The villages of Lovozero and Krasnoshchelye in the Murmansk Region have become part of Nornickel’s World of New Opportunities charitable programme, which provides grants to support community projects.

Launched in 2014, the programme was designed to foster the sustainable development of the regions where Nornickel operates. It seeks to support public initiatives, advance local social partnerships, and help local non-profit organizations build their expertise. The programme’s grants have already been awarded to a wide range of projects, including environmental campaigns and initiatives to create new sports areas and children’s playgrounds, stage theatrical tours and cultural festivals, launch disability inclusion projects, construct volunteer centres, and more.

Previously operational in Monchegorsk and the Pechengsky Municipal District of the Murmansk Region, the World of New Opportunities programme extends its local reach. Starting from September 2023, residents of Lovozero and Krasnoshchelye who are eager to make a difference will be able to submit their project proposals for the programme’s competition. Each submitted project may compete for a grant ranging from RUB 100,000 up to RUB 6,5 million. The initiatives proposed by school students will be eligible to participate in a special NEW Pole category.

Tatiana Medvedeva, Head of the Charitable Programmes and Corporate Communities Department of Nornickel’s Kola Division, commented: “The communities joining our programme today feature their own unique identity. I am confident that local projects will showcase the distinct character of the Lovozero area intertwined with the cultural heritage of its indigenous peoples and the natural beauty of the region. The latter holds ample opportunities for bringing one’s own vision to life and trying out new ideas, making a truly positive change for local communities. I perceive Lovozero as a place that embodies a sense of soulfulness, with a comforting and authentic touch.”

New programme participants were offered a series of workshops focusing on social design. Over the course of three days, they were trained to make a compelling case for their social projects, put together a proper budget proposal, and set up a project team. To gain hands-on experience, the trainees developed social initiatives for their own villages and presented them to fellow residents on a designated day off.

With a nine-year track record, Nornickel’s World of New Opportunities charity programme has been instrumental in backing a multitude of projects. Since 2014, it has attracted 3,242 bids, of which 855 were selected for funding totalling RUB 976.5 mln.

In the summer of 2022, Nornickel held preliminary consultations with representatives of indigenous minorities in Lovozero and Krasnoshchelye regarding its plans to commence the development of the nearby Kolmozerskoye lithium deposit, the largest in Russia. During those and subsequent consultations, company representatives presented the World of New Opportunities charitable programme and its potential benefits to local residents.

**Social design workshop for residents of Lovozero and Krasnoshchelye**

Yuri Tyushev, the World of New Opportunities programme expert, commented: “As we implement our programme across diverse territories, we adhere to a consistent approach. We start by building a small community of individuals who we call champions of social change. Those are people who care, with ideas and drive to improve society. It all starts with these trailblazers as their passion and active engagement serve as the cornerstone for social design. And here, in Lovozero, I see such remarkable individuals.”

Experts expect a total of five to six local social projects to be potentially submitted for the programme’s competition this year.

Nornickel’s charitable programme extends to rural areas in Murmansk region