engleski

Philanthropy and foundations in Croatia: forgotten past and unfolding innovative philanthropic culture

The topic of philanthropy, as a new emerging field, is under-researched in Croatia. Available data, both in terms of research findings and statistical data, are very limited. Furthermore, the socio-cultural environment is not conducive for strengthening of philanthropic culture ; low levels of trust in society and lack of cooperation among key stakeholders are seen as barriers for its development. Notwithstanding the important role foundations had played in modernization of social, educational and health systems in Croatia in the end of 19th early 20th century, today, the topic and practice of philanthropy lack needed legitimacy among professionals and wider public. A space for a dialogue on today’s potentials and role of philanthropy, in the society overloaded with developmental problems, is very narrow. From other side, there is evidence on potentials and available resources in society for new philanthropic culture, especially through the corporate sector, giving by bequests and through innovative initiatives for fundraising. After longer debate, the new Law on Foundations, from 2018, has made the procedure of registration and operation of foundations less bureaucratic, with an aim of enhancing the development of philanthropy. Several recent promising cases of philanthropic initiatives call for new empirical research, which would contribute to debate on the role of foundations. Also, it might be contribution to mobilization of available resources in society. The aim of the paper to investigate and discuss new phenomena in philanthropy and potential (innovative) role it plays in Croatia today, by, first, analyzing the new legislative framework, and second, by conducting three case studies, which portray possible innovative and mobilizing potentials for giving in Croatia. First portray example of individual giving by bequest, second case depicts far-reaching effects on innovations in education systems through fundraising (crowdfunding) and third is on the long-lasting contributions of corporate foundation in the fields of education, research and heritage. Paper is going to be exploratory study providing empirical evidence as a foundation for future comprehensive empirical research.

foundations ; innovations ; legislative framework ; Croatia

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