How can civic engagement help advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – and what role does civic crowdfunding play in this process? These are the key questions addressed by the Erasmus+ project SU-CCES!, coordinated by IMC Krems under the leadership of Anna Fornalska since autumn 2023.
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SU-CCES!: IMC Krems Focuses on Civic Engagement and Sustainable Development
The project has a clear mission: to inspire citizens across Europe to actively take responsibility for sustainable development. It is built on three thematic pillars – sustainability, civic action and crowdfunding – and is developing hands-on approaches to strengthen communities through innovative forms of financing.
European collaboration for greater sustainability
SU-CCES! brings together six partner institutions from Austria, Greece, Norway, Poland and Romania. Numerous activities have already been carried out, including roundtable discussions in all partner countries. Topics such as “Community Needs and Crowdfunding” and “Civic Crowdfunding and the SDG Teaching Concept” have brought together more than 250 representatives from municipalities, NGOs, cultural institutions and universities. “What was particularly exciting was to see the many different ways civic crowdfunding is already being used across Europe – from local cultural projects to sustainable urban development initiatives,” explains project leader Fornalska.
The outcomes of these events have been incorporated into reports, academic analyses and practice-oriented case studies. A systematic literature review, combined with more than 1,000 survey responses collected across Europe, has provided valuable insights into how civic crowdfunding is perceived and legitimised.
From theory to practice
In addition to research and exchange, the project team is working intensively on innovative teaching and learning materials. A handbook, a toolbox and interactive gamification elements will provide students and interested parties with practical knowledge of civic crowdfunding. First drafts have already been completed and are currently being revised by the partner institutions. The final version is expected by mid-2025.
A particular highlight will be the planned PreCamps and BondCamps, where the developed methods and tools will be tested and applied in real projects. In this way, SU-CCES! links academic research directly with practical impact in local communities.
Strong impact expected
The project is expected to deliver wide-ranging results: from academic publications and case studies to educational materials and new methods of citizen participation. At least as important, however, are the non-material effects: a deeper understanding of responsible crowdfunding, greater motivation for sustainable action, and the development of competencies in the field of civic financing.
Erasmus Days spotlight on SU-CCES!
As part of the Erasmus Days in October, IMC Krems will highlight the project in its international communications. This will showcase how European higher education cooperation can provide concrete answers to global challenges – practical, innovative and in dialogue with society.
“SU-CCES! shows how international collaboration, research and education can actively involve citizens in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. The project thrives on the European spirit and the commitment of all partners.”– Anna Fornalska, Project Leader at IMC Krems.