Among the beneficiaries of the 2025 edition of the NOWE FIO program run by the National Institute of Freedom (NIW) is the Towarzystwo Samorządowe (Local Government Society) in Konin, led by longtime Civic Platform politician Ireneusz Niewiarowski. The organization has received over 200,000 PLN for a project aimed at encouraging youth engagement in local government. The fact that public funds are flowing to an organization associated with a former MP from the ruling party raises questions about transparency and possible political connections. Is such a large grant purely the result of the project’s merits, or do informal influence and personal ties also play a role?
Millions Allocated, but Are the Selection Criteria Truly Fair?
The 2025 edition of the NOWE FIO program has allocated millions of zlotys to various non-governmental initiatives. In theory—and according to its official mission—this funding is meant to support projects that benefit local communities. However, when examining specific grants, one cannot help but feel that some decisions raise more questions than they answer. The funding awarded to the Towarzystwo Samorządowe in Konin is one such case.
We are talking about a grant of over 200,000 PLN for a project called “Self-Governing Youth in Action.” At first glance, there seems to be nothing unusual about this—foundations and associations often receive grants if they meet the criteria and their projects genuinely serve the public interest. However, it is important to consider who is behind Towarzystwo Samorządowe in Konin, especially since the project received an exceptionally high evaluation score—197 out of a possible 200 points.
The organization’s leader, Ireneusz Niewiarowski, is a former MP and senator who was associated with Civic Platform for many years. He has been a vocal critic of the previous Law and Justice (PiS) government, frequently accusing it of “state capture,” condemning its education reforms, and claiming that its lack of competence was stifling private investment. In short, he was one of the more outspoken opponents of the previous administration.
Why Such Generosity from the National Institute of Freedom?
Now, however, with the National Institute of Freedom—an institution currently under the control of Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government and a key player in distributing public funds to NGOs—awarding a substantial grant to his organization, difficult questions arise. Is this purely an example of impartial support, or is it a case of political favoritism?
An experienced politician from the ruling party, with an extensive network of contacts and influence, can easily navigate the complexities of grant applications and selection procedures. But is that all it takes to secure such a significant grant?
Concerns are further heightened by the fact that many NGOs without well-known names or political connections often complain about excessive bureaucracy and a lack of transparency in the grant process. They ask: “Why don’t we have the same opportunity to secure funding for our projects?” Is the uncomfortable reality that obtaining public funds requires more than just a good idea and solid community work—that it also demands the right name or political connections?
Transparency is Key—So Where Are the Answers?
Of course, it is possible that Towarzystwo Samorządowe in Konin submitted a well-prepared project and genuinely deserved the funding. But given the frequent calls for greater transparency and equal treatment in public grant distribution, it would be reasonable to expect at least a brief explanation:
- Why this particular organization?
- How was its application evaluated?
- To what extent was the selection process free from external influence?
Since Ireneusz Niewiarowski was a longtime Civic Platform figure and the institution awarding the funds is managed by the December 13 Coalition, there is legitimate cause to wonder whether there was any political arrangement or informal agreement behind this decision. Did that happen in this case? No one from the National Institute of Freedom is likely to provide a direct answer. But their silence will only fuel further speculation.
Let’s not forget that this is a public institution managing taxpayer money. If an organization created to support independent civic initiatives is distributing these funds, then maximum transparency should be a given. Every zloty spent should be accounted for, regardless of the political affiliations of the beneficiaries.
Ultimately, this grant might not have raised any concerns if there were full confidence that the funds had gone to a truly deserving project and would be used responsibly for the benefit of the local community. But will that be the case? Time will tell. Until we receive clear and transparent explanations about the selection process, serious doubts will remain. And in Polish politics, doubts are best dispelled through openness and accountability—qualities that, unfortunately, still seem to be in short supply.