Encouraging giving in challenging times – “Building a movement of local foundations in the Western Balkans region”

Just one day after organizations from Niš, Stara Pazova and Pancevo were selected in the first round of calls for local communities in Serbia, a state of emergency was declared and quarantine began due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite, or rather because of, the groups were enthusiastic and eager to initiate local philanthropy.

The trail inspired them to rethink how to build resources, map local needs and resources, and initiate dialogue with the community where possible to mobilize it. Since live gatherings were not possible, they used both digital and traditional media, mass media, as well as newsletters, websites and social networks.

During the process, Trag managed the program with great care and helped the groups achieve their goal and start donation programs. In agreement with the C.S.Mot Foundation, the start-up phase began when they reached the first threshold of 3,000 euros and received a doubled donation. The group hit the target within the first few months and opened their grant programs in the spring of 2021, which saw them collectively receive 125 applications and use €29,918.99 to support 35 initiatives in the fields of education, arts, community development and the environment.