BACKGROUND

Building on previously successful initiatives, Philanthropy for Local Communities is a two-year direct grant implemented by the Trag Foundation, a Serbian civil society organization (CSO). The project’s goals are to increase civic participation in local communities and promote local philanthropy across Serbia.  To achieve these goals, the project helps  Serbian CSOs increase direct contact with their local constituencies, diversify their funding sources, and contribute to the development of local philanthropy—an issue of great importance to ensure CSO sustainability in in the country.

ACTIVITIES

Philanthropy for Local Communities equips 20 community CSOs with the knowledge, skills, and techniques they need to raise funds from local sources.  The project trains CSOs in these skill sets, provides fundraising assistance, and awards grants that match the funds CSOs raise within their local communities.

The project also works with foundations and philanthropic institutions in Serbia to ensure these entities are sustainable and capable of fulfilling their important role.  It is providing assistance to the Front Foundation from Novi Pazar, Iskorak Foundation from Zajecar, Moonlight Foundation from Subotica, and Obrenovac Youth Foundation—helping to build these local foundations’ organizational and operational capacity.   

For CSOs, foundations, and individuals to make philanthropic decisions, they also need to know and understand how philanthropy in Serbia works. As such, the project also disseminates research on philanthropic trends in Serbia, organizes local philanthropy conferences, and provides information that promotes local giving.

Project funded by:

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID/Serbia)

Project implemented by:

Trag Foundation

Key partners:

Catalyst, Front Foundation, Iskorak Foundation, Moonlight Foundation, and Obrenovac Youth Foundation

Where we work:

Serbia (especially Southern and Eastern Serbia, Subotica, Zaječar, Novi Pazar, Obrenovac and Belgrade).

Project duration:

March 2015 – March 2017

Total amount:  $325,954

USAID contribution:  $300,000

Cost Share:  $25,954

Contact:

Đevđelijska 19<
11120 Belgrade
Phone: +381 11 78 39 467
> E-mail:  office@tragfondacija.org
Website:   www.tragfondacija.org
Social Media: https://sr-rs.facebook.com/TRAGfondacija