What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

Community Foundations in North Macedonia: Konekt Research Highlights Challenges and Potential

A new research report by Konekt, Re-thinking Community Foundations in North Macedonia, examines the emerging role of community foundations as local drivers of philanthropy and community development. The analysis shows that while initiatives such as Local Action Hubs demonstrate strong community engagement, local fundraising, and cross-sector collaboration, the overall ecosystem remains fragile and highly dependent

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Community Foundations in Europe 2026: The State and Future of the Field

Community foundations across Europe continue to grow in number and relevance, with over 800 active foundations operating across 28 countries, according to a 2026 overview of the field. Rooted in local communities, these foundations mobilise financial, social, and knowledge resources to address diverse local needs and strengthen long-term development. However, the sector faces increasing pressure

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2026 Marks 20 Years of Accountable Now!

Accountable Now marks its 20th anniversary in 2026 with a year-long campaign highlighting key principles of Dynamic Accountability through events, resources, and publications. The initiative brings together reflections from across two decades of work while offering new opportunities for learning and engagement. Recent activities include trainings and support services for members, including sessions on decision-making

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CHS Alliance Humanitarian Accountability Report 2026

The Humanitarian Accountability Report (HAR) 2026 is CHS Alliance’s flagship report assessing the state of quality and accountability in the humanitarian sector, with a focus on accountability to affected people (AAP) amid current funding constraints and the Humanitarian Reset. Drawing on sector-wide data, research, and practitioner insights, it identifies key trends, highlights persistent gaps and

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Local Voices and Media Cooperation Key to Strengthening CSO Accountability in Serbia

Local initiatives in Serbia, highlighted through the ACT – for a Stronger Civil Society programme, show how CSOs drive accountability by identifying concrete community issues and proposing policy solutions. Examples include initiatives on improving air quality, strengthening child protection in media reporting, addressing gaps in social protection affecting women, and advocating for better water infrastructure

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The Crisis of Democracy and Civil Society: Why it’s Time for Collective Resistance

A recent analysis by the Global Fund for Community Foundations highlights a deepening global crisis affecting both democracy and civil society, with implications for CSO accountability. The rise of far-right movements, alongside reputational attacks and criminalisation of civil society, is shrinking civic space and limiting the ability of CSOs to act as watchdogs and hold

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The Futures of Localisation – Civil Society in 2046

A recent report published by International Civil Society Sector (ICSC) explores how civil society, including NGOs, community groups, and citizens’ organisations, could evolve over the next 20 years as the world faces growing uncertainty from climate change, conflicts, digital risks, and declining international funding. The report notes that the current aid system is still largely

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Strengthening Local Voices in the Digital Age

As digital technologies reshape civic participation, local civil society actors are facing growing challenges in accessing funding, technical infrastructure, and institutional support. In an environment of shrinking civic space and global democratic pressures, grassroots organisations remain essential for promoting inclusive governance and community accountability. The CIVICUS Digital Democracy Initiative highlights that many local actors operate

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Beyond Business as Usual in International Civil Society

International civil society organisations (ICSOs) are under growing pressure to rethink their roles amid declining public trust, funding constraints, and criticism over unequal partnerships. Calls for more locally led approaches emphasise the need to redistribute power and strengthen the autonomy of actors in the Global South. Rather than operating primarily as implementers or intermediaries, ICSOs

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CHS Alliance Strategy 2026–2030: Advancing Accountable, People-Centred Aid

The CHS Alliance has unveiled its Strategy 2026–2030, a transformative roadmap aimed at making global humanitarian and development aid more safe, local, and accountable. Moving beyond “checkbox” compliance, the strategy introduces “Due Diligence Passporting” and collective assessment tools to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for local partners and amplify the agency of crisis-affected communities. By fostering “courageous

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New Toolkit Guides Donors Toward High-Impact and Resilient Philanthropy

The Center for High Impact Philanthropy has released its annual 2026 giving toolkit, offering practical, year-round guidance for individual donors and professional grantmakers seeking to maximise the impact of their philanthropy. The toolkit outlines what high impact giving entails and presents four overarching strategies applicable across causes and regions. To illustrate these approaches in practice,

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The Stories for Change Festival: Where Community Power Took Centre Stage

A global online festival, organised by the Global Fund for Community Foundations (GFCF) as part of the Giving for Change programme, brought together nearly 300 community leaders, activists, filmmakers and human rights defenders to reflect on the power of community philanthropy amid shrinking aid, rising geopolitical tensions and overlapping crises. Speakers emphasised that community philanthropy

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