The “Community Potentials” Program is implemented by the National Foundation for Civil Society Development with the aim of fostering sustainable development and active citizenship in local communities through inter-sectoral and intergenerational collaboration in 8 Croatian communities. Through this program, communities collaborate with young people and older persons to strengthen social potential and drive positive change at the local level.
Program Objectives and Purpose
The program is designed to:
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identify and activate community potentials, i.e. people, ideas, and resources that can contribute to a better quality of life for all residents;
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empower citizens of all generations to become drivers of change (“change-makers”) through intergenerational cooperation;
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encourage the design and implementation of community actions that address local challenges and improve shared spaces, relationships, and services within the community.
The program has been implemented in cooperation with local authorities, secondary schools, older persons, and national and international partners through the i3.0 Strategic Partnerships for innovation in local communities.
What Has Been Achieved So Far
In its first year of implementation (2024), the program was carried out in 8 local communities and 10 secondary schools across 3 Croatian counties, involving more than 100 young people and older persons as creators of positive change.
During 2025, all participating communities. Zadar, Pag, Biograd na Moru, Šibenik, Drniš, Karlovac, Slunj and Duga Resa successfully designed and implemented two community actions each in their local environments. These actions included initiatives such as the development of social and recreational spaces, outdoor classrooms, cultural and educational activities, as well as the creation of tools and platforms that connect citizens and encourage their community engagement.
These achievements clearly demonstrate that the programme generates not only ideas, but also tangible and visible results that contribute to an improved quality of life in participating communities.
Importance of the Program
The “Community Potentials” Program is based on the fact that sustainable change begins with people and that local communities have the strength and capacity to shape their own future. The program:
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empowers young and older generations to work together on solutions;
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strengthens the sense of responsibility and solidarity among residents;
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encourages the development of innovative approaches to sustainable local development;
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builds bridges between different stakeholders within the community, from schools and local governments to civil society and international partners.
