Open Society Fund–Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Open Society Fund–Bosnia and Herzegovina (OSF-BH) is committed to the development of an economically and socially sustainable country marked by tolerance; good governance; and an open, democratic civil society. The fund’s programs focus on government accountability, education, women, Roma, and youth empowerment.

In a country still scarred by war, OSF-BH seeks to build a local civil society that is responsible for guiding the country’s development policies. It also tries to restore a sense of community and future among the country's young people through a number of programs that promote civic engagement.

The fund’s other education activities focus on advancing social inclusion, overturning school segregation, and facilitating long-term education reform through initiatives such as the publication of new textbooks that reject ethnic stereotypes. It also promotes anticorruption and good governance. It has been particularly active in bolstering local governments, helping them to become more effective and participatory and furthering local economic development.

In addition, the fund has been a leader in promoting Roma inclusion and empowerment. It has assisted in monitoring local governments to ensure they address issues of importance to Roma, provided legal and governance training for Roma, and helped Roma participate in local elections that brought candidates from their communities to office.