CHALLENGES
Philanthropic giving has the potential to generate substantial resources for social impact and economic development in North Macedonia. While more than half of companies engage in philanthropic giving, contributions often are not invested strategically, nor measure impact. Further, much philanthropic support is directed to meeting emergency needs of individuals. Furthermore, civil society organizations in North Macedonia are almost entirely dependant on foreign donors, and eighty-nine percent have never received resources from local stakeholders. Municipalities have started to engage citizens in identifying community priorities and addressing them. Still, local government is challenged by a lack of human resources, financial resources, and effective mechanisms.
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION
The activity aims to stimulate discourse about community priorities, seeks participatory approval for those initiatives, and strengthens community capacity to raise local funds in an inclusive, effective, and sustainable manner to carry out initiatives. In this way, philanthropy will be harnessed at the local level to help stakeholders better address development challenges and make social impact in communities.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
- Improved mobilization of philanthropic funding from local individual and corporate donors for community development initiatives.
- Increased engagement between citizens and local elected officials that incorporates feedback mechanisms and citizen participation in choosing municipal priorities.
- Empowered local civil society organizations collaborate with public, private, and civic stakeholders to identify community priorities, plan, fund, and implement solutions for sustainable local development.
- A stronger culture of volunteering and charitable giving with increased participation and engagement in philanthropic activities among target sectors.
