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Trust Mark

The Trust Mark is a comprehensive, self-regulatory mechanism that, after thorough checks, is awarded to civil society organizations (CSOs) that apply the best international practices in their working process. This way, we build trust in CSOs, and we recommend to citizens and companies a verified choice of CSOs with the “Trust Mark” where their donations and support are secure and have the desired effects.

Why donate to an organization that possesses Trust Mark?

  • Because an organization with the Trust Mark is transparent and accountable.
  • You can obtain all information about its work on the Konekt web platform.
  • Because the organization has been under a thorough review process of its work and working process.
  • The organization operates at a higher level of standards and principles that exceed the legal minimum for civil organizations.
  • The review of the CSO is conducted by a board composed of experts from auditing firms, human resource managers, public relations experts, and experts from the civil sector.

Process to acquire the Trust Mark

For a CSO to obtain the Trust Mark, it must go through the process of:

  • Self-assessment by completing a questionnaire.
  • Evaluation by the Trust Mark board.
  • Awarding of the Trust Mark.

Who is behind the Trust Mark board?

The Trust Mark is awarded by a board composed of 10 independent members – experts from the civil sector, businesses, and auditing firms. The board consists of the following members:

  • Nikica Kusinikova – Executive Director of Konekt;
  • Emina Nuredinovska – Expert, European Center for Non-Profit Law;
  • Magdalena Slavejkova – Human Resources Manager at Cement Factory USJE;
  • Nikolaki Miov – Certified Auditor and Manager for Audit and IT Sector at Efekt Plus;
  • Anđelka Peeva Laurencic – Director of Image PR;
  • Borche Smilevski – Head of Tax at Deloitte LLC;
  • Aleksandra Savevska – Project Associate, Macedonian Center for International Cooperation;
  • Dijana Rikalovska – Deputy Authorized Person in the Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Department, Sparkasse Bank AD Skopje;
  • Sonja Bojarovska – Member with experience in OOP;
  • Slavko Lazovski – Tax Expert.

The Trust Mark board thoroughly reviews the working process of civil society organizations that have applied for the Trust Mark and decides whether the applicant organizations will receive the mark. Organizations that do not meet the criteria for receiving the Trust Mark will receive guidelines on how to improve their operations so that they can reapply in the future and obtain the mark.

Principles and Criteria of the Trust Mark

To obtain the Trust Mark, a CSO must adhere to a specific set of principles and criteria in the following areas:

  • Mission and values
  • Democratic governance of the organization
  • Financial management
  • Transparency and reporting
  • Communication and advocacy
  • Fundraising
  • Human resources

To start the process of obtaining the Trust Mark, fill out the Self Evaluation Questionnaire. You can read more about its completion in the Guide for the Trust Mark.

If any of the organizations that have the Trust Mark do not meet the criteria or violate the principles, you can file a complaint at konekt@konekt.org.mk . Additionally, you can also recommend organizations that you believe should obtain the mark.

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