At a time when the civil society sector in the Western Balkan countries faces growing challenges, we are proud to announce the signing of six new grant agreements for National Intervention in Albania. This initiative reinforces our unwavering commitment to empowering civil society organizations (CSOs) throughout the region and promoting sustainable, impactful change.
Since the launch of the SMART Balkans project, we have supported 33 organizations in Albania, helping them advance their mission and create lasting impact in the communities they serve. The six newly awarded grants will further strengthen efforts in critical areas, including promoting transparency, countering disinformation, combating corruption, protecting human rights, and advocating for marginalized groups
Congratulations to the Newly Awarded Organizations
We are excited to partner with the following organizations and projects that will continue driving positive change across Albania:
TOGETHER FOR LIFE
This project aims to enhance the efficiency of Albania’s healthcare system by monitoring public fund management, raising awareness about corruption, and reducing abuses. By generating data on high-level corruption in the healthcare sector and raising community awareness about the impacts of corruption, the project will strengthen the healthcare system and ensure the delivery of quality services to all citizens.
CENTER FOR GENDER JUSTICE IN ALBANIA
The project will enhance the capacity of service providers to protect victims and effectively manage cases of digital violence. It will also work to raise awareness about the consequences of digital violence against women and girls, while advocating for stronger legislation and policies to safeguard online privacy and prevent such violence.
INSTITUTE OF ROMANI CULTURE IN ALBANIA
This initiative will fight high-level corruption within Albania’s Romani community by promoting a culture of accountability and reporting. The project will strengthen the community’s capacity to combat corruption, create anti-corruption clubs, and improve reporting mechanisms, particularly in the healthcare and education sectors.
ALBANIA SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION (ASDO)
Focusing on data protection, this project will develop training materials for Data Protection Officers, ensuring compliance with Albanian laws and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It will train public and private sector representatives and establish a network of trainers to ensure ongoing capacity building in data protection.
CENTRE FOR TRANSPARENCY AND FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (CTFI)
The CTFI project aims to develop a digital platform called the “blacklist page” to identify fake news, fact-check information, and report disinformation across a widely-read online news outlet. It will also focus on raising public awareness about the dangers of fake news through targeted media literacy education.
LIBERAL INSTITUTE OF TIRANA NASHKO (ILP)
The goal of this project is to enhance privacy and personal data security for vulnerable groups. It will build awareness and capacity to manage and safeguard sensitive information, fostering a culture of data security that aligns with both international and national standards to reduce the risk of abuse and misuse of personal data in marginalized communities.
We congratulate the newly awarded organizations and look forward to working together to drive positive and sustainable change in Albania. Through these projects, we aim to foster a robust civil society that holds governments accountable, strengthens democratic values, and ensures the well-being and protection of all citizens.
The SMARTBalkans project is dedicated to strengthening civil society organizations (CSOs) in the Western Balkans, with a particular focus on promoting transparency, fighting corruption, and empowering marginalized communities. By supporting local CSOs, the project aims to create sustainable impact and advance democratic processes in the region.
