Before I arrived to Iasi I knew I wanted to volunteer at an NGO and learn more about the role of charitable organizations and civil society in Romania. I currently volunteer at The Joseph Foundation (Fundatia Iosif) which helps disadvantaged children in deprived neighborhoods in Iasi, and aims to prevent school abandonment while providing an after-school program, enriching cultural activities, and a summer camp for the children. The Foundation was founded in 1993 shortly after the 1989 Revolution in hopes to provide assistance for many of Iasi’s abandoned youth. I sat down with The Foundation’s Executive Director, Mr. Sebastian Ghica, to learn more about the non-profit sector in Iasi and in Romanian society, in comparison to the US.

Kelli: There appears to be challenges facing the non-profit community in Romanian society, and not the same relationship with charity as in the US. What is your opinion?

Mr. Ghica: There is not the same mentality as in the US regarding giving.  Romanians have not been fostered to give and did not grow up with this value. And giving in Europe in general is much less in comparison to the US, which is the most generous. Also, people do not have much money and their first concern is themselves and their family. When we have fundraising activities we are realistic that the amount raised will be low, but it helps.

Kelli: Are people suspicious of NGOs?

Mr. Ghica: Yes, people are generally suspicious and do not trust local and international NGOs.  They are a new phenomenon. People might question where the money goes or the motives of the NGO. It is part of my job to educate the community about the role of the Foundation.  When I attended a development workshop I found one story from an American to be impressive about how a community mobilized to raise funds to build a new school. I would like to see something like this happen here.

Kelli: How do you secure funding?

Mr. Ghica: Before Romania was an EU member the Foundation focused on individual donations. Now money for projects is secured from grants, which has its ups and downs. The Foundation can fund indirect activities like better equipment and higher salaries. An issue with this type of funding is the bureaucracy and paperwork involved…and the money is released in small percentages and you are reimbursed. This can be difficult for a small non-profit with limited resources. We are currently trying to grow database of individual sponsors and look into corporate sponsorship in addition to applying for grants.

Kelli: How active is the non-profit scene in Iasi?

Mr. Ghica: There is some diversity with the non-profits…there are some environmental organizations. I think there are about 50 organizations that help the disadvantaged population…only half are really active.

Kelli: What communities most need to be served in Iasi?

Mr. Ghica: There are many marginalized people living on fridges of society. There are few services for the elderly and Iasi has a substantial old population. There are pensioners who are ill and have no money for food or utilities. Also, there are abused children in the whole meaning of the word, who are victims of violence, neglect, etc. Some parents do make sure their children get a proper education because they do not see the value. The Foundation is currently focused on this at-risk population and we involve such children in projects that will help with their situation.

To learn more about the projects of The Joseph Foundation please follow this link: http://www.fiosif.ro/index.html.
If you would like to make a donation or can assist in any fundraising activities please contact Mr. Ghica at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .