The survey Philanthropy in Central & Eastern Europe 2020 clearly indicates that 65% of individual donors want to increase their philanthropic giving. More and more companies are starting to operate in a responsible and sustainable manner, motivated by increasingly conscious employees, investors, and consumers. 39% of Slovaks are already willing to pay more for products and services offered by socially responsible brands.
One thing is certain – individuals and businesses have more and more resources and willingness to effectively tackle social and environmental challenges. What barriers stand in their way? To see recommendations for changes, prepared in collaboration with organizations that are shaping the Slovak impact ecosystem, please download the free report below.
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Consultations’ Participants
Ashoka
Business Leaders Forum
Centre for Philanthropy
Circular Slovakia
ESET
Female Algorithm
Institute of Family Business
Pontis Foundation
Slovak Business Agency
Slovak Fundrising Centre
Slovak Telekom
Slovenská sporiteľňa, a.s.
Social Inovators, cooperative
The Entrepreneurs Association of Slovakia
The Green Foundation
University of Economics in Bratislava
COUNTRY PROFILE
In Slovakia, the area of social responsibility has developed at a dynamic pace in recent years. Many of the standards and trends present in developed countries can also be observed in Slovakia, but they are not yet fully adapted, which means that we can expect further development of the social ecosystem in the coming years. A key change that has already taken place and is linked to an increase in the material status of the population is the growing interest in social and environmental issues. Large umbrella organizations that coordinate support and professionalize the entire sector are becoming increasingly important. More and more companies are implementing ESG-based strategies.
To read more, download the reportLEGAL & TAX
Postulates & Recommendations
Recommendation: We would not recommend modifying the system in principle. Rather, we would advocate other, additional options of direct financing for social activities that would provide tangible benefits to potential donors, in particular tax breaks, benefits, deductible items.
Recommendation: Since this legislation has only been implemented recently, its assessment requires time. However, the introduction of various specific benefits for tenderers who support social and environmental causes (bonus points, exemptions) could realistically increase their involvement in these areas.
Recommendation: The state can use a number of tools to promote philanthropic activity among companies. It can consider introducing additional, specific exemptions to legislation (e.g. by setting a range of donations, a value ceiling over a period of time, etc.).
Recommendation: The system of EU funding in Slovakia requires verification and possible implementation of the rules which work in other EU countries. It also needs to get closer to the target group – entities that are bound by the obligations specified in the contract with the authority that granted the funding. An information campaign for the target groups would be useful.
Recommendation: It would be beneficial to deploy an information campaign highlighting the benefits of certain forms of formalizing public benefit activities.
“SOFT” ACTIONS
Postulates & Recommendations
Recommendation: Promote long-term planning and activities. Encourage support for less popular but important goals by demonstrating their impact. Promote good practices and role models among businesses and individuals.
Recommendation: Create a strategy at the national level and communicate it widely to all sectors. Educate the general public, strengthen the rhetoric about the need to act. Simplify the law. Create and promote incentives. Reduce tax and legal barriers.
Recommendation: It is important to strengthen umbrella organizations and promote their role in building a sustainable ecosystem. Their impact on cross-sector cooperation and exchange of knowledge and ideas is crucial.
Recommendation: Conduct educational activities at all levels. Training should be provided to companies, management boards, young leaders, and nonprofits. Academia should be strengthen to provide good CSR/ESG specialists to the market. Education programs are needed for school children so that they become sensitive to social and environmental needs from an early age.
Recommendation: A system of long-term financing for the social sector must be created along with incentives for individual and corporate donors to finance the social sector.
Recommendation: Encourage companies to be more strategic and impact-oriented and in their actions. Create a supportive tax and legal environment. Reward and promote good practices, catalog them.
Recommendation: Expect effectiveness and impact measurement. Promote the benefits of sustainable investments among businesses (combining profit with sustainability) and nonprofits (better offer, greater cooperation, focus on long-term, sustainable goals).
Recommendation: Demonstrate the benefits of being socially responsible to SME leaders. Educate them. Share best practices, tools, and solutions if you are a bigger, more experienced company.
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