The Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN) actively participated in the SMART Balkans Regional Conference 2025, titled “Think SMART: Rethinking the Old-School Funding Approach.” The high-level event took place on November 12–13 at the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The conference brought together civil society leaders, donors, and regional policymakers to discuss innovative and more effective approaches to supporting the civil sector in the Western Balkans.
Toshe Zafirov, the communication officer representing the Network, presented the key findings from BCSDN’s latest Donor Report. His presentation directly addressed the conference theme by highlighting systemic challenges and recommending strategies to move beyond conventional project-based funding models. A significant takeaway was the timely acknowledgment that Norway’s support is focused, timely, and aligned with the right objectives. This positive momentum serves as a critical case study for other donors, illustrating how to ensure their investments lead to long-term sustainability and resilience for local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) throughout the region.
The discussion reinforced the necessity for donor dialogue that prioritizes trust, flexibility, and core institutional support to genuinely empower CSOs. BCSDN’s participation underscores our commitment to utilizing data-driven advocacy to reform the financial landscape for civil society. The Network will continue to monitor, analyze, and report on donor support and the operational environment to push for smarter, more impactful, and strategic funding practices throughout the Western Balkans.