April, the month it holds the Good Deeds Day, an annual global day celebrated since 2007, serves as a powerful reminder of the impact individuals and organizations can make through acts of kindness. In Kosovo, the spirit of generosity thrives with local nonprofits, diaspora and other generous donors, with a tireless work to improve various aspects of our communities. 

According to data from “Kosova Dhuron” spanning from 2019 to 2023, Kosovo witnessed an inspiring display of philanthropy, with 1,294 charitable giving instances to nonprofits, totaling 12,838,043 euros. Notable trends include a peak in 2022 with 493 donation instances and the highest monetary contribution in 2023, totaling 5,219,183 euros across 291 donations.  

Chart 1: Amount in euros of giving to nonprofits in Kosovo during 2019 - 2023 

Citizens emerged as the top donors, contributing 7,075,099 euros through 489 instances of giving over five years. Corporations donated 1,721,034 euros across 269 instances. Individual and mixed donors also made significant contributions of 695,619 euros and 3,250,268 euros, respectively. 

Chart 2: Number of instances of giving to nonprofits in Kosovo during 2019 - 2023 

On the other hand, the Balkans' Orphans Association has received notable support, totaling 8,671,833 euros across 651 charitable actions. Primary donors to the association include citizens through mass individual giving (5,037,302 euros through 274 charitable actions) and individuals (529,684 euros through 269 actions). 

Other notable recipients of philanthropy in Kosovo include Action for Mothers and Children (raised 346,684 euros through 19 donations), Humanitarian Association “Bereqeti” (raised 266,702 euros through 213 donations), SOS Children's Villages Kosovo (raised 218,142 euros through 53 donations) and Down Syndrome Kosova (raised 183,112 euros through 47 donations). 

Inspiring Stories of Kosovo’s Diaspora Philanthropy 

Often, the stories of others are what inspire us and push us to get involved or even promote philanthropic initiatives, for the good of the community.  And in many cases, those stories come from the diaspora. One of a such is from the year 2022, when the "Peja" Association in New York collaborated with the local branch of the Humanitarian Association "Bereqeti, and distributed 350 food packages and flour to families in need in Peja. This was made possible by generous contributions from the Albanian community in the United States, who collectively donated 15,350 euros towards the cause. 

Similarly, Arti Qelaj, a Kosovo native residing in Switzerland, made significant donations to support the therapeutic services offered by Down Syndrome Kosova, demonstrating the profound impact of personal philanthropy. In 2021, he donated 15,000 euros, and since a year ago, in 2020, he donated 7,000 euros to support services in this organization’s two programs: the Early Intervention and Education Program as well as the Autonomy and Vocational Training Program. 

On October 10, 2019, Action for Mothers and Children (AMC) raised over 70,000 dollars during its fifth charity evening in United States, “Meet Us Halfway” Gala at Yale Club of New York City. With these funds raised from ticket sales and contributions and donations raised during that two-hour reception, AMC throughout 2020 continued to provide essential life-saving medications for premature babies; provide women with Prenatal Vitamins, antibiotics and contraceptives; educate parents on family planning, early pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period; and help women diagnose cervical cancer through free Pap smear testing. 

“Meet Us Halfway” Gala at Yale Club of New York City 
Photo source: Official “Facebook” account of AMC 

But it is not only the diaspora that contributes to the community in Kosovo. Many donations come from within the country, such as the one in 2023, when the birthday party of a girl from SOS Children's Villages Kosovo turned into a double celebration with a 50,000 euros donation from “Alexander Chapman Recruitment”, benefiting vulnerable children. 

“Alexander Chapman Recruitment” 50,000 euros donation to the SOS Children's Villages Kosovo 
Photo source: Official “Facebook” account of SOS Children's Villages Kosovo 
Conclusion 

In conclusion, acts of kindness, both big and small, are empowering communities and making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need in Kosovo. The impactful work of local nonprofits, diaspora and various donors continue to spread hope and create positive change. 

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).