A ground-breaking initiative raises philanthropy in Macedonia to new heights (April 16, 2008)

 

The Center for Institutional Development (CIRa) – one of the key implementing partners of the USAID-funded Civil Society Strengthening Project – undertook a ground breaking program to encourage philanthropic activities from Macedonian companies and individuals.

CIRa matched 1 denar for each denar donated to the 13 participating NGOs ranging from youth organizations to humanitarian assistance and environmental protection institutions. The results were unprecedented – in just six months, over 300 citizens and companies throughout Macedonia donated over 2 million denars (approximately 38,000 euros) to NGOs in support of community projects, and almost 150 citizens volunteered their time.

 
These initiatives improved facilities of children’s hospitals and playrooms, allowed Roma children to enroll in primary schools, provided business training to unemployed youth, installed waste processing systems in primary schools, and provided computer training to persons with disabilities. These impressive results once again demonstrated that Macedonian public is eager to contribute their time and resources to NGOs as long as they understand the needs and see the results. The overall goal of the Civil Society Strengthening project is to make Macedonia’s civil society a more effective, influential and permanent partner alongside Government and the business sector.
 
 
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