find out more about what Philanthropy in Bosnia and Herzegovina represents and what are the philanthropic activities of the Strength of the Local project and our partner organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Philanthropy is giving for general and humanitarian purposes, helping with money or goods, but also with knowledge, skill and expertise.

It is based on personal and social values such as fairness, charity, solidarity and responsibility. Also on moral principles, love, empathy and kindness for others.

What is philanthropy?

Philanthropy, as an activity of donating a part of one’s (private) property, funds, time, knowledge and effort, for the general and permanent good of the local community. It is the common denominator of all activities that could be characterized as philanthropic.

Philanthropy and philanthropic activities do not only mean donating (food, time, effort, work), they mean action aimed at the well-being of the community and man.

Philanthropy in BiH

Philanthropy is, officially, an unknown term in the activities of civil society organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This term is not defined in the regulations, nor are organizations dealing with philanthropy specifically defined.

In practice, it has been shown that in Bosnia and Herzegovina the term philanthropy is most often identified with humanitarian action.

However, more than 200 members of the Peacebuilding Network – at least in one part implement and carry out activities that could be characterized as philanthropic, even though they are not humanitarian organizations.

What is philanthropy?

Figuratively speaking, donating a scholarship to a student is an act of humanitarian nature. Establishing a scholarship fund – represents philanthropy.

Reconstruction of a house for living, for a certain family or individual – is a humanitarian act. Building or reconstructing a school or library, which is used by the community, is an act of philanthropy.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, philanthropy and philanthropic activities are implemented and advocated by private foundations. Also companies that nurture the concept of socially responsible business.

Activities that are carried out

Currently, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, several organizations, led by the MOZAIK foundation, are trying to gather the most important actors in one place.

At the same time, with the financial support of USAID, improve the legal framework for philanthropic activity.

The Peace Building Network participates in these activities, and also carries out its own.

In researching the world’s leading practices, the Peacebuilding Network and partners agree that philanthropy is not just actions – philanthropy is also an emanation of the highest values that an organization, its membership and sympathizers can have.

Sveobuhvatna studija o filantropiji u Bosni i Hercegovini

Women from Gračanica made 160 sleeping bags for migrants in Tuzla: It is difficult for a mother to watch someone’s child outside in cold and do nothing

January nights could become at least a little bit warmer for the 160 migrants who live in the open air in Tuzla. By: Mirna Stanković – Luković for interview.ba This is the work of ten associations of women, individuals, companies and citizens of Gračanica who wholeheartedly supported the idea of ​​their fellow citizen Nihada Okanović to make […]

“Merhamet” provided help to the Center “Duga” in Kulen-Vakuf

KULEN-VAKUF, January 7 – President of HO “Merhamet” MDD Kenan Vrbanjac with his associates, directors of regional committees, visited the Center for Children without Parental Care “Duga” in Kulen-Vakuf, which cares for eighteen of its beneficiaries, children up to six years old. “Merhamet” provided a valuable donation and delivered it to the director of the institution, Sabina[…]

“Merhamet” provided help to 50 families in Bosanska Kostajnica whose homes were damaged in the earthquake

BOSANSKA KOSTAJNICA, January 6 – The delegation of HO “Merhamet” MDD, led by the president of the organization Kenan Vrbanjac, visited today Bosanska Kostajnica, the northwestern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. They visited 50 families whose homes were destroyed during the recent catastrophic earthquake. “Merhamet” distributed 50 food packages and 50 hygiene products packages to these families.[…]

“Merhamet” provided and distributed meals for 900 migrants in the “Lipa” camp in Bihać

BIHAĆ, January 12 – Today, the Regional Board of “Merhamet” Bihać prepared 900 meals in its soup kitchen “Imaret”. The food was distributed to migrants in the “Lipa” camp. According to the director of the Regional Board of “Merhamet” Bihać, Alen Prošić, all migrants in the “Lipa” camp received half a kilogram of bread, fruit, two cans[…]

All unfulfilled New Year’s wishes found their friends

During December, the Association of Families and Friends of Children Suffering from and Cured of Leukemia and Other Malignant Diseases “PIPOL” realized the New Year’s donation program for children and young people suffering from and cured of cancer from Tuzla Canton, Brčko District and parts of Republika Srpska. Thanks to the support of the City of Tuzla[…]

Pomozi.ba in 2020 raised 2 million BAM for the sick and distributed a thousand tons of food to the people in need

In addition to the news of the pandemic, the past year was also marked by a series of humanitarian actions by the Pomozi.ba association. Through selfless engagement without any breaks, the team of people showed that positive news is always louder than bad news, and that humanitarian work knows no boundaries, neither metaphorical, nor real ones. Let’s[…]