Why is institutional support crucial for the development of associations?
Institutional support for the stabilisation and/or development of associations represents the longest-standing form of investment by the National Foundation for Civil Society Development in the Republic of Croatia, continuously implemented for 22 years. It is one of the fundamental forms of funding through which an enabling environment is created for the stable, sustainable, and strategic development of civil society organisations. By ensuring financial stability, this type of support provides organisations with the space for long-term planning, strengthening organisational capacities, and implementing continuous and strategically oriented activities. Unlike project-based funding, which is time and topic-limited, institutional support is focused on strengthening organisational resilience, fostering innovation, and ensuring dynamism in operations – thereby reinforcing the long-term role of organised civil society in the development of democratisation and local communities.
By introducing institutional support in 2004, the National Foundation for Civil Society Development launched its first major innovation in the systematic funding of associations in the Republic of Croatia that operate for the common good. It is a unique model of public funding in the Republic of Croatia, which has enabled numerous organisations, through three-year cycles of institutional support, to stabilise and develop their organisational capacities and become active (co)drivers of social change at the local, national, and European levels.
During the period from 2004 to 2024, the trend in the total amount of investment in institutional support clearly reflects the development of this model. In the initial phase (2004–2013), annual amounts gradually increased, while 2014 marked a turning point: the level of institutional funding exceeded EUR 3 million, initiating a new phase of more systematic and strategic investment in civil society organisations.
In the period immediately prior to the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union in 2013, institutional support from the National Foundation played a key role in preparing organisations for the growing administrative requirements of EU projects. Through long-term support, many organisations developed their administrative, programme, and financial capacities, established effective governance structures, and gained experience in managing complex financial instruments. This made them more competitive in implementing EU projects and better prepared to absorb funds from European funds.
In the period from 2015 to 2019, institutional support stabilised as a strategic source of funding, with annual amounts ranging between EUR 2.8 and 3.9 million. A new wave of growth was recorded in 2020, when the amount of support exceeded EUR 4 million for the first time, and since 2021 it has exceeded EUR 5 million each year. A record amount was allocated in 2024, namely EUR 6,655,567.75 – more than nine times the initial funding amounts from 2004.
Institutional support is awarded to associations whose activities cover a wide range of areas of public interest: protection and promotion of human rights – with a particular emphasis on the rights of minorities, women, children, and persons with disabilities – combating discrimination, strengthening democratic political culture and civic participation. Significant funds are also directed towards environmental protection and sustainable development, including combating climate change and promoting environmental awareness. Special attention is also given to youth programmes and volunteering, as well as improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities, providing social services, and caring for the homeless. In the field of health and prevention, programmes promoting healthy lifestyles, disease and addiction prevention, and psychosocial support are supported, while support is also directed towards improving the quality of life of Croatian war veterans and victims of the Homeland War, as well as improving the living conditions of pensioners. Furthermore, support also includes initiatives for the development of local communities, rural development, international cooperation, and development aid.
Through continuous monitoring and multi-year support, this model of institutional investment has proven crucial for strengthening the resilience of organised civil society in Croatia. The total amount allocated through institutional support in the period from 2004 to 2024 amounts to EUR 65,615,093.26, further confirming the strategic importance of long-term and systematic investment in the development of associations, building active and responsible communities, and preserving and advancing democratic values.
Analysis of achievements of associations of persons with disabilities (HRV)
Analysis of achievements of pensioners’ associations (HRV)
Analysis of achievements of associations stemming from the Homeland War (HRV)
Analysis of achievements of consumer protection associations (HRV)
