From the beginning of January to the end of August 2023, Catalyst’s Balkan data show that citizens and companies in Kosovo donated more than 7.5 million EUR for the common good. As in previous years, healthcare was often a supported topic, and 954,945 EUR was donated for this cause in the first eight months of 2023.

The most active donors who participated in 63.8% of philanthropy actions were citizens, while companies and individuals participated with 8.51%. Talking about the effects of giving, 78.7% of donation instances were one-off support, while 21.3% were donations with long-term effects.

Individuals and families benefited the most, with more than half of the donation instances (51.1%) that were organized for them. Civil society organizations that received support through 34% of donation instances are in second place, while public institutions (10.6%) were the third most supported beneficiary group.

Besides the data, we picked some inspirational stories about giving to support healthcare and provide medical treatments for people with health issues.

  • “NLB Bank” supporting children in Kosovo’s hospitals

“NLB Bank” donated medical equipment to the Hospital and University Clinical Service of Kosova, including the Electroencephalogram (EEG) that diagnoses children with epilepsy and the Capillaroscopy that measures blood flow in the small vessels of the body. Diagnosing helps these children get adequate treatment and care and ultimately improves their quality of life.

Photo source: "NLB Banka" in Pristina

  • “IPKO” supporting cancer patients

“IPKO,” a company that provides telecommunication services in Kosovo, on International Cancer Day donated 400 essential packages for patients to the Oncology Clinic in the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK). The packages included basic things needed during treatment, such as blankets, pillows, neck warmers, headphones, towels, a small first aid kit, and many other essentials.

“IPKO” also donated five chemotherapy beds, 100 breast prostheses and 100 bras needed after breast cancer treatment, 38 wigs, and internet and digital television services for three years to the Department of Hemato-Oncology.

For the Pediatric Clinic, the company donated 150 sets of sheets, 100 sheets, 70 quilts, 100 pillows, a washing machine, and a dryer, identified as essential needs for this clinic.

“IPKO” also donated a sophisticated “Versana Essential,” a versatile and flexible ultrasound system that detects cancer in the early stages, to the Family Medicine Center of Hani i Elezit.

IPKO's crucial support, with donations totaling 50 thousand EUR, plays a vital role in enhancing the care and treatment of cancer patients

  • “Golden Eagle” Foundation supporting policemen and breast cancer patients

“Golden Eagle” Foundation also had a few important actions in the year's first eight months. The foundation donated 28,000 euros for the rehabilitation of 150 members of the Kosovo Police in the "Banja e Kllokotit" rehabilitation center, by covering so the expenses for a 10-day stay.

During the same period, “Golden Eagle” Foundation also donated 150 professional breast prostheses to women affected by breast cancer, a total value amount of 12,000 EUR. The money was collected within the campaign that this foundation launched in October 2022. The campaign was developed through the sale of “Natural 100%” juices, and the total amount collected was used for buying professional breast prostheses.

Photo source: „Golden Eagle” Foundation

  • Humanitarian football tournament and fundraising through art to support cancer patients

An example of mass-individual giving is a humanitarian football tournament to treat a young man diagnosed with cancer. The Youth Association of Gushterica organized the tournament under the slogan "Let's help N.M. defeat cancer." Twenty-four teams joined the three-day tournament and raised more than 1,400 EUR.

In the second case, artists from Kosovo and North Macedonia came together to help V.D., suffering from cancer. About 18,000.00 EUR were collected from selling artworks during an auction held in Prishtina.

  • Children-led fundraisers to support their ill peers

A.A and D.A., both primary school pupils, donated about 5,000 EUR to the Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Department of the UCCK. They raised the money by selling a magazine they had conceived for children. The donation included beds and toys for the hospitalized children.

  • Free health services from diaspora doctor

The gynecologist from the diaspora, Musa Krasniqi, is providing free health services, such as removing the uterus and adnexa with a laparoscope in natural ways, at the Regional Hospital of Peja. Two patients have been operated on so far.

Conclusion

So far, during 2023, Kosovo has continued to witness a remarkable surge in philanthropic giving, and healthcare remained a key focus, with substantial contributions from organizations like "NLB Bank" and "IPKO," as well as grassroots initiatives and children-led fundraisers. These acts of generosity have significantly improved the quality of healthcare and treatment for individuals, from children with epilepsy to cancer patients and Kosovo Police members. The collective efforts of citizens, businesses, and civil society organizations reflect a compassionate and united community committed to supporting those in need.

If you want to know more about these donations, you can access the database and analyze the data for yourself.

Want to know more about philanthropy and donations in Kosovo? Check out our report on the state of philanthropy - Giving Kosovo 2022.

Cover photo: ipko.com

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).