Philanthropy, which is manifested through giving in money, goods, services, personal capacities, knowledge, volunteering or time is an essential factor in the development of any community. It is of great benefit for everyone in Bosnia and Herzegovina to simplify the process of giving for the common good, as well as to increase the giving itself.
The Legal Framework for Philanthropy program is implemented by the Mozaik Foundation, with the financial support of the United States Agency for International Development – USAID, together with the Network for Building Peace, the Hastor Foundation and the Association Pomozi.ba, as well as with partner organizations from Serbia – Trag Foundation and Foundation Catalyst. The program will be implemented over the next four years. It will work on improving the legal framework for philanthropy in Bosnia and Herzegovina and enable more transparent corporate and individual giving, as well as those coming from civil society organizations. The program will create a coalition and cooperation of all those who have knowledge and experience in this area, so that, by working together and networking capacities, the desired changes really happen. Civil society organizations, in addition to the private and public sectors, are recognized as important drivers and actors for the development of philanthropy in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Civil society organizations have many years of knowledge and experience gained through practical work in this area, so networking, as well as the experience of the civil society sector is crucial for the progress of philanthropy in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Since 2010, the Network for Building Peace, together with its members, has created a better society and better opportunities to help those in need. Within the program Legal Framework for Philanthropy, the Network has the role of connecting actors from the civil society sector, communicating with representatives of the civil sector, and motivating representatives of the civil sector to take part in creating the necessary legal changes. Civil society organizations made a significant contribution at the first one-sector meeting, held in February, at which the Legal Framework for Philanthropy program was presented. Focus groups were held, during which civil society representatives shared their practical experiences in philanthropy. Additionally, the next steps within the program Legal framework for philanthropy were discussed and announced.
“United Women” Banja Luka, Viva Žene Tuzla, the Association of Roma Women “Bolja budućnost” Tuzla, the Association Horizonti Tuzla, Muharem Berbić Foundation Sarajevo and the Association “Srce na dlanu” Banja Luka formalized their commitment to improving philanthropy in Bosnia and Herzegovina by singing partnership statements with the Network for Building Peace, in order to further work on the Legal Framework for Philanthropy program. Partnership implies mutual cooperation, communication, support, participation in defining common advocacy goals, but also free expression of opinions and views on further activities within this program.
If your organization also wants to contribute to a better legal framework for philanthropy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, feel free to contact the Network for Building Peace.
