News and updates from BCSDN and the region
EU TACSO 3 has released an updated VAT Exemption Guide for CSOs in the Western Balkans and Türkiye that receive EU grant funding. The guide explains the procedures for obtaining VAT exemption and refunds on goods and services purchased with EU funds, including registration requirements and eligibility criteria. It clarifies the VAT exemption process for
Read more →The AidWatch 2024 report delivered by CONCORD highlights the critical condition of European Official Development Assistance (ODA), revealing significant shortfalls in meeting long-standing commitments. In 2023, ODA from EU Member States totaled 82.4 billion EUR, or 0.51% of Gross National Income (GNI), falling far below the 0.7% target established decades ago. Alarmingly, over 18.9 billion
Read more →On the European Day of Foundations and Donors, Philea and Impact Europe presented recommendations for policymakers to enhance impact investments and collaboration. They emphasize the need for diverse actors to address complex societal challenges, advocating for the use of private, public, and philanthropic resources. The recommendations, launched in the European Parliament, call for enabling impact
Read more →In September, the OECD Network of Foundations Working for Development (OECD netFWD) and WINGS issued a statement emphasizing the vital role of private philanthropy in the United Nations’ Summit of the Future. They highlighted that private philanthropic funding for development reached 42 billion USD from 2016 to 2019, crucially supporting efforts to alleviate poverty and
Read more →A 2020 OECD study reveals that less than 10% of bilateral donor funding for CSOs reaches the Global South, with the majority directed to Northern CSOs and or to large International Non-Government Organisations (INGOs). This practice, which has persisted for decades, stems from a historical reliance on Northern organizations for citizen engagement in development. While
Read more →NPOs often struggle to meet the diverse reporting requirements of multiple donors, which diverts time and resources away from their core missions. This challenge is particularly acute for smaller NPOs with limited capacity. The upcoming International Non-Profit Accounting Guidance (INPAG), set to launch in 2025, aims to address this issue by providing a global standard
Read more →Crowdfunding has revolutionized how communities can support important causes, offering a platform for collective action and meaningful change. By combining resources from various donors, crowdfunding has the potential to provide vital funding for nonprofits and social initiatives, turning visions into reality. In Kosovo, crowdfunding has been instrumental in advancing education, healthcare, and other critical areas.
Read more →The 14th edition of the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) World Giving Index highlights global generosity, showing that despite ongoing economic and humanitarian challenges, people worldwide remain committed to helping those in need. Based on surveys of over 145,000 people in 140+ countries, the index reveals that volunteering, donations, and assistance to strangers have increased, with
Read more →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
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