#IDPwD24: Insights from Kosovo’s Philanthropy Trends
The International Day of People with Disabilities (#IDPwD), marked annually on December 3, is a global initiative dedicated to celebrating inclusivity, raising awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities, and advocating for their rights. This day emphasizes the importance of creating equal opportunities and ensuring everyone can participate fully in society.
In Kosovo, philanthropy plays a crucial role in supporting people with disabilities. 2023 was marked by a significant rise in donations. However, despite this progress, the drop in the number of actions highlights the need to balance impactful financial support with broader community engagement.
A Financial Leap with Fewer Humanitarian Actions
From 2022 to 2023, donations for people with disabilities in Kosovo saw a remarkable increase of 27.35%, growing from 82,001 euros to 104,421 euros. This growth reflects rising awareness and prioritization of disability-related issues among donors. However, the number of actions dropped, declining from 43 in 2022 to 24 in 2023.
This shift may indicate a focus on larger, high-impact projects over smaller, grassroots initiatives. While fewer actions might reflect a concentration of resources on high-impact projects, it could also suggest a decrease in grassroots campaigns or community-led events. It’s crucial to balance both monetary support and grassroots involvement to sustain long-term impact.
Priorities in 2023: Children and Youth with Intellectual Disabilities
In 2023, the largest portion of donations (61,088 euros) was directed toward children and youth with intellectual disabilities. This funding supported initiatives such as:
- Providing specialized equipment;
- Covering medical treatments and procedures;
- Offering organizational support for general operations;
- Delivering social services such as therapeutic and psycho-social programs.
Following this group, adults with physical disabilities received 26,667 euros, focusing on similar areas of support. These figures highlight the importance of both addressing immediate needs and investing in programs that promote long-term inclusion and well-being.
Steady Support from the Diaspora
The contribution from the diaspora remained consistent, with four humanitarian actions recorded in both 2022 and 2023. While the stability is commendable, there is considerable potential for expanding this avenue of support.
Examples of Giving in 2023
1. Supporting Daily Activities Across Kosovo
On April 24, an individual from Germany donated 7,500 euros to Down Syndrome Kosova. This ensured the continued operation of five centers providing vital support to individuals with Down syndrome.
2. “A Postcard for You” Campaign Success
As part of the “With Us Not For Us” campaign, Down Syndrome Kosova raised 53,588.02 euros during the “A Postcard for You” event. The campaign mobilized broad community involvement, with individuals, corporations, and civil society organizations collaborating to purchase postcards prepared by the community of people with Down syndrome.
This initiative highlighted the power of collective action, while promoting the inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome.
3. Viva Fresh Store's Heartfelt Contribution
Building on the theme of community involvement, individual efforts also made a significant impact. Viva Fresh Store, for example, took a personal approach to supporting people with Down syndrome by purchasing 1,000 postcards from Down Syndrome Kosova.
These cards, lovingly prepared by the children, were then distributed to their staff as a thoughtful surprise gesture. This not only provided financial support for essential services but also raised awareness among employees and the broader community about the daily lives and needs of people with Down syndrome. Read more about their gesture here.
4. Support for People with Hearing Impairments
On May 3, Fahredin Sejdiu contributed 10,000 euros to the Association of People with Hearing Impairments in Gjilan. The funding empowered this organization to expand its activities and outreach.
This contribution is a great example of how individual giving can make a meaningful impact. Citizens can leave a lasting impact by supporting local organizations, enabling them to broaden their outreach and provide essential services to those who need them most.
5. In-kind donations for Adults with Disabilities
The Balkans’ Orphans Association donated orthopedic equipment to the Heroinat Association on April 22, providing essential support to adults with physical disabilities. This donation underscores the impact of targeted contributions in directly enhancing the lives of adults with physical disabilities.
Conclusion
While increased donations in 2023 reflect growing awareness, fewer actions highlight the need for community-driven initiatives. Kosovo must prioritize sustained grassroots engagement; diverse funding sources; advocacy for inclusive policies.
By balancing financial contributions with grassroots efforts, Kosovo can ensure comprehensive support for people with disabilities and pave the way for a more equitable society.
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)
