Since the political changes of 1989 there has been a rapid growth in the number of civil organizations in Hungary. The nonprofit sector has now arrived to its "adolescence" whereby extensive growth will be replaced by a qualitative growth of NGOs: increased efficiency and effectiveness in fulfilling their missions. In our experience, however, only organizations operating on a professional basis can be sustainable and effective in the long run.

Strategic thinking, clear definition of priorities, transparency, partnership-based fundraising and conscious human resource development create the basis for long-run sustainability in Hungary today. In accordance with this philosophy, as an organization we operate on a set of agreed basic values:

• Professional excellence. Our clients have the right to high quality services on a permanent basis, therefore professional development of the staff and specialization in our services are integrate part of our activities.
• Tolerance and openness. Diversity of civil society organizations require the appreciation of otherness in our work. It means tolerance towards each other’s traditions and work style within the organization as well as openness towards our different target groups. CSDF does not discriminate against potential clients, except for those organizations and groups who work against our basic values (e.g. right wing racist or nationalist groups operating on a nonprofit basis).
• Credibility and accountability serve the basis for our legitimacy. On the one hand it means our first-hand practical experience in what we teach as trainers. On the other hand we constantly communicate these values to our clients, along with professional and financial reports on our activities.
• Creativity in our individual as well as team work serves as the basis for our successful operation as a trainer team and service organization.
• Innovation is part of our heritage, since the creation of our foundation in itself was a unique, innovative venture in this region. It is also inherent in our projects as well as in our organizational development activities.

• Financial and institutional independence is important for the accomplishment of our mission in the long run. We thrive to maintain independence on an organizational level as well as in our professional activities. We also encourage our staff to act autonomously in the areas of their responsibility.

csdf@mail.c3.hu.