The Together for the Region grant program has been "alive" in U. S. Steel Košice for almost two decades. Yesterday, we welcomed representatives of organizations that received support in its 19th year. Many were also accompanied by our colleagues, who will participate in bringing the supported activities to life. As many as 33 steelmakers will be involved in the eleven awarded projects.

Mike Piekut, Deputy President of U. S. Steel Košice, also appreciated their contribution at the event: "The interest of our colleagues in the environment in which they live is a clear proof of the values on which we build. It is inspiring to see how their engagement brings real changes to our region."

This year, we increased the grant by €10,000 compared to the previous year. Thus, we distributed €40,000 among the 11 winning projects, while the maximum grant amount for one project was €4,000. It was not easy to choose those that would receive a grant. We received 47 applications, eight from the Prešov region, the rest from the Košice region. The evaluation committee consists of colleagues from various areas of our company: environment, production, engineering and technical services, restructuring projects, or external relations: Miloš Fodor, Rastislav Šelepský, Ján Novák, Róbert Magyar and František Gregor. 

Rastislav Šelepský from DZ Oceliareň also looks at projects from the perspective of applicants, as he has extensive experience in obtaining grants and transforming what has been written into reality within the civic association Priatelia trstenskej prirody. About how he perceived this year's grant applications, he says:

"I don't see any changes compared to other years, it's about the same. It's still about people wanting to build something, develop something in a specific area, whether it's helping others, improving something in their surroundings, focusing on the environment, or preserving history, and so on. Every year, there are projects that are well developed, but also weaker ones. We have selected the best ones from this year's."

The Vice President for Public Affairs, Management and Business Development, Miroslav Kiraľvarga, also addressed the audience. "You thanked us, but in fact it is us who thank you. What you do for your communities is not something taken for granted, but it is human - and precious."

Organizations and projects supported in 2026:

Childrens railway Košice, c.a. – Cycling Tracks Revital – 3 318 €
EmComm Rescue Radio Communication System, c.a. – Emergency Secure SMS Network – 3 992 €
Ski Club Metropol Košice – Kojšovka - cross-country ski trails, preparation before the season– 4 000 €
Družstevná pri Hornáde Village– Childhood without differences – 4 000 €
Enjoy the ride, c.a. – Resi4freestyle – 4 000 €
"Našim deťom" pri ZŠ Jenisejská, c.a. – Urban Eco Classroom – 4 000 €
Nie sme sami, c.a. – Afternoons with clay – 3 150 €
Pimpollo, c.a. – Together and with each other– 3 890 €
Sasanka, c.a. – Construction of the bell tower in Vyšná Myšľa – 2 820 €
Život srdcom k prírode, c.a. – Improving the environment – 2 830 €
Elementary School Kamenica nad Cirochou – Gymnastics classroom – 4 000 €

Articles about implemented projects from previous years and more information about the Together for the Region program can be found on the website: https://www.usske.sk/sk/komunita/spolocne-pre-region
Gradually, there will also be articles about how the newly awarded organizations managed to implement their intentions.

Photogallery: Arpád Köteles