Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about how the survey and issues related to organizations and THALIS II are completed.
How have the organisations participating in the evaluation been selected?
The evaluation is open to any organization that is based within the Greek territory and has, through its actions, a positive social impact. For reasons of efficiency, there are a few minimum criteria, such as the minimum of two (2) years of operation. Due to the absence of a unified national Register we are constantly mapping the ecosystem in our effort to identify all the organizations that would be potentially interested to participate. In this effort, each organization can contribute by promoting the process and/or by bringing us into contact with other organizations.
We have not received any notice to participate in the evaluation process, but we are interested, what can we do?
If we haven't found you, but you found us, no problem. You simply express interest through the website www.greekngosnavigator.org. As soon as we receive your request we will contact you in order to provide you with a password to enter the electronic platform/questionnaire and participate in the process.
Will the evaluation take place for just one year like Thales I?
No, the Thales II project has received funding for the implementation of at least two annual evaluations. It is our intention that the evaluation evolves into a permanent process to take place every year or two after the end of the initial two years (2018-2020).
Is it compulsory to participate in the evaluation?
No, participation in the evaluation is purely voluntary. Eligible for participating in the project are organizations with at least two (2) years of operation that have been identified by the mapping efforts.
Why should I participate in the evaluation?
The evaluation process offers many benefits to the organisations involved. In the first place, you may find that your organization is assessed on the basis of a series of criteria incorporating best practices from the international context. At the same time, you are given the opportunity to improve some of your procedures before submitting the final questionnaire, thus improving the way you operate. Finally, the successful participation in the evaluation provides you with the opportunity to create within the platform a microsite for your organization.
What is the microsite and why should I create it?
The microsite is a short profile of each organization that has successfully completed the evaluation process. In this you can place a few words about your organization, some photos as well as to "upload" a video. Contact information and a link to your organization’s website or facebook page will be also available. The goal is this platform to be a visiting point for interested parties from both Greece and abroad and therefore a good opportunity to introduce yourself to them through it.
We are a small organization – what provisions have been taken to avoid being negatively affected from a comparison with bigger organizations?
Experience from Thales I has shown that the size of the organization does not play an essential role in its score. Nevertheless, the Scientific Committee is monitoring the process and in the case of a relevant issue, distinct categories of organisations will be created not only in terms of activity but also in terms of size.
We are thinking of taking part, but we are afraid of getting a low score that could adversely affect our organization.
This concern is understandable, however, Thales II has been crafted in order to result in sub-scores in three important fields of the organizations’ operation (efficiency, organisation and transparency), thus reducing the likelihood of a general low score. At the same time, the discussion with the project donors and other foundations and CSR departments revolves around the logic that participation in the process is in itself a very positive element while any weaknesses in some areas are a reason for further support rather than foreclosure.
In category D. Organizational data, in the personnel table (5) how we record external partners (outsourcing)?
The external partners should be recorded in the field "occasional partners".
If an organisation participates in a European project (e.g. Erasmus +) and participates in organising a conference abroad, is this considered an international action?
If the Greek organization is the one organizing it, yes, it is considered an international action. But if the action takes place in the country of one of the partners and the NGO is only participating in the project then such actions is not considered as such.
Which are considered ' international actions '
International actions are considered those with direct beneficiaries outside Greece.
How many actions should I record in category C. Field of Activities?
The actions you need to record depend on the fields and subfields you have selected in Category B. Scope of Action (Field of Activities). For each field you will need to record at least three (3) actions (1 for each evaluation year). If you select Subfields, three (3) actions must correspond for each one of them.
Example: an organization selects field 04. Social Welfare/integration.
In this case you will need to record at least three (3) actions to confirm the choice of this sector.
If the same organization chooses Field 04 but also the subfields Hospitality Shelters and Actions Against Homelessness, then you have to record at least six (6) actions.
In what form do I fill in the financial data (category E)?
The financial data does not accept comma (,) only period (.). So the correct way is 7456.57 and not 7,456.57.
While I have received a password, the site does not allow me to type in the field that I need to enter. What should I do?
This malfunction is likely due to the browser you are using. Try to use one of the "new" browsers like Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari. If you do not succeed, contact the researcher who approached you and he/she will find the solution for you.