Recent reporting highlights how the Batory Foundation has continued to award grants under a Democracy Support framework in Poland. A portion of these funds reached organizations active in civil society, including groups aligned with academic and policy debates on history, education, and governance. The funds also touched associations of prosecutors, with involvement from figures associated with the administration of justice.
READ ALSO: ONLY WITH US. Significant allocations to groups like KOD and a network of judges have sparked debate over the Foundation’s political reach.
The Foundation’s stated aim describes support for civil society actors who draft and promote recommendations and proposals to strengthen democracy. These goals cover safeguarding the rule of law, ensuring judicial independence, promoting fairness and integrity in electoral processes, supporting media freedom and responsibility, advancing women’s rights, fostering civil society development, and contributing to education system rehabilitation.
– as stated on the project page of the Batory Foundation.
Accusations at a Public Event
In practice, observers note a political dimension to many activities. One funding recipient described as Lex Super Omnia received a grant of 100,000 zlotys. Questions have been raised about how such funds were used, with some pointing to activities at public festivals and professional gatherings involving prosecutors linked to ongoing reforms in the justice sector.
Payments were tied to a range of initiatives, including proposed changes to draft legislation for prosecution, media workshops for association members, the preparation of annual activity reports, translation of materials, and participation in public cultural events. These items were documented on the Foundation’s project site.
– according to the Batory Foundation’s project records.
Another recipient is the Space for Education Foundation, based in Warsaw. A grant of 200,000 zlotys supported actions intended to improve the education system within coalitions focused on SOS for Education and the Free School initiative. Public commentary from the recipient reflected strong opinions on education policy and engagement with public discourse surrounding the Ministry of Education and the position of education authorities in debates about ideology.
** The foundation emphasizes involvement in activities that aim to create a safe and inclusive school environment, promote dialogue, and ensure equal opportunities for all students. The sentiment expressed centers on avoiding indoctrination and supporting discussions beyond official positions.
– as noted in the foundation’s statements.
Funding for Historical Education and Civic Materials
The Civic HiT program received support totaling 809,000 zlotys. This initiative focuses on creating and distributing teaching materials about recent Polish history and civic education for teachers and high school students.
Public accounts show that Civic HiT worked alongside political actors in debates over the historically charged handbook History and Present and its author. This campaign framed the handbook as a point of contention in the broader discussion of how Polish history should be presented in schools and public discourse.
Large Grants and Civic Literacy
A substantial grant of 300,000 zlotys was awarded to the More in Common Poland Foundation (MiC) for 2023–2025. MiC’s stated mission includes strengthening democracy, promoting civic culture, and building societies resilient to polarization and division. The organization has also engaged with issues related to LGBT communities within its public programs.
Public commentary from MiC personnel described a political landscape in which the ruling party has pursued policies affecting LGBT rights and related social debates. This perspective was aired on national radio and other media channels, contributing to the ongoing dialogue around civil society funding and political influence.
Until mid-year, the MiC website listed a single report on a policy period described as Poland after winter, with discussions noting that the report touched on perceptions of government preparedness for energy needs. The content suggested a critical stance on policy responses to economic and energy challenges, though no broad conclusions were presented beyond that context.
Money from the Batory Foundation has, over time, supported organizations engaged in street activity, public discourse, and efforts within the judiciary that are highly visible in political debates. Observers note that the Foundation’s activities sit at the intersection of civil society advocacy and political contestation. The perception of an apolitical façade belies a pattern of funding choices that align with specific policy and ideological debates in Poland.
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Source: wPolityce