Gwangju’s Nam-gu Wins National Award: How the ‘Hometown Love Donation’ Program Transformed Local Giving

[iNews24 Reporter Kim Sang-jin] Gwangju Nam-gu has been awarded the grand prize in the local government category at the inaugural Korea Hometown Love Donation Awards. The event recognized outstanding achievements since the implementation of the Hometown Love Donation System.

The district announced on the 9th that the awards ceremony was organized by the Korean Association for Local Government Studies. It was sponsored by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the National Association of Mayors and County Executives, and the Korea Research Institute for Local Administration.

This event was designed to promote the stable establishment and growth of the Hometown Love Donation System.

The evaluation criteria included statistics on donation amounts and frequency from the Ministry’s “Hometown Love e-um System.” It also considered reports on project outcomes, fund management plans, and information about thank-you gifts and fund projects submitted by each local government.

Nam-gu clinched the top prize due to its exceptional performance last year. The district excelled in promoting a culture of giving and achieved the highest fundraising results nationwide through its comprehensive management of the Hometown Love Donation System.

The district earned high marks for using the system as a platform to link donor empathy with community transformation. It was particularly commended for actively pursuing designated donation projects benefiting vulnerable groups, including individuals with disabilities, children, and the elderly.

The Korean Association for Local Government Studies highlighted several initiatives that exemplify the spirit of the Hometown Love Donation System. These include support for the Jangcheon Art Troupe, composed of individuals with disabilities, the Uni-Haeng Swimming Club, and the Dream Orchestra’s New York performance, which supports local youth’s cultural and artistic activities. The district’s designated donation projects for disaster response were also noted.

These operational successes led Nam-gu to rank first nationally in Hometown Love Donations among 226 local governments last year. This achievement solidified its position as a local government that not only maximized the system’s benefits but also set a standard model for others to follow.

A district representative stated, “We are committed to ensuring that the Hometown Love Donation System serves as a catalyst for positive change in our community.”