A few words about HIGGS
Empowering Civil society: HIGGS provides targeted capacity-building solutions to amplify the effectiveness of nonprofits and social enterprises and the wider ecosystem. Through training, consulting, and networking, we cultivate a stronger civil society ecosystem. We are a driving force for the organizations’ social impact.
HIGGS is an acronym for "Higher Incubator Giving Growth & Sustainability”. Drawing inspiration from the Higgs boson in physics, HIGGS mirrors the discovery of hidden potential. Just as the Higgs boson reveals forces within a vacuum, we aim to unlock untapped potential within Greece's Civil Society ecosystem. By offering tailored support and the right environment, we propel impactful initiatives.
In 2012, a dedicated team kicked off the "Autumn School," a targeted training program for Greek NPOs, funded and co-designed by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. Its success led to expansion across Greece. Nine seminars in three years connected us with 230+ organizations, brimming with potential and a desire to make a difference. Our participation in the "THALES – Evaluation of Greek Nonprofit Organizations" program affirmed the needs of non profits for capacity building. In 2015 and with the trust from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation as our founding donor, HIGGS was officially established.
At HIGGS, we envision a vibrant Greek Civil Society ecosystem, where organizations are equipped with the knowledge, resources, and connections to make lasting and meaningful contributions to society. We strive to be a dynamic hub, sparking creativity and fostering open dialogue in civil society. HIGGS is a collaborative space (physical and symbolical) where stakeholders meet, innovate, and shape an impactful future.
Technocratic Approaches
We leverage methodologies from the business world and transfer them to organizations for informed decision-making, strategic planning, and impactful execution.
Collaborative Culture
We cultivate a culture that transcends silos, fostering collaboration among different stakeholders of our ecosystem.
Sharing Economy
We embrace a sharing ethos where ideas, expertise, and resources (for example our building) are shared, creating a community-driven ecosystem of support.
Funding Facilitation
Act as a catalyst for funding opportunities, providing the essential networking and support to NPOs and social enterprises to secure the resources required for their missions.
Lead by Example
Test and demonstrate the effectiveness of our trainings through active participation and engagement, showcasing tangible results that inspire and drive positive change.