Slovakia
Slovakia

Summary/Abstract: The article deals with the voluntary sector in Slovakia, the development of which is, on the one side, connected with the interests and needs of citizens, and on the other, with the inability ofthe state to cope with civil demands. History has shown that the voluntary tradition goes back, to the period of the domination of collectivist and statist ideas. Facts and figures relating to the voluntary sector include: the purpose, number and distribution of nonprofit organisations, their types according to activity, their different forms (foundations, associations, networks, i .e . contacts and information channels with national, local and foreign administrations which represent an important financial resource), and the economics of the non-profit organisations. The article goes on to detail legal regulations, and national and local policies. The article touches on the experiences of self-help groups in the health sector as well as the Slovak Humanity Council and the Youth Council of Slovakia. In conclusion, problems facing non-profit organisations are described: the paternalistic attitude of the state, unsatisfactory legislative and fiscal conditions, lack of experience and information and a general inability to manage these organisations, as well as lack of resources. Solutions for a more effective voluntary sector lie in better cooperation with state institutions, the business sector and foreign institutions, an improvement, in management capabilities as well as in the creation of a clear mechanism for the provision of grants.

• Details
• Contents