In Serbia, civil society organizations largely depend on donor funding. Some of the ways to ensure more stable financing for their work include direct donations from citizens, cooperation with the private sector, and individual contributions. Without stable and diversified sources of funding, even organizations that have existed in Serbia for decades struggle to continue supporting those whose voices are often unheard and overlooked.
This is precisely why Helvetas Serbia initiated cooperation with the companies Visa and Payten, enabling civil society organizations—for the first time in Serbia—to take a step toward a new era of sustainability through the use of POS terminals. We live in a time when cashless payments have become part of everyday life—67% of citizens in Serbia use cashless payment methods. At the same time, citizens are willing to financially support initiatives they believe in, especially when the donation process is simple and transparent. Today, making a donation can be as easy as tapping a card on a device.
Fixed and mobile POS (point of sale) terminals have been introduced in ten organizations across Serbia that Helvetas and Civic Initiatives work with through the ACT project, supported by the Swiss Government. These organizations address a wide range of issues—from mental health care and environmental protection, to the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities, the LGBT community, and support for children without parental care. Within just the first few months of use, these organizations managed to raise significant funds at festivals, public events, street actions, and in their own premises, thanks to the possibility of cashless donations.
Engaging citizens in financing the work of civil society organizations is not just about money—it is about support. When citizens donate, they become part of the changes that organizations advocate for and implement. POS terminals make this first step easier and help build long-term relationships between organizations and their communities. In the Serbian context, such tools can have a transformative effect, strengthening activism and ensuring that the voices of vulnerable groups are heard.
The holiday season is traditionally a time of giving and an opportunity for supporting civil society organizations to become part of everyday practice. For example, the civil society organization “Prostor” from Belgrade, which supports people with mental health difficulties, managed to raise more than 30,000 RSD in just one evening during the multi-day Mental Health Festival, thanks to donations made via an installed POS terminal.
A similar success was achieved by the organization “Proaktiv” from Niš, which empowers young people from Niš to actively participate in political life. During the celebration of its 15th anniversary, the organization raised more than 57,000 RSD through card donations, confirming that fellow citizens recognize and support their work.
Nebojša Stojanović from Proaktiv (Niš) on ACT support
“Thanks to the institutional support of the ACT program, implemented by Helvetas and Civic Initiatives, the organization Proaktiv was given a valuable opportunity to strategically strengthen its capacities and take an important step toward long-term sustainability.
Of particular value to Proaktiv was the opportunity, with ACT program support, to test new and innovative sustainability models. Organizing the commercial competition Nevladijada, introducing POS terminals for collecting donations, and testing new mechanisms for more direct communication and cooperation with citizens brought us new experiences, as well as additional confidence that civil society can be creative, open, and financially responsible. This freedom to experiment, learn through practice, and adapt to the real needs of the community represents one of the greatest values of ACT support.”
