05.06.2025 / Case studies
Authors: Andrei Anghel M.A. Candidate
A Brief Introduction to Odorheiu Secuiesc Community Foundation
Odorheiu Secuiesc Community Foundation (FCOS) has made significant strides in aligning its initiatives with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Within this case study, we will showcase the foundation’s approach to fostering sustainable development, serving as a model for other CFs aiming to engage with the SDGs.
The Odorhei Community Foundation aims to build a viable, value-oriented urban and micro-regional community where it is good to live, learn, work, and start a family. Its strategic goals include educating young people in the Odorhei region to successfully face daily life challenges, developing a family-friendly city, and protecting the natural and built environment. The Foundation also aims to foster a diverse and active civil society, promote philanthropy in the economic and private sectors, and ensure a sustainable, innovative organization that stays close to community members.¹
The Odorhei Community Foundation acts as an independent local supporter and developer of philanthropic culture by organizing programs and allocating funds to build a responsible, active, and creative community. The Foundation values proactivity, professionalism, innovation, transparency, credibility, collaboration, an apolitical stance, and a philanthropic spirit rooted in community traditions.
The Foundation encourages the participation of citizens, companies, and organizations in the local civil society by investing time, money, or ideas. Volunteers play an important role in supporting operational work and projects. FCOS is primarily active in social work, education, family support, environmental protection, and the development of civil society. The Foundation focuses on sustainable impact, fostering community engagement, and turning new ideas into pilot projects. FCOS’s commitment to philanthropy and community development makes it a key local initiative that is active in creating a vibrant, sustainable future for Odorheiu Secuiesc.
Contributions to community sustainability and the SDGs²
The Community Foundation of Odorheiu Secuiesc has made significant strides in contributing to community sustainability and advancing the SDGs.³ A pivotal change occurred in 2023 when FCOS submitted a project to the Global Challenges Local Socials initiative focusing primarily on raising awareness around the SDGs. This project was instrumental in organizing a conference with business leaders, aiming to concentrate efforts on four specific SDGs: SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
The conference revealed a critical gap: many entrepreneurs and business leaders were initially unaware of the SDGs. However, as the event progressed, these individuals became more interested and began to recognize the added value that understanding and integrating SDGs could bring to their businesses and the Odorhei community.
That newfound interest underscored the importance of educating and informing local stakeholders about the SDGs, prompting FCOS to develop further SDG-related initiatives, including mobilizing partnerships and applying for INTERACT funding. The INTERACT proposal is designed to foster a collaborative approach to SDG implementation involving both public institutions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The Harghita County Council partnered with FCOS to focus on the region’s economic development strategy. The project seeks to enhance partnerships across different sectors, requiring the involvement of 6-7 international partners from various European regions (North, South, East, and West), including potential EU accession countries.⁴ This approach facilitates a mutual learning process in relation to localizing SDGs.
How FCOS makes sense of the SDGs
The FCOS’s approach toward the SDGs is deeply rooted in an analytical understanding of each goal’s relevance to the region. The Foundation recognizes that the SDGs must be thoroughly analyzed to identify which goals are most pertinent to the community’s specific needs and challenges. This analytical process involves assessing local conditions, engaging with community members, and identifying areas where the greatest impact can be made.
One motivating factor for FCOS was the observed lack of environmental foundations and associations in the region.⁵ This gap in environmental focus led to a significant discussion in 2014 about the importance of environmental protection. The Global Fund for Community Foundations played a crucial role in this dialogue by launching an initiative that links environmental protection with philanthropy. This initiative highlighted the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability and community well-being, emphasizing the fact that sustainable development cannot be achieved without addressing environmental concerns.
FCOS highlights the integration of SDGs into daily life and organizational activities. The SDGs are not seen as abstract concepts but as practical guidelines that can be embedded into the community’s fabric. For example, SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) is crucial for the region, as access to clean and affordable energy is a fundamental aspect of sustainable development. Similarly, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) aligns with the region’s economic development goals, promoting innovation and sustainable industrial practices.
The FCOS’s commitment to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) is reflected in its efforts to create livable, inclusive, and resilient urban environments. This goal is particularly relevant to Odorheiu Secuiesc, as the Foundation strives to develop a community that supports families, fosters social cohesion, and promotes environmental sustainability. SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) further complements these efforts by encouraging sustainable practices and reducing waste, aligning with the community’s values of environmental stewardship and resource efficiency.
FCOS’s dedication to sustainability and SDGs is exemplified through a variety of innovative projects and initiatives. One such project, “Let’s Move Out!”, promotes mental and physical health by encouraging community members to participate in a 30 km walk around the city. This activity not only fosters a sense of community but also highlights the importance of physical activity and well-being. Participants have the flexibility to choose their starting points and distances, with all groups converging at the end to celebrate their achievements together.⁶
Another impactful initiative is “Active Odorhei”, which addresses the issues of traffic congestion and pollution by promoting cycling as a sustainable means of transportation. This project has successfully engaged many young people by fostering a culture of cycling and raising awareness about the benefits of reducing vehicular traffic.
The foundation also focuses on creative and educational activities that promote the SDGs
A mini-conference aimed at communicating the SDGs invited community members to contribute photos, films, and creations made from recycled materials, emphasizing the connection between their work and the SDGs. One particularly engaging activity involved creating mosaics from bottle caps, where teams of up to ten participants used their creativity to design environmental-themed artworks. This initiative not only raised awareness about recycling and environmental protection but also encouraged young people to think creatively about sustainability. FCOS’s efforts to integrate SDGs into the activities of NGOs are also noteworthy.
By emphasizing the importance of sustainability, the Foundation encourages other organizations to align their work with the SDGs, creating a ripple effect that enhances the overall impact of these goals. The foundation collaborates with Social Innovation Solution, an association of well-trained individuals who assist organizations in becoming increasingly sustainable. This partnership helps local NGOs develop strategies that incorporate the SDGs, ensuring that sustainability becomes a core component of their missions.
Conclusion
FCOS is a driving force for sustainability and SDGs in the region. Through projects like “Let’s Move Out!” and “Active Odorhei”, the Foundation actively engages the community in sustainable practices and fosters a culture of environmental stewardship and social responsibility. By integrating the SDGs into its activities and by promoting education, FCOS not only addresses local challenges but also contributes to global sustainability efforts. The Foundation’s holistic approach, combining community involvement, innovative projects, and strategic partnerships, sets a strong example for other regions and organizations committed to sustainable development.
Endnotes
- https://szka.ro/despre-noi/?lang=ro/#consiliul
- https://szka.ro/programjaink/?lang=ro/#programereferinta
- Interview with Rozália Csáki conducted by Ştefan Cibian, 2024
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This case study was developed as part of the project “Increasing the Contribution of European Community Foundations to the SDGs,” supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. We are grateful to the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and all interviewees and partners who made the development of the case study possible.
Departments: Community Foundations & SDGs; Society, Crisis, and Resilience Program; Policy Analysis and Outreach Department; Center on Global Affairs and Post Development.
Themes: Civil Society; Environment and Climate Change; European Union; International Development; Philanthropy and Community Development; Public Policy; Social Inequalities; Sustainable Development Goals.