Developing a culture of philanthropy and community service can provide one means of weaning dependence on government.  Serbia has a rich history of philanthropy.  Before communism it was an integral part of its culture.  Today it is virtually nonexistent.  The goal of the SUC foundations program is to contribute to the reestablishment of philanthropic institutions. Through our program we engage Serbs in enabling the return and proliferation of foundations and other charitable institutions.  The participants and those that become engaged later can become examples of, and go on to promote the philanthropic principle, social responsibility and civil activism.   The resulting social structures can become additional players in promoting and engaging in the necessary reforms and the proliferation of philanthropy.

The SUC Round Table on Foundations (in this phase) introduced Serbia to its charitable institution history, the need of this institution in a democracy and the conditions not present but needed to induce national growth of these institutions.

A team of experts examined the history and current status of charitable institutions in Serbia.  A comparative analysis of other countries’ legal and economic environments for foundations produced recommendations for a new law on foundations. The Serbian Unity Congress program continues to build on those findings and work to develop a support structure for and a network of charitable organizations, operating training and more.

LINKS:

http://www.serbianunity.net/sucinfo/chapters/Belgrade/2007/12/17/index_s.html

http://www.serbianunity.net/sucinfo/chapters/Belgrade/2007/09/04/index_s.html