Ivan Blažević joined the European Fund for the Balkans in 2025 as a Programme Manager, in charge of coordination and implementation of activities in the frames of the Engaged Democracy Initiative (EDI) aimed to increase citizen engagement and strengthen local initiatives and movements.
Ivan is one of the founders and has served as the Director of the SOLIDARNA Foundation, leading philanthropic partnerships, program development, and strategic relations to advance intersectional human rights and social change. His work combines strategic development, organisational growth, fundraising, advocacy, and consultancy for companies on CSR and ESG programmes.
Ivan’s professional journey began in 2010 at the think-tank Center for Democracy and Law Miko Tripalo, followed by project management roles at GONG and the SOLIDARNA Foundation, where he progressed from Grant Officer to Director. Since 2019, he has also been working as an independent consultant to corporate and non-profit clients across Southeast and Central Europe, advising on philanthropic giving, grant programming, and community engagement.
He has been engaged in designing and managing programs in the CEE region and the Western Balkans, building partnerships between civil society, the corporate sector, and local communities. His work has also included crisis response and disaster recovery, producing community engagement guidelines and risk reduction strategies.
Ivan holds a PM in Social Innovation & Business Management from the Vienna University of Economics and Business. He is also a participant in the Academy for Political Development, part of the Council of Europe’s School of Political Studies.
He is the recipient of five awards, including the European Citizen Award (European Parliament, 2022) and the Pride of Croatia Award. His fluent in English and speaks German.
CONTACT: ivan.blazevic@balkanfund.org