Balkan Countries

Region Overview

The Global Philanthropy Environment Index “Balkan Countries” region includes Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. 

The Balkan Countries had a moderately favorable environment for philanthropy, with a regional overall score of 3.64 and no major changes observed in 2018–2020. Across the region, the regulatory environment for forming and operating a philanthropic organization (PO) remains favorable, with consistent regulations and clear guidelines. Tax policies for giving and receiving charitable contributions, however, show a need for improvement as the administrative processes are often burdensome, requiring moderate time and resources. The environment for cross-border philanthropic flows remains positive; there are no restrictions on cross-border giving in the region, but tax incentives might be limited for sending or receiving cross-border donations. The relationship between governments and POs has become less supportive in many countries due to a decreasing level of public funds, government attacks towards human rights organizations, a decreasing level of transparency, or a general lack of promoting philanthropy. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, countries in the region experienced an economic slowdown, which in turn impacted the economic environment for philanthropy. POs, however, have continued to help their communities—often with reduced funding. The future of philanthropy is promising in the region, nonetheless; country experts anticipate more involvement from individual and corporate donors, an increasing use of online giving, and a greater number of formal and informal networks that can further enhance philanthropy at the national and regional levels.