SMART Balkans CSO Financial Management Academy

The Financial Management Academy for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) is a regional educational initiative developed within the SMART Balkans project, jointly implemented by the Center for Civil Society Promotion (CPCD), the Institute for Democracy and Mediation (IDM), and the Center for Research and Policy Making (CRPM), with financial support from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NMFA).

The Academy is designed to strengthen the financial capacities of CSOs across the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia and Serbia – by providing structured, hands-on training in essential aspects of financial management. The program aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and the long-term sustainability of civil society organizations operating in complex financial and regulatory environments.

In North Macedonia and Serbia, the Academy will be implemented from September to November 2025, through a series of modules delivered in the local language. Led by certified trainers and financial experts, the program will cover key topics such as:

• Budgeting and financial planning
• Legal and regulatory frameworks for CSOs
• Internal controls and financial reporting
• Project financial management and donor compliance
• Taxation, procurement procedures, and audit preparation

Accredited in both countries, the Academy equips participants with practical knowledge and tools tailored to the real-world challenges CSOs face. The sessions emphasize the application of financial principles in everyday operations, helping organizations improve their financial governance and ensure compliance with donor and legal requirements.

As an implementing partner, CRPM is proud to support the delivery of this Academy in North Macedonia and Serbia, contributing to a more transparent, resilient, and well-managed civil society sector across the region.