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

Hoše komerc donated cakes to the children of SOS Children’s Villages in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Marking the International Children’s Day, the company Hoše komerc surprised the children of SOS Children’s Villages in Bosnia and Herzegovina with Bony cakes. “Last year, on the same occasion, we surprised children without parental care in the Home for children without parental care in Bjelave, the year before last we hosted children from a Sarajevo kindergarten in[…]

SAZNAJ VIŠE

Winners of the first SIGN Regional Philanthropy Award announced

On November 17 and 18, the conference “Signs of Solidarity and Solutions” was held in Sarajevo, which hosted philanthropists from all over the region. According to Vesna Bajšanski Agić, executive director of the Mozaik Foundation, one of the organizers of this conference, when the SIGN network started operating in 2008, the word philanthropy was almost unknown, a[…]

SAZNAJ VIŠE

BRATUNAC: First soup kitchen for babies opened in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Babies had exchange transfusions due to poor nutrition

One of the main reasons why we decided to start the kitchen is the large number of sick babies we have witnessed during our daily visits to families. “Some babies are, due to poor nutrition, premature consumption of cow’s milk, insufficient intake of nutrients they need, due to the mixing of flour and water because the family[…]

SAZNAJ VIŠE

With the support of UNICEF, the WV BiH team works every day on the education and protection of children in migrant centers

International Children’s Day was marked in a special way in the Children’s Corner at the Temporary Reception Center Ušivak. In addition to educational activities and play, migrant and refugee children performed a play and underlined the importance of respecting children’s rights, with an emphasis on the most vulnerable children. The children currently staying in this camp have[…]

SAZNAJ VIŠE

Down Syndrome Association successfully implemented the project ‘Give me a chance – early intervention for people with Down syndrome’

Thanks to the programs of the Office for Croats Outside the Republic of Croatia, children with Down syndrome are provided with high-quality speech therapy and educational rehabilitation therapy services. The Association for Down Syndrome, with the co-financing of the Central State Office for Croats outside the Republic of Croatia, has successfully implemented the project “Give me a[…]

SAZNAJ VIŠE