The Higher Incubator Giving Growth & Sustainability (HIGGS) is an initiative aimed at empowering Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) operating in Greece, through educational and support programmes, activities and events held at its premises. With a vision to become a beacon of creation, development and open dialogue, contributing to the effective and sustainable operation of CSOs, HIGGS implemented its two core programmes in 2024, with the support of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation and other donors, namely the “Incubator” and the “Accelerator” programmes.

These programmes provide CSOs with free, intensive training and specialised consultancy, along with opportunities for networking and collaboration with all stakeholders within the ecosystem. In particular, the “Incubator” training and consultancy programme is specifically designed for CSOs which are newly established or are in the process of being established, with the aim to help them build capacity in strategic planning, establishing the organisation, commencing operations, and attracting funding. The “Accelerator” programme is addressed to CSOs operating for a longer period of time, with the aim to provide them with support on issues related to their strategy and the development of their proposals. In addition, in 2024, with the support of the Foundation, the 8th Donors Speed Dating was held, a networking initiative bringing together Civil Society Organisations and potential donors, fostering opportunities for collaboration and the development of new partnerships.

• A total of 23 Civil Society Organisations participated in the HIGGS programmes in 2024 with the support of the Foundation.
• 241 online meetings were held between 100 Organisations and 11 potential donors during the 8th Donors Speed Dating event.
• A total of 58 workshops, 267 hours of bootcamp training and 43 hours of individual consultancy sessions were conducted.