What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

GFCF Report: Community, Women’s, and Feminist Philanthropy

The Global Fund for Community Foundations (GFCF) report explores the intersections between community philanthropy, women’s philanthropy, and feminist philanthropy. Focused on empowering marginalized communities and addressing systemic inequities, the study highlights shared values of inclusivity, solidarity, and rights-based approaches. These philanthropic models mobilize resources, foster collaboration, and challenge traditional power structures to improve women’s and

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Serbia: CSOs Coalition Demands Transparency Amid Concerns Over Misuse of Public Funds

The coalition “Open about Tenders,” including BCSDN member Civic Initiatives, has raised alarms about the misuse of public funds in Serbia’s state-administered grants to CSOs. While recent tenders have seen a rise in funding allocations, they disproportionately benefit a select few organizations—some lacking transparency, expertise, or public visibility. Concerns include favoritism, mismanagement, and the absence

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Slovenia: The CIVICUS Monitor Upgrades Country’s Civic Space to “Open” – Significant Strides in Fostering CS Engagement and Press Freedom

The CIVICUS Monitor has upgraded Slovenia’s civic space rating to “Open” in its latest report, People Power Under Attack 2024. This milestone highlights Slovenia’s efforts to strengthen democratic processes, foster civil society engagement, and advance press freedom. Key reforms include securing the independence of public broadcaster RTV Slovenia, enhancing civil society consultations, and passing a

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Georgia: Pro-EU Protests Intensify, Followed by Violence, Arrests, and Crackdowns

Protests in Georgia intensified after the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party suspended EU accession talks, drawing condemnation and widespread demonstrations. Thousands gathered in Tbilisi and other cities, demanding the restoration of EU negotiations and new elections. The government’s response included aggressive tactics, such as water cannons, tear gas, and arrests, with over 300 detainees by

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Donors’ Role in Defending Civic Space from ‘Foreign Agent’ Laws

“Foreign agent” laws are increasingly used by governments worldwide to restrict civil society and dissent, leveraging security justifications. Funders play a crucial role in supporting civil society to counter these laws, but efforts need to be proactive and long-term. Philanthropic foundations can act swiftly, while official donors can provide large-scale, strategic funding. Collaboration among funders

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ECNL Package on Fundraising Methods and Regulations

The ECNL package on fundraising provides vital insights into the power and significance of resource mobilization for CSOs. It highlights fundraising as a right, emphasizing its role in enabling grassroots activists, social movements, and CSOs to shape open societies, safeguard freedoms, and ensure their sustainability. This resource covers income diversification strategies, including grants, private donations,

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CfP: SafeJournalists Support Program for Civil Society and Media Organizations (Deadline: 20 December)

Target group: CSOs focused on human rights and media freedoms. Media publishers in BiH, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo. Aim: Strengthen local organizations to detect and report violations of journalists’ rights, inform and educate local journalists about their rights, and improve their capacity for internal governance and monitoring. Amount: 8.000- 10.000 EUR (the total amount

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CfP: BOOST Program in the Western Balkans (Deadline: 27 December- Regional Grants)

Target group: CSOs in the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia), working in youth engagement, entrepreneurship, rural development, environmental sustainability, cultural heritage, and community development. Aim: To support the Western Balkans integration into the EU by fostering democratic, economic, social, and cultural growth, and to empower CSOs through sub-grants aimed

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CfP: EEA Civil Society Fund Management in Europe (Deadline: 8 April 2025)

Target group: CSOs and private institutions in Europe with expertise in supporting democracy, human rights, and civic engagement. Aim: To support CSOs in strengthening democracy, human rights, and civic engagement across Europe. By providing crucial resources, the fund seeks to empower organizations to contribute positively to their communities, particularly in the face of increasing threats

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CfA: Stanford University Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program on Democracy and Development (Deadline: 16 January 2025)

Target group: Mid-career practitioners from developing and transitioning countries working in democracy, legal, economic, or governance reform. Countries: Regions of Eurasia, which includes the former Soviet Union and Central Asia, along with Africa. Short Description: This Stanford University program, hosted by the Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law, offers training for approximately

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