News and updates from BCSDN and the region
In response to growing humanitarian needs and funding shortfalls, NGOs must transform their structures to create a sustainable impact. Donors are now seeking immediate, measurable social outcomes, prompting NGOs to optimize resources and demonstrate transparency. Innovative financing models, such as outcomes-based financing (OBF) and development impact bonds (DIBs), reward organizations for achieving specific social impacts
Read more →This summer, Serbia saw notable philanthropic efforts despite a typically lower donation period. NURDOR’s “Solidarity Bazaar” raised 1.1 million RSD for parent houses supporting children with cancer. Luka Petrović donated 2 million RSD to renovate the home of the Đokić family in Katrga, with additional public contributions. Mateja Patrnogić’s lemonade stand in Kragujevac collected 343,500
Read more →At the F20 Climate Solutions Forum held from 4-6 June in Rio de Janeiro, a crucial issue emerged as funding continues to be disproportionately allocated to projects in the Global North, despite the Global South facing the most severe climate impacts. The F20, comprising over 80 foundations that influence climate policy and set agendas ahead
Read more →The GivingTuesday Data Commons’ 2023 Lookback Report, its fourth annual global giving trends analysis, continues to explore generosity through quantitative and qualitative methods. Building on previous reports, this year’s findings highlight a robust giving ecosystem despite concerns about polarization and declining donor participation. The report reveals that people are still eager to give across ideological
Read more →The social dialogue entitled “Philanthropy as Giving for the Common Good – Improving the Incentive Framework” was organized with a focus on boosting charitable donations and reviving the Philanthropy Council established in 2018. Key proposals included creating a compensation fund for VAT refunds on donations and enhancing crowdfunding regulations. Catalyst’s suggestions were several improvements to
Read more →Western Balkan countries must submit their Reform Agendas to the European Commission by 24 August to access the new Reform and Growth Facility funds. Approved agendas will see the first funds released by the end of the year. The facility offers 2 billion EUR in grants and 4 billion EUR in loans from 2024-2027, allocated
Read more →The article by Charlotte Timson, Vice-Chair of BOND and former CEO of Transform Trade, states the importance of flexible funding and transformative approaches within development organizations. At the Bogotá #ShiftThePower Global Summit, Timson learned about the inadequacies of current funding systems and the critical role of community-led initiatives in achieving justice. Transform Trade began a
Read more →Konekt’s annual philanthropic circle showcased collective empowerment and generosity, raising one million MKD through individual and corporate donations. The funds will support three selected organizations: Action Zdruzenska, Enheleus Lihnida, and the Women’s Rights Initiative from Shuto Orizari. These initiatives aim to empower women, foster youth creativity, and combat domestic violence. Konekt’s team, expressed gratitude for
Read more →There is a need for unrestricted funding for charitable organizations to enhance their strategic planning, financial stability, and operational efficiency. Drawing from research and experiences at the Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR), it urges funders to trust organizations’ expertise and grant them greater control over spending. By shifting away from restrictive funding models, funders
Read more →There is a need for trust and vulnerability in the relationship between funders and social movements. Power dynamics shape the allocation of financial resources and emphasizes the importance of open communication. Drawing from experiences in philanthropy, particularly from the ‘What Moves Movements’ inquiry commissioned by the Lankelly Chase Foundation, the article it highlights challenges and
Read more →The #ShiftThePower movement, a global network advocating for equitable aid practices, raises concerns to OECD DAC members about opaque funding practices that disproportionately benefit Global North CSOs. Despite commitments to support Southern leadership and civil society, aid flows remain “tied”, largely favoring Northern CSOs and hindering Southern CSOs. The movement urges DAC members to remove
Read more →The EU’s Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) initiative is transforming civil society by empowering grassroots organizations. FSTP simplifies access to EU funding, aiming to boost the ability of smaller, local CSOs to engage with their communities. The initiative recognizes and nurtures the potential of local actors through smaller grants and easier application processes, benefiting
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