Satu Mare, Code for Romania, Right Association, CONCORDIA Academia, Asociația Copii pentru Viitor, Centrul pentru Resurse Civice / The Civic Resource Centre, and the Institute for Research in Circular Economy and Environment “Ernest Lupan.”

Viitor Plus extends thanks to the representatives of the business community who participated: ADI ECO Sibiu, NXP Romania, BearingPoint, Lanco Group, Licurici Cisnădie, Bertrandt Engineering, Cooperativa de Energie, and Stratigo.

The event “Successful Collaborations Between NGOs with Economic Activity and Companies Interested in CSR” was organized by Viitor Plus, in partnership with MyContinental Sibiu, as part of the NGO Academy Community-Led Events.