The importance of saying ‘yes’
This piece explores how community foundations in Serbia became agents of social change despite challenging political and social conditions. Based on qualitative research with grantees and local actors, it shows how openness, trust, and consistent support—especially towards informal groups—enabled community engagement and revitalised civic participation. By saying “yes” to local initiatives, community foundations created space for action, strengthened civil society, and demonstrated how small-scale interventions can lead to broader systemic change.
