Bridging communities through philanthropy: insights from a study visit
to Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina

In July representatives from Local Action Hubs (prospective community foundations) from North Macedonia, along with the support organisation, Association Konekt, took part in a study visit to Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. They engaged with the Trag Foundation, foundation leaders, community members, and local stakeholders to learn from diverse models of grassroots action explored how community foundations are driving local development, fostering civic engagement, and cultivating a culture of philanthropy. Below Nikola Trajkovski, Programme Associate, Association Konekt
reflects on a deeply emotional, intellectual and transformative experience. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Community ownership matters: Locally driven initiatives foster deeper engagement and long-term sustainability
• Youth are central: Empowering young people leads to innovation and lasting change
• Regional models are adaptable: The diversity of community foundations visited showed that flexibility is essential
• Philanthropy is powerful: When rooted in local values, giving becomes a tool for transformation

LEARNING ACROSS BORDERS: FOUR CITIES, FOUR STORIES

To have a better experience, the team visited municipalities and community foundations that provided a diversity of size and socio-economic context comparable to the context of North Macedonia. Each destination offered a unique lens into the power of community-led initiatives. Niš presented a well-established community foundation model that actively engages youth and marginalised groups through transparent grantmaking and inclusive programming.

The foundation’s creative fundraising strategies - such as online auctions and community tournaments - demonstrated how innovation and collaboration can mobilise local resources and strengthen civic participation.

In Stara Pazova, the group encountered a smaller yet highly effective CF, characterized by strong municipal cooperation and support from small local businesses. Participants also received a broader overview of the community foundation movement in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina from the Trag Foundation, which plays a pivotal role in supporting and scaling community foundations across the region.

Bijeljina offered a compelling narrative of how informal civic enthusiasm and personal relationships can evolve into a trusted local institution. The foundation’s work in education, culture, and local development—combined with its partnerships with local authorities and civic actors—underscored the value of horizontal collaboration.

Finally, Tuzla showcased a vibrant model of youth-led activism, cultural revitalisation, and inter ethnic dialogue. The foundation’s dynamic approach to fundraising, including special-purpose donation funds, illustrated how community foundations can be both resilient and responsive in complex social environments.

LESSONS THAT TRAVEL HOME

The study visit was more than a professional exchange - it was a deeply emotional and intellectual experience. Participants returned to North Macedonia with renewed energy, practical tools, and a deeper appreciation for the diversity of CF models in the region, as well as practical insights into how CFs can be adapted to their own communities.

By connecting with regional leaders and support organizations like Trag Foundation, Macedonian local action hubs now have access to a broader network for collaboration, mentorship, and joint initiatives. This regional connectivity opens new possibilities for scaling impact and adapting successful practices to local contexts.

The experience also helped systemize knowledge and strengthen the regional movement of community foundations - each uniquely shaped by its local context, yet united by a common goal: empowering people to shape their own futures.

Testimonial by a study visit participant:

“This study visit was of great importance. I had the opportunity to meet many new people and new organizations, to acquire new knowledge, as well as new ways and mechanisms of work. It was also a pleasure for me to meet the culture and customs of other countries and peoples.”

If you are interested in how the study visit in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina went, watch the <<video>> created by the Konekt team. This journey was part of the project “Community Foundations - Enhancing Local Philanthropy in the Western Balkans”, implemented by Association Konekt in partnership with Trag Foundation (Serbia) and Tuzla Community Foundation (Bosnia and Herzegovina). The initiative was supported by the Western Balkans Fund and the European Union, under the 7th call for proposals of the WBF-EU Joint Action.

Nikola Trajkovski,
Programme Associate, Association Konekt
September 2025