Introducing the Future Fund:
A Collective Response to Pressing Challenges
The Roots and Wings Foundation is launching the Future Fund, a pooled fund designed to sustain and strengthen local communities in Hungary in response to mounting pressures. With the suspension of U.S. funds, major donors shifting their focus to the Global South, and the increasing restrictions imposed by the Hungarian government, we recognize the urgency of finding collaborative, proactive solutions to protect civic resilience.
We are not starting from scratch—we have experience, expertise, a strong network of grantees and partners, and a clear plan. Over the past decade, we have successfully established and managed funds that channeled transformative financial support to those who needed it most, ensuring that resources directly benefited grassroots organizations rather than getting lost in intermediaries.
Why a Pooled Fund?
As the Roots and Wings Foundation marks its 10th anniversary, we recognize that our most urgent challenge is strengthening local communities that can sustain democracy. In Hungary today, grassroots initiatives and civil organizations face mounting obstacles designed to discourage civic action, erode trust, and weaken social bonds.
The government’s newest tool, the Sovereignty Protection Office, now has unchecked power to investigate and obstruct NGOs and civic initiatives. At the same time, a crucial financial lifeline has been severed: with the U.S. government suspending NGO funding, one of the last major resources sustaining Hungary’s civil society has disappeared—giving the government an opening to target groups that relied on it. On February 7th, 2025, Viktor Orbán, the prime minister of Hungary, made his intentions clear:
„Now is the moment to settle accounts with these international networks, to sweep them out, to make their existence legally impossible.”
Yet, resilience and solidarity can prevail. Strong, self-sustaining local communities are the most effective defense against authoritarianism. That is why we are launching the Future Fund—to provide key local organisations and initiatives with resources to continue their vital work. The Fund is more than financial support;
it is an investment in democracy, social cohesion, and local leadership.
A Proven Track Record: Two Key Funds from the Past
We have a history of setting up and managing funds that provide essential support to local initiatives, ensuring that resources reach those most in need without getting lost in bureaucracy:
- Leap into the Future! Fund – In response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched this fund to provide €10.000 in emergency aid, supporting NGOs working with vulnerable communities, from children with special needs to food aid for the homeless.
- Ukrainian Crisis Fund – In the wake of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, we mobilized €30.000 in aid, partnering with international donors and local initiatives to provide critical support to refugees and relief programs.
What Will the Future Fund Support?
The Future Fund is designed to provide direct, flexible grants to grassroots organizations, ensuring their long-term resilience in an increasingly hostile environment. Unlike conventional project-based funding, which often comes with rigid constraints, the Future Fund prioritizes adaptable support. This means organizations can focus on their mission rather than administrative burdens, ensuring they remain effective in their communities.
The Future Fund will:
- Ensure Stability – Providing predictable financial support for organizations to plan ahead.
- Expand Impact – Strengthening civil society networks and fostering community resilience.
- Enhance Rapid Response – Equipping organizations with the agility to address emerging threats and crises.
- Support Key Actors – Strengthening networks and forward-looking organizations that are shaping the future of civil society.
Our goal is to raise €100,000 for 2025, with a three-year plan to sustain the fund through 2027. By pooling resources, we create a stronger, more resilient civic ecosystem in Hungary.
Join Us in Securing the Future
Your contribution—whether as an individual or institutional donor—will directly empower grassroots initiatives, ensuring they continue their essential work despite growing challenges.
We are pleased to share that 20% of the 2025 target has already been contributed, giving us a strong start—but we need your support to ensure this effort reaches its full potential.
Let’s build this future together. Will you join us?
Euro bank account:
Account holder: Gyökerek és Szárnyak Alapítvány
Holder’s address: Budapest 1092, Ráday utca 32
IBAN: HU59 1620 0106 1161 7040 0000 0000
SWIFT / BIC: HBWEHUHB
US Dollar bank account:
Account holder: Gyökerek és Szárnyak Alapítvány
Holder’s address: Budapest 1092, Ráday utca 32
IBAN: HU21 1070 2404 7355 2321 5000 0005
SWIFT / BIC: CIBHHUHBXXX
For more details please contact us:
György Hámori
EMAIL: gyorgy.hamori@gy-sz.hu
