In a year full of challenges, with the help of partners, donors and citizens, Ana and Vlade Divac Foundation has directed $2.2 million to help Serbian citizens.
In 2020, we directed $2.2 million for humanitarian aid and the common good.
We have supported more than 60.000 people through different humanitarian and development projects and the focus has been on reducing the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as supporting farmers, youth projects, economic empowerment of the most vulnerable groups, and helping entrepreneurs. The Foundation was especially dedicated to the strategic development of philanthropy and the encouragement of a culture of giving.
Immediately after the announcement of the state of the emergency in Serbia, the Foundation has directed its capacity towards the urgent securing of humanitarian aid. We have provided 14.000 packages of food and hygiene products for the most endangered citizens from 16 municipalities in Serbia and 26.000 meals for the users of the Soup kitchen. 4 health institutions received the necessary medical equipment and devices, and 9 reception and asylum centers received the necessary hygiene products and toys for children.
Fifteen companies have received support for business development, including 5 grants for women's entrepreneurship. In collaboration with a group of donors from the USA, the IT Bootcamp program - a non-profit school for retraining in the IT sector - was continued. In 2019, 326 students attended this program free of charge, and 45% found a job or internship in this area.
Eight disadvantaged families received help to rebuild and equip their homes. Elementary school "Radoš Tošić" from Osojane in Kosovo and Metohija has been equipped with devices for physical education classes, computers, and teaching aids, while kindergartens in Stajićevo, Vrnjačka Banja and Smederevska Palanka got new playgrounds. The Divac Scholarship program has awarded 151 student scholarships to students from financially disadvantaged families.
In 2020, Foundation was fighting for gender equality and labor rights, promoted the goals of sustainable development and equality for all, as well as empowered young people to become more actively involved in the social, economical, and political life of the country and the region. We have supported 74 civil society organizations and the media, to help the most vulnerable citizens, to promote solidarity and a spirit of togetherness in times of crisis.
Together with partners from the Coalition for Giving, we have worked on the development of philanthropy. We have opened the Museum of Philanthropy on the website Dobrocinitim.rs, and 620 students from 9 primary schools attended philanthropy classes. We have launched an initiative to abolish VAT on food donations, which would lead to a significant increase in donations and poverty reduction, but also contribute to environmental protection.
