Focus, društvo za sonaraven razvoj / Focus Association for Sustainable Development

What Focus, društvo za sonaraven razvoj / Focus Association for Sustainable Development does

Focus, društvo za sonaraven razvoj (Focus Association for Sustainable Development) is a Slovenian non-profit association founded in 2003 and headquartered in Ljubljana. Operating at the intersection of environmental protection, climate action, energy transition, sustainable mobility, responsible consumption, and degrowth, the organization functions as an advocacy, research, and capacity-building NGO rather than a commercial enterprise. It serves Slovenian municipalities, civil society organizations, academic communities, vulnerable households, and the general public, with primary segments including local governments, partner NGOs, and households experiencing energy or transport poverty. The organization's 20-person team coordinates the national Mreža za energetske skupnosti (Energy Communities Network) and co-leads the Dovolj za vse (Enough for Everyone) platform with Umanotera.

Focus's offerings are predominantly non-commercial and free at point of use. Its product surface comprises educational publications (the Vodič po trajnostni prehrani / Sustainable Food Guide, the Etični potrošnik / Ethical Consumer periodical, the Skupnostna energija practical guide, and an Annual Report), recurring programs (the annual Dovolj za vse national conference, now in its 11th edition, and the International Summer School of Political Ecology attracting 120+ participants), and purpose-built web applications developed in partnership with civil-society peers — notably the ZENPRE web application for energy and transport poverty identification (with Sopotniki and FER) and the LIFE4ADAPT citizen heat-hotspot mapping tool for Hrastnik. Underlying technology is standard web infrastructure (WordPress, Mailchimp, custom web apps and mapping tools) with no proprietary platform, API, or commercial software.

Revenue mechanics are grant-driven rather than market-driven. The bulk of inflows come from EU project funding (LIFE, DEAR, and other instruments across a portfolio including LIFE IP CARE4CLIMATE, LIFE-COMET, LIFE4ADAPT, RENOVERTY, Re:boot, SOCIALNRG, INCITE-DEM, Plan4Climate) co-financed by Slovenian government sources — the Climate Change Fund (Sklad za podnebne spremembe), the Eko sklad Environmental Public Fund, and the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Energy. Residual income is generated through membership fees and voluntary donations. Distribution occurs via direct field engagement with municipalities, the coordinated Energy Communities Network, the Dovolj za vse platform, the self-serve ZENPRE web app, annual conferences and summer schools, monthly e-newsletters, social media, press releases, and publications. Focus is a member of major European environmental networks including Can Europe, Transport & Environment, Friends of the Earth Europe, REScoop.eu, Civitas, Forest Movement Europe, SLOGA, Plan B za Slovenijo, and EPF.

Name

Focus, društvo za sonaraven razvoj / Focus Association for Sustainable Development

Legal name

Focus, društvo za sonaraven razvoj

Website

https://focus.si

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Focus is a Slovenian non-profit association founded in 2003 that advances sustainable development through EU-funded projects on energy communities, climate adaptation, sustainable mobility, and food systems, serving municipalities, NGOs, and vulnerable households across Slovenia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Advocacy and Sustainable Development Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Environmental Consulting Services (54162)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation & Resilience Programs (BPAIAMAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Environmental Education, Capacity Building & Community Engagement (BPADALAO), Climate Policy, Governance & NDC Support (BPADALAA), Renewable Energy & Clean Tech Access (Off-grid, Energy Poverty Solutions) (BPAGALAE), Climate Resilience & Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) (BPAGABAK)

Keywords

• Sustainable development advocacy
• Climate change policy
• Energy communities
• Sustainable mobility
• Environmental research

Headquarters

HQ city

Ljubljana

HQ country

Slovenia

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. EU Project Funding: Majority of funding comes from European Union programs including LIFE, DEAR, and other EU funding instruments. Projects include LIFE IP CARE4CLIMATE, LIFE-COMET, LIFE4ADAPT, RENOVERTY, Re:boot, SOCIALNRG, INCITE-DEM, Plan4Climate, and others. These grants support specific programs on energy, climate, mobility, and food systems.
2. Government Co-financing: EU projects are co-financed with national funds from Slovenian government sources, including the Climate Change Fund (Sklad za podnebne spremembe) and various ministries such as Ministry of Environment, Climate and Energy.
3. Eko sklad Co-financing: Projects receive co-financing from Eko sklad (Slovenian Environmental Public Fund), such as the sustainable nutrition guide.
4. Membership Fees: The organization has members who pay membership fees. Members receive e-newsletter updates and are informed about organizational activities.
5. Donations: Accepts donations from supporters to support organizational mission and activities. Website provides donation option (Doniraj).

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Focus is a Slovenian non-profit NGO that advances sustainable development through research, policy advocacy, networking, and capacity building on energy transition, climate change, sustainable mobility, food systems, and global responsibility. It implements multiple EU-funded projects (LIFE IP CARE4CLIMATE, LIFE-COMET, LIFE4ADAPT, RENOVERTY, ZENPRE, Re:boot, SOCIALNRG, Plan4Climate), coordinates the national Energy Communities Network, co-leads the Dovolj za vse platform with Umanotera, and publishes practical guides, policy recommendations, and the Ethical Consumer periodical.

Product overview

Focus is a non-governmental organization focused on sustainable development advocacy, not a commercial product company. The organization's offerings consist primarily of educational publications (guides, reports, periodicals), community programs (conferences, summer schools), and informational web applications developed in partnership with civil society organizations. Key offerings include: the Vodič po trajnostni prehrani (Sustainable Food Guide) for conscious food consumption; Etični potrošnik (Ethical Consumer) periodical publication; the ZENPRE web application for identifying energy and transport poverty; the annual Dovolj za vse (Enough for All) national conference; and the International Summer School of Political Ecology. These publications, programs, and tools work together to advance Focus's mission of sustainable development through research, advocacy, and community engagement.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Dovolj za vse: Platform for sustainable community resource management, co-led by Focus and Umanotera
• Mreža za energetske skupnosti

Products and services

• Vodič po trajnostni prehrani (Guide to Sustainable Food) A practical guide explaining what sustainable food means, how to make food choices that benefit health, fairness, and the environment, and how to support local producers and reduce food waste. Intended for citizens and educators interested in sustainable food systems.
• Etični potrošnik (Ethical Consumer) A periodical publication focused on ethical consumption, with issues exploring topics such as food systems, labor rights, and environmental impacts in supply chains. Distributed to members and the general public.
• ZENPRE Application A free web application that combines energy and transport poverty recognition and directs users to solutions, including financing options for energy renovations, home energy efficiency improvements, and mobility accessibility resources. Developed in cooperation with Sopotniki and Forum za enakopraven razvoj (FER).
• Dovolj za vse (Enough for All) National Conference An annual national conference on sustainable resource management organized by Focus and Umanotera, bringing together stakeholders to discuss food security, energy self-sufficiency, green budgeting, water management, and community knowledge sharing. Free participation for municipal and ministry employees.
• International Summer School of Political Ecology An annual multi-day educational program held at the Faculty of Social Sciences in Ljubljana, bringing together students, researchers, activists, and practitioners from around the world to explore the intersection of politics and ecology. The 6th edition attracted more than 120 participants, primarily master's and doctoral students from foreign universities.
• Annual Report Annual reports documenting Focus's activities, projects, and impact in sustainable development advocacy, research, and community engagement.
• Recommendations for Addressing Energy and Transport Poverty Collections of policy recommendations developed in the ZENPRE project for more effective addressing of energy and transport poverty in Slovenia.
• Community Energy Practical Guide (Skupnostna energija – praktični vodič) A practical handbook combining experience and expertise from leading European organizations and 27 community energy projects, providing guidelines, practical advice, and success stories for renewable energy revolution led by citizens and local communities.

Quantifiable outcome

• Established 2 community solar power plants in Hrastnik with 22 connected households
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• UmanoteraflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organizer of the 'Dovolj za vse' (Enough for Everyone) platform and national conference series. Together with Focus, Umanotera leads the platform for sustainable community resource management. Also co-organizer of International Summer School of Political Ecology and other sustainability initiatives.
• Can EuropecoreOthersFocus is a member of Can Europe (Climate Action Network Europe), a major European environmental NGO network working on climate policy.
• Transport & EnvironmentcoreOthersFocus is a member of Transport & Environment, the European clean transport campaign organization.
• Friends of the Earth EuropecoreOthersFocus is a member of Friends of the Earth Europe, part of the global environmental network.
• Plan B za SlovenijocoreOthersFocus is a member of Plan B za Slovenijo, a coalition of Slovenian environmental organizations.
• Koalicija za trajnostno prometno politiko (KTPP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFocus participates in the Coalition for Sustainable Transport Policy (KTPP), which has been operating for 20 years and brings together NGOs, research institutions, local communities, and individuals advocating for fair and sustainable transport.
• BorzencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in organizing conferences on energy communities. Borzen operates the national contact point for renewable energy sources and works with Focus on promoting citizen participation in energy transition.
• Skupnost občin SlovenijecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Association of Slovenian Municipalities for organizing events on energy poverty and energy communities. Jointly organizes events for municipal representatives on sustainable energy policies.
• SopotnikicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in developing the ZENPRE application for identifying energy and transport poverty. Sopotniki collaborated with Focus and Forum za enakopraven razvoj (FER) to create the free web application.
• Forum za enakopraven razvoj (FER)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in developing the ZENPRE application for energy and transport poverty identification and solution guidance.
• Zadružna zveza SlovenijeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFocus and Umanotera work with the Cooperative Association of Slovenia to promote cooperative models in sustainable development, particularly energy cooperatives.
• Zavod SopotnikicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSOCIALNRG project partner working on energy communities in social housing in Slovenia, Italy, and Belgium.
• Centrum pro dopravu a energetiku (Češka)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCzech organization with which Focus organized expert excursion to Koroška on sustainable transport solutions and transport poverty.
• Urbanistični inštitut Republike SlovenijeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in LIFE4ADAPT project providing data on accessibility of green spaces for heat mapping in Hrastnik.
• Fakulteta za družbene vede (FDV)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in organizing International Summer School of Political Ecology and other educational programs. FDV hosts the annual summer school.
• Mladinski center LegebitraminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Re:boot Food project. Focus supported the establishment of a community garden at Legebitra, Slovenia's first and only LGBTQ+ youth center.
• Energetska zadruga Zeleni HrastnikcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnergy cooperative established with Focus support, one of the few cooperatives in Slovenia with municipal co-founding. Has established two community solar plants (school and health center) connecting 22 households.
• Varuh človekovih pravic Republike SlovenijecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in organizing expert seminars on corporate responsibility and due diligence in supply chains. Focus collaborates with the Human Rights Ombudsman on business and human rights issues.
• Pravna fakulteta Univerze v LjubljanicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in organizing seminars on corporate due diligence and sustainability reporting. Collaborates with Focus and Human Rights Ombudsman on legal analysis.
• Pravni center za varstvo človekovih pravic in okolja (PIC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in legal analysis of Slovenia's preparedness for implementing the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and joint advocacy on corporate accountability.
• Zveza potrošnikov SlovenijeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in food system work, including testing strawberries for pesticide residues and joint events on sustainable food consumption.
• Greenpeace SlovenijacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-signatory on joint statements and campaigns including opposition to EU-Mercosur trade agreement and nuclear energy concerns regarding JEK2 project.
• European Policy Forum (EPF)minorOthersFocus is a member of EPF, a European civil society platform.
• CivitasminorOthersFocus is a member of Civitas, European network for sustainable urban mobility.
• Forest Movement EuropeminorOthersFocus is a member of Forest Movement Europe.
• SLOGA PlatformminorOthersFocus is a member of SLOGA, Slovenian development cooperation platform.
• Zveza slovenske podeželske mladineminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in food system advocacy, including joint presentation of Manifesto on Local and Sustainable Food in Slovenia.
• Mladinska zveza Brez izgovora SlovenijaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in food system campaigns including 'Manj kupuješ, manj škoduješ' (Buy Less, Harm Less) December campaign for responsible consumption.
• Inštitut za zdravje in okoljeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in food system campaigns and sustainable consumption initiatives.
• REScoop.eucoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean federation of energy cooperatives. Focus collaborates with REScoop.eu and Friends of the Earth Europe on energy community policy through the Plan4Climate project.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Friends of the Earth Europe: European environmental federation — Focus is a member and FoEE represents a broad incumbent in environmental advocacy with similar sustainability themes but operates at continental scale with national member organisations across Europe.
• Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe: Pan-European coalition of climate NGOs — Focus is a member and CAN Europe operates as a broad incumbent in the same climate-policy space with wider geographic scope and larger Brussels-based operations.
• Transport & Environment: European clean transport campaign organisation — Focus is a member and T&E is a broad incumbent in the sustainable mobility space, where Focus also runs the Koalicija za trajnostno prometno politiko at the Slovenian level.

Direct peers

• Germanwatch: German climate and development advocacy NGO — directly comparable to Focus in mission (sustainable development, climate policy advocacy, EU-level engagement) though operating at larger scale and with global North-South perspective.
• REScoop.eu: European federation of renewable energy cooperatives — directly comparable to Focus because Focus collaborates with REScoop.eu via the Plan4Climate project and operates overlapping work on energy community policy and cooperative development across Slovenia and Europe.
• Plan B za Slovenijo: Coalition of Slovenian environmental organisations of which Focus is a member — a directly comparable domestic advocacy coalition working on climate policy, energy transition, and environmental governance in the same Slovenian context.
• Inštitut za zdravje in okolje: Slovenian institute working on health and environment — directly comparable to Focus because they partner on sustainable consumption and food system campaigns, sharing overlapping Slovenian NGO scale and EU-project-based operations.
• Umanotera: Slovenian environmental NGO and Focus's closest peer — they jointly co-lead the 'Dovolj za vse' platform, co-organise the annual national conference and International Summer School of Political Ecology, and share a similar Slovenian NGO scale and EU-project funding model.

Others

• Eko sklad (Slovenian Environmental Public Fund): Slovenian national environmental public fund — adjacent to Focus as a co-financer of Focus projects (e.g., the sustainable nutrition guide) and operates the public-interest funding mechanism that complements EU LIFE grants.

Regional players

• CEE Bankwatch Network: Central and Eastern European environmental NGO network — comparable to Focus as a regional environmental advocacy peer focused on EU funding accountability and climate/energy policy across CEE member states where Slovenia is a member.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@focusdrustvozasonaravenraz4329
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/focus-dru-tvo-za-sonaraven-razvoj-focus-association-for-sustainable-development

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Focus, društvo za sonaraven razvoj / Focus Association for Sustainable Development