What Úsmev ako dar does

Úsmev ako dar (legally SPDDD Úsmev ako dar, "Give a Smile") is a Slovak nonprofit civil association founded in 1990 and headquartered at Ševčenkova 21, Bratislava, with 23 employees and a nationwide network of regional branch offices. The organization addresses the separation of children from their families caused by poverty, housing loss, and social crisis through three interconnected service lines: (1) crisis intervention and family preservation (energy restoration, food, hygiene, urgent medical payments, and prevention of child removal); (2) Family Group Conferencing methodology (Stretnutie rodinného kruhu), introduced to Slovakia in 2006, which convenes extended family, schools, municipalities, and professionals to collaboratively resolve crises; and (3) programmes for children and young adults in Centres for Children and Families (former orphanages), including sports events (Olympijský deň, now in its 36th year), talent showcases (Najmilší koncert roka), scholarships (Vzdelaním k úsmevu, 75 recipients and 30,000 EUR in 2026), driving licence grants (Vodičák pre tvoj štart), and independence-preparation seminars (Cesta domov, Cesta do života).

The organization delivers these services through a non-commercial operating model with no disclosed revenue and no traditional product/technology stack. It runs the Domus Nonprofit Foundation (established 2024) for housing-first social rental housing, and is implementing multiple EU-funded projects (Dostupné sociálne nájomné bývanie, Práca – Domov – Stabilita) under European Social Fund, EHP Active Citizens Fund, and OP EVS programmes. The portfolio also includes annual public fundraising campaigns (1 deň úsmevu street collection, Podeľme sa! Lent soup — 32,527.15 EUR raised in its 20th edition, Pf-ka ktorá pomáha Christmas cards, Darujte úsmev 2x with Kaufland) and the 2% tax designation programme in Slovakia.

Revenue is generated exclusively through donations and grants across four streams: individual donations (including 2% tax designation), corporate partnerships and sponsorships (Kaufland, VSE, CTP, Nestlé, Nadácia Volkswagen Slovakia, Nadácia Slovenskej sporiteľne, Allianz, Slovak Telekom, ESET, JTI, DHL, EUROVIA, and others), Slovak government ministry and EU programme grants, and public fundraising campaigns. The organization also sells limited-edition publications (the Milan Rúfus poetry book illustrated by children in care) and offers corporate Christmas greeting cards featuring children's artwork. Customer/donor concentration is moderate, anchored by a core group of long-term corporate partners but diversified across EU funding, government grants, individual giving, and crowdfunding via darujme.sk.

Name

Úsmev ako dar

Legal name

SPDDD Úsmev ako dar

Website

https://usmev.sk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Úsmev ako dar is a Slovak nonprofit civil association founded in 1990 that prevents family separation through crisis intervention, family group conferencing, housing support, scholarships, and sports/cultural programmes for at-risk families, children in state care, and young adults transitioning out of institutional care, funded via donations, corporate sponsorships, and EU/government grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Child and family welfare nonprofit services

NAICS

Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

International & Local Implementing NGOs (HLAJAKAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Maternal, Newborn, Child & Adolescent Health (MNCAH) NGOs (HLAJAKAG), Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning (MEL) & Reporting for Donor Programs (BPADAOAL), Public Health Financing, Budgeting & Grants Management (HLAJAMAC)

Keywords

• Family preservation services
• Child welfare nonprofit
• Social rental housing
• Family group conferencing
• Youth transition support

Headquarters

HQ city

Bratislava

HQ country

Slovakia

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Individual donations: Individual donors contribute financially to support the organization. The organization also promotes 2% tax designation campaigns, encouraging individuals to direct a portion of their taxes to the nonprofit.
2. Corporate partnerships and sponsorships: Corporate partners such as Kaufland, VSE, CTP, Nestlé, Kaufland, and others provide financial and in-kind support through project funding, scholarships, event sponsorship, and cause-marketing campaigns.
3. Government and EU funding: The organization receives grants from Slovak government ministries and EU funding programmes (European Social Fund, EHP Active Citizens Fund, OP EVS) to implement social programmes and housing projects.
4. Public fundraising campaigns: Annual public collection campaigns including '1 deň úsmevu' (Smile Day), 'Podeľme sa!' (Lent soup initiative), and seasonal giving campaigns raise funds from the general public.
5. Book and publication sales: Sale of the book 'Milan Rúfus: Aby deti otcov mali, aby mali mamy' (limited edition with illustrations by children from centres), with proceeds funding educational programmes for children in care.
6. Charitable greeting cards (PF-ka): Companies commission personalized Christmas cards featuring children's drawings; a minimum donation of 100 EUR per card is made, with proceeds supporting the children who created the artwork.

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Úsmev ako dar is a Slovak nonprofit that delivers free social services to prevent the separation of children from their families and to support children and young adults in institutional care. Its core offerings include crisis intervention (energy, food, hygiene, medical aid), Family Group Conferencing (Stretnutie rodinného kruhu), affordable social rental housing (housing-first model), scholarships and driver's licence grants, sports and cultural events (Olympic Day, Najmilší koncert roka), and annual public fundraising campaigns. The organization operates regional branch offices across Slovakia and is funded by individual donations, corporate partnerships, government grants, and EU programmes.

Product overview

Úsmev ako dar (Society of Friends of Children from Children's Homes) is a non-profit charitable organization that does not offer commercial products or services. Instead, it provides a comprehensive portfolio of social programs, support services, and community initiatives aimed at preventing family breakdown, supporting at-risk families, and helping children and young adults in institutional care. The organization's main offerings include family support programs (Stretnutie rodinného kruhu, housing assistance), youth development initiatives (scholarships, driver's license grants, independence preparation), cultural and sports events (Najmilší koncert roka, Olympijský deň), and annual fundraising campaigns (1 deň úsmevu, Pf-ka, ktorá pomáha, Podeľme sa!). These programs work together to provide holistic support from crisis intervention through long-term independence preparation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Najmilší koncert roka (Sweetest Concert of the Year) Annual nationwide art performance showcase for children from Centres for Children and Families, featuring singing, dancing, and theatrical performances. Provides talent development opportunities and stage experience for children in institutional care.
• Stretnutie rodinného kruhu (Family Circle Meeting) Family conference methodology brought to Slovakia by Úsmev ako dar that engages the extended family, school, community, and professionals in solving crisis situations for at-risk children, keeping the child within their natural support network.
• Vodičák pre tvoj štart (Driver's Licence for Your Start)
• Dostupné sociálne nájomné bývanie (Affordable Social Rental Housing)
• Kniha Milan Rúfus: Aby deti otcov mali, aby mali mamy Limited edition book combining Milan Rúfus's poetry with illustrations created by children from Centres for Children and Families. Proceeds support educational programmes for children in institutional care.
• Vzdelaním k úspechu (Education for Success) Scholarship programme in partnership with Nadácia Slovenskej sporiteľne providing financial support and mentoring for talented children from children's homes and substitute families.
• Akadémia Pipi Dlhej Pančuchy (Pippi Longstocking Academy) Multi-day developmental programme for young adults from Centres for Children and Families, focusing on self-discovery, life skills, and preparation for independent living.
• Cesta do života (Path to Life) Comprehensive programme preparing young people leaving institutional care for independent living through education, counseling, and practical life skills training, supported by Active Citizens Fund.
• Seminár Cesta domov (Path Home Seminar) Six-day seminar for young adults from Centres for Children and Families focusing on forgiveness, processing past experiences, and living a fulfilling life through lectures, testimonials, experiential activities, and prayer.
• Domus – Neziskový fond pre záchranu bývania rodín Non-profit foundation focused on preventing family homelessness and supporting families at risk of losing housing, part of the affordable social housing initiative.
• Pf-ka, ktorá pomáha (Christmas Cards That Help) Corporate Christmas card programme where children's artwork becomes company holiday cards; companies provide financial support to the child artists and the organization's programmes.
• Olympijský deň pre deti z CDR (Olympic Day for Children from Centers) Annual multi-sport competition for children from Centres for Children and Families across Slovakia, including football, table tennis, and dodgeball, held in Šamorín.
• Podeľme sa! (Share! Lenten Initiative) Annual Lenten charity initiative including fasting soup distribution and fundraising to help families at risk of losing their homes, in cooperation with Catholic churches.
• Darujte úsmev 2x (Donate Smile Twice) Partnership with Kaufland where customers' purchases of advent calendars contribute to supporting families at risk of losing housing.
• 1 deň úsmevu (Day of Smile) Annual nationwide public fundraising collection where volunteers collect donations in Slovak cities to support families in crisis and children in institutional care.

Quantifiable outcome

• The organization supported 556 families (1,390 children) at risk of losing their home
• +5 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

32 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, major and core.

• Grand Hotel Zámok VígľašminorOthers · 12 May 2026Hosted the '20 rokov rodinných konferencií' (20 Years of Family Conferences) professional conference in May 2026.
• LYSINA – ROŠKO & PARTNERS (Law firm)majorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 30 March 2021Committed 360 hours/year of pro bono legal advice to Úsmev ako dar and the families they serve, covering family law, criminal law, court proceedings, debt enforcement, and guardianship matters.
• Nadácia Slovenskej sporiteľne (Slovenská sporiteľňa Foundation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term partnership supporting the 'Vzdelaním k úspechu' (Education for Success) scholarship programme, providing financial support and mentoring to children from institutional care. In 2026, distributed 30,000 EUR to 75 young people. Also a general partner supporting multiple programmes.
• Nadácia Volkswagen Slovakia (Volkswagen Slovakia Foundation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term partner for over 10 years supporting educational projects and the 'Vodičák pre tvoj štart' (Driving Licence for Your Start) grant programme that fully funds driving courses for young adults leaving institutional care to improve their employment prospects.
• Kaufland SlovenskocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSeventh year of partnership through the 'Darujte úsmev 2x' (Give Smile Twice) campaign, where customers' purchases contribute to helping families at risk of losing their home. Also donated 25,000 EUR specifically to families facing housing loss.
• CTP (CTP Invest / CTP Group)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term general partner supporting the organization, particularly active in supporting young adults' transition to independent living, including the 'Cesta domov' (Way Home) seminar for young people from institutional care.
• Nestlé Slovensko s.r.o.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term partner supporting sports activities and healthy lifestyle for children. Co-sponsored the Olympic Day / sports games for children from Centres for Children and Families, providing both funding and in-kind support.
• VSE (Východoslovenská energetika Holding)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeneral partner providing support for families' energy needs and housing stability. Co-funded the 'Svetlo domova 2025' project providing safe housing for 4 families with 9 children in crisis situations in the House of St. Norbert in Jasov.
• Allianz Slovakia Foundation (Nadácia Allianz)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a general partner supporting the organization's work with families and children in institutional care.
• EUROVIA CS / Vinci ConstructionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeneral partner listed as supporting the organization's various social programmes for families and children.
• TelegrafiamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeneral partner supporting the organization's mission and programmes.
• SKPRminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMarketing partner supporting the organization's communication and public awareness campaigns.
• JTI (Japan Tobacco International)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeneral partner supporting the organization.
• Swiss Re / Q-99majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeneral partner supporting the organization's work.
• Slovak TelekommajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeneral partner supporting the organization.
• PSS (Partners for Sustainable Solutions)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term partner collaborating on programmes helping families in crisis and supporting the 'Centrá na obnovu rodiny' (Family Renewal Centres) initiative.
• DHL SlovakiamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeneral partner supporting the organization.
• Nadácia Volkswagen SlovakiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term partner for over 10 years in educational projects and the 'Vodičák pre tvoj štart' grant programme.
• AKSS (Association of Church and Social Services)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeneral partner supporting the organization.
• ESET SlovakiamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeneral partner supporting the organization.
• AutoimpexminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner supporting the 'Pf-ka, ktorá pomáha' charitable greeting card project, providing complete production of printed Christmas cards.
• Donors' Forum Slovakia (Donorské fórum)majorOthersListed as a partner/organizational member of the Slovak Donors' Forum.
• Nadácia J&T (J&T Foundation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupported the establishment of the Substitute Parenting Support Centre and other long-term family support programmes.
• AnasoftminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeneral partner listed.
• IRDistributionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeneral partner listed.
• Metatron CapitalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeneral partner listed.
• ŠK Slovan Bratislava (Belasé srdce programme)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSports partnership providing children from Centres for Children and Families and socially disadvantaged families with free tickets to football matches, creating positive experiences and community belonging.
• Nadácia SOŠV (Slovak Olympic Committee Foundation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organized the Olympic Day / sports games for children from Centres for Children and Families, contributing to the project's legitimacy and prestige.
• NN (insurance company) and SOS dětské vesničkymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational corporate partners collaborating on therapeutic programmes for children and families in need.
• Eigen Kracht Centrale / European FGC NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHedda van Lieshout, director of the Dutch Eigen Kracht Centrale and representative of the European FGC network, contributed international perspective to the 20-year family conference celebration and praised the organization's results.
• Niké (Slovak betting/igaming company)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThrough the 'Niké liga pomáha' campaign, converted all assists from 17th round matches into donations to Úsmev ako dar during the Advent season.
• Divadlo Aréna (Bratislava theatre)minorOthersVenue for the national finals of the Najmilší koncert roka, providing professional stage and production infrastructure for children from institutional care to perform.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves3 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Eigen Kracht Centrale (Dutch FGC Centre): Founder and European coordinator of the Family Group Conference methodology that Úsmev ako dar implements in Slovakia. Directly comparable as the source-network peer for FGC practice and training.
• Nadace Terezy Maxové dětem (Czech Republic): Czech foundation supporting children growing up in institutional care, with scholarship and independence-preparation programmes. Highly comparable mission and youth-transition model in a neighbouring CEE market.

Direct peers

• Nadácia Kia Motors Slovakia: Corporate foundation supporting education, child welfare and community development in Slovakia. Comparable as a domestic foundation with overlapping CSR focus on at-risk children and education.
• Nadácia SPP: Corporate foundation of Slovak gas utility supporting children, families and community programmes. Comparable as a domestic grantmaking nonprofit with similar CSR-driven funding model and family-support focus.
• Nadácia Pontis: One of Slovakia's largest grantmaking foundations supporting civil society, education and social inclusion. Comparable as a domestic multi-programme nonprofit with overlapping CSR partnerships and individual giving infrastructure.
• Nadácia J&T: Slovak corporate foundation funding family support, education and substitute parenting programmes. Already listed as a partner of Úsmev ako dar but also operates overlapping programmes for at-risk families and youth.
• Nadácia pre deti Slovenska (Slovak Children's Foundation): Slovak grantmaking foundation focused on children's welfare, education and youth development. Directly comparable as a domestic nonprofit operating child- and youth-focused programmes, with similar funding mix of corporate partnerships and individual giving.
• SOS Children's Villages Slovakia: International NGO operating in Slovakia providing alternative family-based care for children without parental care. Closest peer on the child welfare / institutional-alternative mission, with similar youth-transition programmes and corporate partner base.

Emerging players

• Liga za duševné zdravie SR (Mental Health League Slovakia): Slovak nonprofit providing psychosocial support, advocacy and direct services to vulnerable populations. Comparable as a domestic mission-driven NGO with similar donor base and government/EU funding mix.
• Centrum pre filantropiu Slovensko: Slovak nonprofit supporting philanthropy and NGO capacity-building. Comparable as a domestic intermediary in the social-services funding ecosystem, though focused on enabling rather than direct service delivery.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/usmevakodar
• Facebookfacebook.com/usmev.sk
• Instagraminstagram.com/usmevakodar
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/usmev-ako-dar

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Úsmev ako dar