Government of the Republic of Serbia
According to a study by the “Catalyst Balkans” foundation, citizens and companies in Serbia donated EUR 27.3 million for the general welfare in 2018. Unlike 2017, when companies donated the most, during the past year citizens were the most charitable, donating over EUR 11 million.
“Philanthropy is constantly developing in Serbia, and we can see that after the significant increase in 2017 the total amount donated has stabilized at around EUR 27 million. Citizens have become the largest donors in the country through various mass donation campaigns for the first time since we have been implementing this study, with over EUR 11 million in donations”, said Nathan Koeshall, Director of Catalyst Balkans.
Director of Trag Foundation Biljana Dakić Đorđević believes the increase in citizen donations is due to non-profit organizations that articulate and solve problems in local communities.
The Director of the “Ana and Vlade Divac” Foundation leading the Coalition for Charity expects that good results regarding charity are yet to come.
“In order to truly initiate changes in the legislative system, which is often insufficiently stimulating for donors, mainly companies and individuals, we have initiated the establishment of a Philanthropic Council last year, with the Prime Minister’s Office. Working groups have also been formed that will work on resolving key issues in several areas, such as improving the framework for donating surplus food, we wish to improve and consistently apply laws related to donations by legal persons, and to create the conditions for tax breaks for individuals donating to the general good. This will make donation easier and more stimulating for all. According to preliminary results, every dinar the state gives up by eliminating VAT for food donations returns double to the community” notes Ana Koeshall.
The main findings of the study and the study in its entirety can be downloaded at givingbalkans.org.
pdf [271 KB]
Leave a Comment