Who we are?
The Institute of Public Policies is an independent, non-governmental think tank organization founded in 2015 and based in Krakow, Poland.
Our main endeavour is to generate innovative ideas, provide practical expertise, and shape the mindset of the younger generation. We focus our efforts on the production of scientific, analytical and expert publications. We also engage in educational and promotional initiatives. With extensive experience in the implementation of grant projects and public contracts, we actively contribute to the democracy field.
The core mission of the Institute of Public Policies is to improve Polish institutions, foster a community of engaged citizens, and strengthen Poland’s standing in Europe and the global arena.
We are changing Poland for the better by a range of activities, including:
- expert works
- publishing activities
- research projects
- social and civic initiatives
- watchdog activities
- educational and promotional initiatives.
What we specialise in?
As an Institute, we have extensive expertise in a variety of areas:
In the area of project implementation, which includes social, civic and educational projects, we believe strongly in the power of action. This is why we not only help others to implement their projects and introduce innovations, but also initiate our own. Our projects integrate all of our skills, from educating to publishing research and organizing events. Tailored for citizens, young people and local authorities, each project targets a specific audience with well-defined outreach tools and actions. We have extensive experience in delivering both local and international projects. We have successfully implemented projects funded by the European Commission, the Visegrád Group and various national grants.
Our expertise in deliberative democracy and project management is widely used by local governments in Poland. Our work includes conducting public consultations, implementing social participation systems and projects, and organizing citizens’ assemblies. Over the years, we have built up a wide network of contacts with local governments, and we foster ongoing cooperation.
First and foremost, we are a think tank. We constantly carry out research and analysis, which we disseminate through reports and expert commentary. All our publications are available here.
Recognizing the critical role of education in fostering a resilient society, we actively contribute through customized training sessions. These sessions are designed for both individual beneficiaries and NGOs and cover a wide range of topics including democracy, participation in public life, project management, fundraising and various aspects of private life (e.g. parent training as part of our Civic Centre). Our expertise also extends to the organization of events, both on-site and online.
We make a special effort to actively involve young people, from the earliest stages of childhood through to high school and university students. Our initiatives include organising training sessions and events tailored to their needs. We also distribute educational materials to various institutions and maintain an extensive network of links with schools and universities.
We have a wealth of experience in writing and managing project applications. Our expertise extends to the provision of training in this area, offering guidance to both non-governmental and commercial organisations. In addition, our active involvement in numerous grant-funded projects means that we are well placed to assist with the preparation and planning of collaborative applications. Our expertise is invaluable in managing the application process and we are well equipped to act as external experts, providing advice, evaluation or even taking a hands-on role in writing the application on your behalf.
Our track record speaks for itself, with successful applications and funding secured from bodies such as the European Commission, Visegrád Funds, Polish Regional Grant Programmes and many others. We are eager to use our experience to contribute to the success of your projects.
How IPP can engage in collaboration?
We would be delighted to explore the possibility of working with a new partner. In order to achieve specific goals together, we are keen to offer support in the implementation of the project by:
- Writing or assisting in the development and planning of the project.
- Providing support through our network of IPP experts and working with a range of organizations that could act as both project members and beneficiaries.
- Providing our expertise in the field of our activities.
- Offer project management services (or partial management).
- Undertake research and analysis, and provide commentary and reports.
- Liaise with local government.
- Delivering deliberative democracy projects.
If you have additional ideas for activities that IPP could undertake as part of our collaboration, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are very open to new ideas and potential partnerships!
Our selected projects
Łódź Citizens’ Assembly “Greenery in the City”
The project played a crucial role in helping the local community to build a civil society, emphasizing active participation through the Citizens’ Assembly. This assembly served as a dynamic platform for discussion and consultation, focusing specifically on the city’s green spaces. Nearly 100 residents of Łódź were mobilized to actively participate in discussions on local policies related to urban green spaces. Notably, this initiative was the first of its kind in Poland and one of the first in the world to be organized in an online (hybrid) format. The importance of the project was further underlined by its recognition as a finalist in the pan-European Innovation in Politics 2020 competition.
Period of implementation: 01.01.2020 – 30.05.2020.
Kraków Citizens’ Assembly on Climate
The project initiated the first Krakow Citizens’ Assembly on climate issues and expanded its scope to include social consultations and complementary activities. These additional activities included information and consultation meetings both before and after the formal consultation period, as well as a children’s art competition. During the assembly, the citizens of Kraków collectively formulated 35 recommendations for the city, and the Mayor of Kraków committed to implement 32 of them and to prepare an implementation plan. This project facilitated the direct participation of the local community in decision-making processes and influenced the development of local climate policy. The project’s communication activities reached around 1 million recipients and involved a wide range of stakeholders.
Period of implementation: 01.12.2020 – 30.06.2021.
Civic Center C 10 (3 editions)
As part of the project, Kraków residents and non-governmental organizations are supported through training, consultancy and various events. On a daily basis, the Centre actively contributes to the growth of non-governmental organizations and the establishment of local democracy, promoting civic engagement among Kraków’s residents, and increasing the effectiveness of informal groups and NGOs in fulfilling their missions. During the two editions, approximately 1,000 individuals and 200 NGOs have benefited from civic and expert support, including training and expert advice on NGO management, fundraising, project implementation and accounting. The Centre also organizes over 100 events a year to activate and integrate the local community.
First edition: 2020-2021; second edition: 2022-2023; third edition: 2024-2026.
EUROPE DIRECT Kraków
Robust communication efforts have been a cornerstone of our initiatives, including the production of a podcast series entitled “Towards Europe!” in collaboration with dozens of experts each year. We’ve actively engaged with schools in the Lesser Poland region, organizing a mix of online and offline events. These activities have been consistently well received, with some of our initiatives being recognized as best practice at national ED network meetings in Poland.
Period of implementation: 2021-2025.
Deliberative Democracy in V4
As part of the project, we organized four expert seminars, produced a podcast entitled “Deliberative Democracy in V4” with 25 expert materials, and carried out an extensive awareness-raising campaign with a reach of around 450,000 recipients. The campaign focused on deliberative democracy, citizen participation and citizens’ assemblies in the Visegrád countries. By disseminating and promoting knowledge about innovative approaches to the existing process of social consultation and deliberative democracy, the project contributed significantly to raising social awareness and increasing the active involvement of civil society in policymaking processes. Period of implementation: 20.01.2022 – 28.04.2023.
Social consultations regarding the Kraków Development Strategy “I want to live here. Kraków 2030/2050”
The project conducted extensive social consultations on the Kraków Development Strategy, involving residents of Kraków, non-governmental organizations, informal groups and other legal entities. It aimed to encourage the active participation of residents in decision-making processes about the future of their city. The project also contributed to the building and development of civil society and participatory democracy in Kraków.
Period of implementation: 23.01.2023 – 24.03.2023.
Our network
Since 2015, we’ve successfully implemented numerous projects, leading to the establishment of an extensive network of partners and organizations with whom we’ve collaborated. By engaging in joint projects with us, you can benefit from the support and collaboration of our diverse partners. Our network includes:
- Experts
- Universities and academics
- Primary and secondary schools
- Local governments
- Non-governmental and business organizations.
Contact details
If you’re interested in working with us, please contact us at ipp@ipp.expert
When contacting us, please include details of the funding programme you would like to apply for in your message.
You can also connect with us on
We look forward to hearing from you!
