The Mozaik Foundation, together with partner organizations, within the project “Legal Framework for Philanthropy”, gathered over 70 representatives of the civil society, business and public sectors from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina at meetings of intersectoral thematic advocacy teams. The meetings of the three teams discussed how to find the best ways to facilitate donating for the common good in Bosnia and Herzegovina within their thematic areas.
On Tuesday, December 07, 2021, the thematic advocacy team that deals with defining terms that are important for philanthropy (donations, activities for the common good, humanitarian activities and other terms) discussed ways to change existing laws on associations and foundations. Four laws are in force at the state, entity and Brčko District levels. The importance of introducing these terms into existing laws was emphasized, and it was concluded that team members should agree on which terms need to be defined and how to achieve cooperation with key decision makers in this area.
Regarding online donations to civil society organizations, at a meeting held on December 08, 2021 it was concluded that a clear position of legislators is needed on why donations to associations and foundations through e-commerce services are not allowed, bearing in mind that monitoring transactions using e-commerce is completely transparent. It was pointed out that in cases when the law is incomplete, the legislator always takes a more conservative approach, which in this case is completely unfavorable for giving for the common good and support for developmental philanthropy and humanitarian actions for socially disadvantaged individuals and their families. The present participants were informed at the meeting about the process of public consultations on amendments to the law on value added tax and the participation of team members in the consultations was agreed.
On the topic of exempting food donations on paying VAT, we started with the planning of the advocacy campaign, which is planned for the first quarter of 2022.
Members of the three thematic advocacy teams had the opportunity to talk with the director of the newly established Philanthropic Forum in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Tatjana Vučić, about the role that the Philanthropic Forum will play in creating a better legal framework for charity. Tatjana Vučić pointed out that the admission of corporations, foundations and individuals to the membership of the Philanthropic Forum will be based on detailed criteria for membership.
The groups were also introduced to media, promotional and advocacy campaign expert Ena Maglić, who together with members of the thematic advocacy team for exemption of VAT for food donations worked on elements of the media campaign (slogan, messages to key actors and other elements).
The Legal Framework for Philanthropy is funded by USAID and implemented by the Mozaik Foundation with partners (Hastor Foundation, Network for Building Peace, Pomozi.ba, Trag Foundation and Catalyst Foundation).
