Socially responsible companies in Kosovo are making significant contributions to their communities by responding to various needs and helping to solve critical issues.

In recent years, several businesses have initiated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, recognizing the importance of giving back to the community, which has positively impacted the development of philanthropy in the country.

According to data from Catalyst Balkans, the business sector has been an important factor in Kosovo's philanthropy ecosystem. During the pandemic year of 2020, the corporate sector participated in more than a quarter of all donations, with a large percentage of support coming from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In 2021, the corporate sector was less active compared to the pandemic year and had a share of 14% of all donation instances. In 2022, companies participated in 20,2% of donation instances and 19,9% of the donated amount.

In this article, we will explore several success stories and examples of corporate and SMEs donations for the common good in Kosovo, including IPKO's continued support of various healthcare causes, the Golden Eagle Foundation, and Frutex's project to open a social enterprise, NLB Bank Kosovo's contributions to healthcare and breast cancer awareness, and the Kosovo Electricity Distribution Company (KEDS) support for education.

  • IPKO's Support During the Pandemic Year

In 2020, the corporate sector in Kosovo stepped up to provide significant support to various causes, with 86% of the donations directed toward the Covid-19 response. This support helped address critical healthcare and poverty issues and ensured access to education. Among the many companies that demonstrated their commitment to the common good, IPKO stood out for its consistent support of healthcare causes.

That year, the company donated a device worth €15,000 to the Oncology Clinic of the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK), which diagnoses malignant diseases. This sophisticated ultrasound device can detect cancer in its early stages. IPKO also donated an ultrasound device to the Main Family Medicine Center of UCCK and launched a platform for free sponsoring and promoting education, culture, environment protection, and health.

  • The Golden Eagle Foundation and Frutex: Opening a New Social Enterprise

One of the most notable donations in 2021 was the Golden Eagle Foundation and Frutex's project of opening a new social enterprise, a factory for paper and packaging.

The main goal of this project was to encourage the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in society by employing them to work in the factory. Frutex Company financed the project, and the total cost of the project was €1 million.

  • NLB Bank's Contributions to Healthcare and Breast Cancer Awareness

NLB Bank Kosovo is another company with a history of social responsibility actions and donations supporting the common good.

In 2020, NLB Bank provided medical equipment and medicine to the UCCK, totaling 20,000 euros.

In 2021, NLB Bank donated bras and wigs to breast cancer women after the annual international campaign to disseminate information and educate people about the importance of breast health. The donation was presented to the non-profit NGO "Have Hope" from Kosovo, founded in 2020, led by Arnisa Osmani, who won the fight against breast cancer.

In 2022, NLB Bank donated didactic materials and inventories to the Speech Therapy Cabinet at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK), which are essential tools for treating children with communication or cognitive disorders, as well as voice and swallowing disorders.

  • Support for poverty relief

Many companies and SMEs in Kosovo also support poverty relief efforts. For example, in 2020, the telecom company "Z Mobile" supported the #DonateForKosovo campaign to help the most vulnerable families affected by the pandemic.

The campaign raised more than 160,000 euros, which were distributed to over 4,000 families in need.

In addition, companies like H&M Kosovo and Raiffeisen Bank Kosovo also contributed to poverty relief efforts in Kosovo in 2020.

In 2020, the Golden Eagle Foundation and Frutex also initiated the "1 Cent for Charity" campaign to support families experiencing challenging socio-economic conditions. During the campaign, one cent was donated for the action for each "Relax" product sold. A total of 132,000 euros were raised, which was intended for the construction of homes for families and people living in challenging socio-economic conditions, distribution of food packages, as well as for medical treatments for people with health issues, and the support of medical staff in health centers across Kosovo.

  • Support for the education

The corporate sector in Kosovo often has a significant role in supporting education.

One of the donations that stood out in 2021 was the Kosovo Electricity Distribution Company (KEDS) donation of fifteen computers with accompanying equipment to the "Dëshmorët e Vitisë" primary school and their donation of fifty computers to the SOS Children's Villages Kosovo.

Another example is "Vala", a leading telecommunications company that has initiated several programs to support education, youth empowerment, and social welfare. The company has supported various NGOs and charities in the country and has provided scholarships to underprivileged students.

  • Seasonal giving

Catalyst's Balkans data on the state of philanthropy in Kosovo in 2022 shows that in the previous year, the overwhelming majority (87.1%) of all instances of corporate giving were for the creation of short-term impacts. Just 7.5% of corporate giving was directed toward strategic outcomes.

Examples of short-term givings are seasonal giving, such as giving at the end of the year.

At the end of last year, Petrol Company supported children and delivered new year's gift packages for several children in the SOS Children's Villages Kosovo. The company donated 17 gift packs to the children of this village to make this holiday more beautiful and to help create an even warmer atmosphere for them during the holidays.

The company also delivered 15 packages for the Association of Paraplegics and Paralysis of Children of Peja (HANDIKOS Peja). Petrol Company representatives distributed the gift packages in the presence of parents and representatives of this association.

Another interesting example is a traditional event supported by the Economic Bank of Kosovo.

At the end of last year, with the organization of Care for Kosovo Kids and with the support of the Economic Bank of Kosovo, Alpin Club Prishtina organized an activity for the Pediatric Clinic in Prishtina. Climbers, disguised as modern-day superheroes, offered joy and surprise to young patients across the floors of the Pediatric Clinic. Young men and women trained and prepared for this event performed on the upper floors and balconies of the clinic, being released on each floor and visiting each patient.

The activity was organized to support and entertain children suffering from different illnesses, especially leukemia.

Conclusion

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and philanthropy have become increasingly important for companies and SMEs in Kosovo as they strive to support their communities and positively impact society.

From supporting healthcare and education to poverty relief and environmental protection, the corporate sector in Kosovo has shown its dedication to supporting the common good. Companies like IPKO, NLB Bank Kosovo, KEDS, and other companies mentioned above have set an example for other businesses to follow, demonstrating that social responsibility and philanthropy are integral parts of being a successful and responsible company in Kosovo.

As the business sector in Kosovo continues to grow, companies and SMEs need to prioritize their social and environmental responsibilities and contribute to the well-being of their communities. Through CSR and philanthropy, companies can positively impact society, strengthen their reputation, and increase their brand value. By working together, Kosovo's business sector and civil society can achieve even greater success in supporting the common good.

Read more about corporate sector donations in 2022 on the link, and here is detailed information about philanthropy and donations in Kosovo in the year behind us.

 

This article is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of Catalyst Balkans and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

The Citizen Engagement Activity in Kosovo is a five-year initiative implemented by Kosovar Civil Society Foundation (KCSF) in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).