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Description
Organisational grant will contribute to :
1. Stability, sustainability and development - Investing in staff competencies for a) development of social innovations for inclusion of vulnerable groups, b) the application of new models of citizen participation and c) new digital tools to increase capacities for effective program implementation and achievement of results. The support will ensure continuation of program activities, retention of people in the organization and the opportunity to receive new young people for further development in accordance with values, vision and mission.
2. Targeted strategic goals are to:
- apply new models of participatory community development
- establish regional Demo Academy - platform for learning and networking of CSOs and activists from Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina
- expansion of civil education according to a clear strategy
- development of new capacity building program for good governance and women''s leadership available to CSOs
- ensured sustainability of the Social Studio as a place of support and empowerment of vulnerable groups.
3. Target groups are general public, CSOs, women, children and young people including those in disadvantaged position. Our work will a) increase opportunities for the inclusion and equal participation of citizens, especially the vulnerable; b) contribute to quality of programs and activities and c) to strengthen democratic engagement and to restore of trust and actions based on the principles of inclusivity, solidarity, dialogue, and equal opportunities.
4. Increasing influence - Development of digital competencies and tools will ensure effective communication with citizens and a greater outreach to the community. An improved system for monitoring and measuring impact will be used to improve actions and advocacy including expansion of supporters among citizens, CSOs and institutions, and better understanding of the role of CSOs in society.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several critical challenges that have become increasingly prominent in Croatian society, particularly in the context of frequent crises and shifting societal needs. One of the primary issues is the impact of these crises, which have highlighted the necessity for civil society organizations (CSOs) to become more adaptable and resilient in order to respond effectively. With the growing frequency of crises, it’s more important than ever for these organizations to be equipped to handle sudden and ongoing challenges.
Another key issue the project focused on is the decline in democratic culture and the shrinking of civic space. In many communities, there is a weakening of trust in democratic institutions and a lack of engagement from citizens, especially the youth. This disconnection from democratic processes limits the collective action needed to address societal challenges. Furthermore, a lack of strong volunteer programs and inadequate resources for civil society further complicates efforts to revitalize democratic engagement.
Additionally, growing distrust in political systems and leadership has eroded public faith in institutions, which creates a barrier to effective social engagement. This erosion of trust has been particularly evident among the youth, who often feel disconnected from systemic structures and remain disengaged from civic and political life. A significant challenge here is the lack of education on democracy, which limits their participation and voice in shaping the future.
Inequalities, especially those linked to regional disparities, have also been a major concern. Areas like Slavonia and Baranja face particular challenges, with significant portions of the population at risk of poverty or social exclusion. The situation is compounded by the arrival of refugees and economic migrants, which further strains local resources and social systems. This environment of deepening inequalities has created significant barriers to achieving equitable development, leaving vulnerable groups particularly marginalized.
Finally, the growing divisions in society—whether cultural, generational, or ethnic—are another challenge that the project sought to address. These widening gaps threaten social cohesion and undermine the shared values that bind communities together.
The primary groups affected by these challenges include citizens, particularly children, youth, and marginalized populations, as well as educators, volunteer coordinators, and other professionals involved in community development. At the institutional level, CSOs, non-profits, schools, universities, and public administration bodies play a critical role in addressing these issues, alongside the private sector and media outlets.
To address these challenges, the project’s strategic focus was centered on creating long-lasting, positive change by fostering a robust civil society, rebuilding trust in democratic institutions, and empowering individuals across communities. The project prioritized several key areas to make this vision a reality:
- Civic education, particularly for children and youth, to cultivate informed, engaged citizens,
- Enhanced civic engagement through promoting democratic values, volunteer opportunities, and participatory models,
- Strengthening civil society organizations (CSOs) by improving their operational effectiveness and providing training and advocacy support,
- Empowering vulnerable groups by fostering inclusion and equal opportunities,
- Inclusive community development that promotes mutual respect, addresses socio-economic disparities, and bridges societal divides,
- Collaborative networks to ensure sustainable solutions through cooperation among CSOs, institutions, the private sector, and communities.
DKolektiv has made significant strides in strengthening civic engagement, social inclusion, and democratic participation across Croatia in 2023 and 2024. Through various initiatives, the organization has supported local communities, empowered young people, and provided assistance to vulnerable groups.
One of the key efforts was the launch of the DKolektiv PoDcast, which reached 1,746 listeners across six episodes. Covering topics such as media literacy, EU integration, and youth participation, the podcast encouraged open discussions on pressing social issues. Civic activism was further promoted through two exhibitions, Faces of DAtelje and Perspective of Generations, which inspired intergenerational dialogue and public engagement.
To foster collaboration between civil society organizations, educational institutions, and local communities, DKolektiv organized forums, roundtables, and consultations. These gatherings addressed topics such as human rights, gender equality, and active citizenship. Regular surveys and focus groups helped ensure that programs responded to real community needs, making them both relevant and impactful.
Empowering young people remained at the heart of DKolektiv’s work. Through youth simulation programs like the European Parliament simulation, participants gained hands-on experience with democratic processes. The organization’s Erasmus+ accreditation in 2023 opened new opportunities for international exchanges, allowing young people to connect with European best practices. In rural areas like Borovo and Erdut, the Mobile Atelier program provided mentorship, guiding young people in developing and leading their own local initiatives.
The Social Atelier community center became a vital space for inclusion, civic engagement, and solidarity. Since opening, it has welcomed 962 users, including 261 individuals from vulnerable groups. Through support groups for women, youth education programs, cultural events, and intergenerational projects, the center has strengthened community ties. Its impact has been recognized with the SozialMarie Award for Social Innovation and the Excellence in Cities Award, highlighting its role in promoting social cohesion.
Volunteerism was another key focus. Through the Volonteka e-platform, DKolektiv connected volunteers with meaningful opportunities, while also integrating volunteering into school programs to encourage civic responsibility among youth. The organization further contributed to the professionalization of volunteering by developing new standards and conducting research on the social impact of volunteer work.
Supporting the growth of civil society remained a priority. DKolektiv worked with 79 local organizations across three counties, identifying key challenges and opportunities for development. The If We Weren’t Here… campaign engaged over 70 participants, raising awareness of the critical role civil society organizations play in community development. Training programs equipped 170 CSO representatives with new skills in management and digital tools, while the CSO Strategic Compass curriculum was created to help organizations navigate contemporary challenges.
As part of its efforts to address social inequality, DKolektiv produced a podcast on child poverty and hosted the Echoes of Social Europe roundtable, bringing together experts and activists to explore solutions to social injustice in Croatia. These initiatives provided valuable insights and laid the foundation for future advocacy work focused on children and youth.
At the same time, direct support was provided to refugees, women from minority backgrounds, and the elderly. Group sessions for Ukrainian refugees, educational workshops for low-income children, and structured dialogues for migrant women helped promote inclusion and strengthen community ties.
Through these diverse activities, DKolektiv has played a crucial role in encouraging civic engagement, strengthening communities, and creating a more inclusive society.
DKolektiv has successfully balanced stability and innovation, strengthening the impact of its programs while responding to evolving community needs. By fostering collaboration, promoting active citizenship, and introducing targeted interventions, the organization has created meaningful change for vulnerable groups, reduced social isolation, and built stronger connections across generations.
Young people have gained confidence and motivation through educational and community action programs that encouraged their active participation in civic life. These initiatives equipped them with valuable skills and helped them feel more engaged in their communities. Volunteers and students further developed civic, social, and organizational skills by taking part in DKolektiv’s activities, enhancing their sense of responsibility and leadership. Teachers also benefited from resources such as the Teachers'' Forum, which introduced innovative methods for teaching civic education, gender equality, and human rights.
As part of its efforts to strengthen civic literacy among young people, DKolektiv partnered with Nansen Dialogue Centre Osijek on the Prava aplikacija project. This initiative focused on improving education on human and civic rights, particularly in regions where young people have limited access to consistent teaching and additional resources. Within the project, DKolektiv provided training for teachers and youth workers, equipping them with knowledge and practical tools to enhance human rights education in schools. The project also developed the PRAVA application, a digital tool designed to support both students and educators in making human rights education more accessible and engaging. Through these efforts, PRAVA aplikacija helped strengthen democratic values and civic participation among youth.
As part of an international project on youth loneliness, DKolektiv conducted research highlighting the positive role of volunteering in reducing social isolation. This resulted in the development of a best-practices manual and a capacity-building guide for organizations, set to be published in late 2024. A community campaign also raised awareness of the challenges of youth loneliness, fostering public dialogue on this important issue.
Older adults have benefited from digital literacy workshops, with 60% of participants now actively using digital platforms to stay connected with society. Intergenerational programs, including the Festival of Intergenerational Solidarity and the Perspective of Generations: Citizens of Osijek exhibit, strengthened understanding and collaboration between younger and older generations. Local schools and organizations played a key role in bridging generational gaps, fostering mutual learning and support.
Vulnerable groups have found a safe and supportive environment at the Social Atelier, where they can connect, share experiences, and feel empowered. Support groups for women, young fathers, and refugees provided much-needed spaces for dialogue, personal development, and encouragement, helping participants build resilience and social connections.
Civil society organizations have expanded their impact through DKolektiv’s networking and knowledge-exchange initiatives. By fostering collaboration, DKolektiv has created a stronger network of CSOs that share resources, exchange expertise, and work collectively to address local challenges.
Participants across programs have reported a deeper sense of belonging and social inclusion, highlighting the success of DKolektiv’s initiatives in fostering a more connected and engaged society. The creation of a new community space has further enhanced collaboration, learning, and civic action. This space embodies the values of solidarity, inclusivity, freedom, and human rights, reinforcing DKolektiv’s long-term commitment to social justice and collective well-being.