The first and still the only one cultural fund in Veliky Novgorod is Dmitry Balashov Cultural Fund. Dmitry Balashov is a famous Russian writer, who came out with the work “Lord Novgorod the Great”. He lived in Veliky Novgorod for a long time, therefore the citizens commemorate him.

The Fund is intended to recall the work of such a talented writer as Dmitry Balashov. The current main goal of the Fund is fundraising for installation of a monument to Dmitry Balashov in Veliky Novgorod. However, apart from this noble idea there are more projects carried out in collaboration with the Fund.

• The Small Literary Museum of D.M. Balashov in Veliky Novgorod

This museum is unique. It is the first literary museum in Veliky Novgorod. Here you can see personal belongings of the writer (sculptures, drawings, carvings), prizes received in different years for the series of novels "Moscow Sovereigns".

Exhibitions connected with writer’s life and work take place in the museum. The museum also offers sightseeing tours using works of Dmitry Balashov, which is also unique in its way.

• Balashov All-Russian Readings

For more than 10 years writers, literary critics, folklore specialists, philologists from all Russia have been gathering in Veliky Novgorod to discuss Dmitry Balashov's creative activity. Traditionally, there are meetings of writers with young people, charity concert of creative groups of Veliky Novgorod, commemoration evening in the Center of Musical Antiquities.

• Balashov Readings for Young People

Balashov readings for younger fans has been taking place since 2002. Students of secondary and vocational schools, institutions of supplementary education of Veliky Novgorod and Novgorod region, students of the Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University partake in readings. Writers, scientists, public figures from different regions of Russia come here as guests.

• City Recitation Contest “So as a Candle Wouldn't Go Out” dedicated to D.M. Balashov

The Contest supported by the Administration Committee on Culture and Youth Policy of Veliky Novgorod has been held since 2013. The goal of the contest is to put up young Novgorod people to the work of Dmitry Balashov, and also to form the spiritual and moral foundations in nurturing of the young generation.

• Thematic lessons for pupils of 2 - 11 forms

Pupils are acquainted with the biography of the writer, with some of his works, extracts from his novels and poems, with his opinion journalism, they are shown various photo and video content.

The duration of the lesson is 40 minutes. Lessons are conducted on a grant basis by agreement.

• Dmitry Balashov Literary Prize

For the first time the prize was announced in 2014 and is given every two years. The prose works carrying on the best traditions of Russian literature and published as separate works or in literary and art magazines during the last three years could be awarded by the Dmitry Balashov Literary Prize. Authors, whose works make the problems of national consciousness actual, illustrate historical events, preach ideals of humanity, justice, kindness and morality are eligible to the Prize.

The Fund also organizes charity concerts, commemoration evenings and thematic programs, which aim to promote D.M. Balashov’s work and heritage.

In 2017 the monument to the writer was installed in the park at the intersection of Fedorovsky Ruchey and Andreevskaya streets.