Social activity of the population: spatial analysis (by the example of the Volga federal district)

The object of the study is social well-being, the subject is social activity and self-organization of the population, which are manifested in various aspects, have clear territorial differences and require spatial approaches to study. The relevance of the geographical study of well-being, social activity and self-organization of the population is due to the fact that their quantitative and qualitative representation is an information and analytical basis for the formation of state and regional policies. One of the forms of territorial self-organization of the population and manifestation of social activity are various non-profit organizations whose activities are aimed at improving the quality of life of the population and its social well-being. The theoretical and methodological foundation of the study is the doctrine of the Territorial Community of People (TCP), which acts as a conceptual model for the study of social phenomena and processes. Being a relatively independent cell of the territorial structure of society, TCP is formed within the boundaries of certain regions (subjects) and includes a specific group of the population with all its characteristics, which determines the features of behavior, mentality, traditions, social activity. The study is based on the analysis of grant activity indicators of organizations in the subjects of the Volga Federal District, presented on the official website of the Presidential Grants Fund. Territorial features of public initiatives, their focus and problems are identified. Among the priority areas of grant applications are the protection of human rights and freedoms, the well-being of citizens, the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, environmental protection, support for youth projects and a number of others. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the problems of improving social well-being are partially solved by local communities through the activities of NPOs and their grant activity.