ABSTRACT
NGOs (non-governmental organizations) have emerged to play a vital role in rebuilding the physical and social infrastructure of Croatia after the widespread destruction caused by a disastrous ethnic war dur ing the early 1990's. While slow to develop prior to this conflict, NGOs have grown rapidly since the war, in large measure, due to the failure of either the government or business sectors to address basic needs related to reconstruction, rehabilitation, resettlement, and reconciliation between ethnic groups. Most of the financial resources for local communitybased initiatives in Croatia have been provided by international NGOs. Intermediate NGO support centers have developed over the past ten years and frequently provide linkage between international organiza tions and local community-based groups. These support centers help with the allocation and monitoring of funds; and they offer a variety of
services, including consultation, training, technical assistance, financial management, leadership mentoring, coaching of local staff, and general organizational development.
