Published on: 2026-09-05
Source: Moscow Government – Правительства Москвы –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The capital has a comprehensive support system for socially oriented non-profit organizations (NPOs). Within the framework of the program “Moscow is a kind city” NGOs receive grants, work premises, educational and informational assistance. In addition, the city is developing a social marketplace featuring products made by artisans with health challenges.
On International Charity Day, he spoke about the opportunities the capital offers to the nonprofit sector Department of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the City of Moscow.
Grant competition “Moscow — a kind city”
The capital has created a unique ecosystem of assistance and partnership with the non-profit sector to provide targeted help to residents. One of the most anticipated events for the capital’s non-profit organizations was the grant competition “Moscow — a Kind City.” Every year, 400 million rubles are allocated to support socially oriented initiatives. This year, NGOs can submit applications for participation until September 23 on the official website competition.
According to Nikolay Morzhin, the director of the regional charitable public organization “Center for Therapeutic Pedagogy,” the city’s financial assistance opens up new opportunities for the development of NGOs. Organizations can attract specialized experts, acquire modern equipment, and expand inclusive workshops.
Thanks to the city’s support, NGOs can plan for the future and open additional spaces for social employment of Muscovites with health conditions. Nikolai Morzhin emphasized that this is not just funding, but an opportunity to systematically help people, reveal their strengths, and improve their lives.
The Center for Therapeutic Pedagogy has become one of the winners of the seventh grant competition. This year, the organization is implementing a project for the social employment of young people with mental differences. They attend four workshops: culinary, ceramics, weaving, and landscaping. Participants prepare simple dishes, make dishes and soft toys, and also take care of plants.
Premises for NGO work
Another area of city support is providing NGOs with premises for gratuitous use for a period of up to three years. Thanks to this, organizations are freed from the rental burden and the lengthy search for a suitable place to work. Currently, NGOs provide social services to Muscovites in 53 equipped offices with a total area of over 13 thousand square meters.
The Regional Public Organization for the Support of People with Disabilities (ROOI) “Radost” has been helping people with mental disabilities learn a profession and gain their first work experience for over 10 years. In the premises provided under the “Moscow — Friendly City” program, young people learn to label products, collect and package small orders, and observe work schedules and discipline. After training, they carry out real orders and receive payment for their work.
“Work for people with disabilities means much more than just the opportunity to earn money. It means independence, self-confidence, the chance to make new friends and become part of a community. Thanks to the city’s support, we were able to create comfortable conditions and work schedules for Muscovites with disabilities: young people work in several shifts, tasks are distributed taking into account health conditions, and everyone can take a break at any time to rest a bit and chat with colleagues. All the young people are surrounded by the care and attention of mentors,” shared Igor Ananyev, president of the ROOI “Joy”.
The first social marketplace in Russia
Inclusive workshops of NGOs operate in the premises provided by the city. In them, citizens with disabilities produce ceramic tableware, soft toys, home accessories, and printing products. These items are featured on the first social marketplace in Russia “Moscow is a kind city”, who turned five years old this year.
The platform unites more than two thousand artisans from 55 metropolitan nonprofit organizations. The assortment includes over 1,900 items across nine categories. The products are sold at charity fairs and in partner services, with the proceeds directed towards artisans’ wages and the development of social initiatives.
According to Yulia Volodina, Executive Director of the Autonomous Nonprofit Organization “School of Professions,” the marketplace expands opportunities for professional and personal development for city residents with health conditions.
“Inclusive employment begins with training: with the support of mentors, Muscovites with disabilities master basic professional skills, learn to work with various materials, create sketches, and apply decorative elements. Gradually, they perform more complex production stages, take responsibility for specific work areas, and interact with customers. Then comes the moment of product realization, and here the city comes to help. Currently, ceramic and textile products created by our masters are presented on the social marketplace ‘Moscow — a kind city.’ Over two years, NGOs have participated in more than 20 fairs, and each of them has become a memorable event for Muscovites with disabilities. They communicate with buyers, gain confidence in their abilities, and find motivation for further development,” said Yulia Volodina.
The “Moscow — Kind City” program has been operating in the capital for eight years and represents an effective model of partnership between the city and the charitable sector for targeted assistance to residents. One of its main directions is a grant competition for socially oriented NGOs. Over the entire period, 738 projects have received funding totaling 2.8 billion rubles.
To find out how the capital has changed in recent years, what initiatives aimed at making the lives of city residents even more comfortable are currently being implemented, and what awaits Moscow and its inhabitants in the near future, you can explore the expansive special project on the portal mos.ru, dedicated to the development of key areas of Moscow. These include transport, industry, healthcare, education, sports, and the construction sector.
On the project page “Social support and employment of the population” you can learn about opportunities for city residents in need of support. The capital provides comprehensive assistance to families in difficult life situations, as well as to people with disabilities and participants in the special military operation. In Moscow longevity centers Regular exercise sessions and yoga, lectures, and other events take place. In addition, at the city’s employment service, one can undergo retraining and acquire a new, in-demand profession.
Quickly get the main news on the official channels of the city of Moscow in messengers “Max” and “Telegram”.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.