On November 3, 2021, a working meeting of socially responsible companies and foundations on the topic “State and future of philanthropy” was held. In Sarajevo, they gathered with the idea to establish a Philanthropic Forum and through joint action contribute to the improvement of the legal framework for philanthropy and strategic donations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In his introductory address, the director of the Mozaik Foundation, Zoran Puljić, pointed out:
“Philanthropic forums exist in many countries around the world and are established with the aim of creating a better framework for philanthropic giving to companies, foundations and individuals. We are proud that companies and foundations across our country have expressed their readiness to unite and work together to create an environment in which not only will everyone give more, but that giving will have a much greater effect than if each of us donate alone.”
The “Legal Framework for Philanthropy” program, which served as a platform for the Philanthropic Forum, is implemented by 6 partner organizations: Mozaik Foundation, Hastor Foundation, Association Pomozi.ba, Network for Building Peace, Trag Foundation and Catalyst Balkans with financial support provided by the USAID.
Jared O. Bell, from USAID Bosnia and Herzegovina, also addressed the public:
“Despite the positive trends of giving, we know that we need a strong system and functional framework for the development of philanthropic culture. The USAID “Legal Framework for Philanthropy” project, implemented by the Mozaik Foundation and its partners, is part of the solution. The establishment of the Philanthropic Forum, which will bring together numerous companies, foundations and citizens, will be a cohesive element of positive energy and will have a profound impact on philanthropy. This Forum will serve as a foundation for building long-term self-sustainable change, while also directing the center of influence of USAID and other international organizations on local actors. We at USAID look forward to seeing the great things that will develop from today’s discussions as we continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
Seid Fijuljanin, Director of the Hastor Foundation, also addressed participants of the meeting. Mr. Fijuljanin is a member of the Board of Directors of the Philanthropic Forum. In his speech, he emphasized the mission and vision of the Philanthropic Forum:
“Mission: The Philanthropic Forum is a platform for companies, organizations and individuals, leaders in investing in a better society in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Together, we inspire strategic approaches to investing in society, create an environment that stimulates giving, and promote philanthropy as a social value. Vision: Bosnia and Herzegovina investing in the common good today for a better society in the future. “
As a confirmation of allegations that the culture of giving and charity is deeply rooted in the culture and tradition of Bosnia and Herzegovina, key data from the Annual Report on the State of Philanthropy in 2020 prepared by the Catalyst Balkans Foundation show that:
- The estimated value of donations in 2020 was 38.5 million euros, which is almost three times more than the previous year;
- There has been an increase in per capita donations from 3.7 euros in 2019 to 11.7 euros in 2020;
- In 2020, the corporate sector undertook almost half of all philanthropic actions and donated one third of the recorded amount;
- Mass giving of citizens maintained a high level of activity, with a third of the value donated and a larger number of organized actions compared to the previous year;
- Diaspora maintained a similar level of participation as the previous year, with almost a 10% share of the total donated value, directing two-thirds of that amount to COVID-19-related topics.
A special novelty is the appointment and the first public address of the Executive Director of the Philanthropic Forum, Tatjana Vučić, who will lead the Forum as the strongest platform for strategic philanthropic action with her positive energy and enthusiasm.
At the end of this event, an invitation was sent to companies, foundations, but also to individual philanthropists to join the Philanthropic Forum, because giving something good to someone is simply in the nature of every human being. More information on admission to the Philanthropic Forum is available in the application form.
Socially responsible companies and foundations joined the Philanthropic … (lonac.pro)
