The Global Albanians Foundation (GAF) was established in 2018 with a mission to inspire and promote Albanian philanthropy worldwide. Over the past five years, GAF has grown into a vital platform, raising over $1 million to support not-for-profit organizations across Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and the Presheva Valley in Serbia. Its focus spans disaster relief, youth empowerment, education, and healthcare, directly addressing critical social and economic challenges in the region.
As GAF celebrates this significant milestone, the organization looks back on its impactful journey, starting from fundraising efforts during the 2019 Albanian earthquake, and forward to an even more ambitious future.
Transforming Philanthropy: From remittances to lasting impact
GAF envisions transforming traditional diaspora remittances into collective efforts that create sustainable change. By emphasizing innovation and high-impact initiatives, the foundation seeks to empower local organizations and drive regional development.
With approximately 90% of direct donations allocated to programs and only 10% for administrative expenses, GAF has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to transparency and efficiency in its mission. This strategic approach ensures donors’ contributions lead to meaningful and lasting benefits for Albanian communities worldwide.
OriginAL: Connecting albanian youth with their heritage
One of GAF’s most transformative programs, OriginAL, connects young Albanians from around the world to their roots through immersive two-week trips to their homeland countries. Developed in partnership with Germin, the program has hosted over 150 participants from 20 countries since 2022.
For participants, the experience has been described as life-changing, deepening their connection to Albanian heritage in ways they had never experienced before. More than just a trip, OriginAL fosters cultural pride and strengthens ties among the global Albanian community.
Looking ahead, GAF aims to expand OriginAL and offer more opportunities for diaspora youth to engage with their culture through internships and collaborative projects.
Korçarët Ndihmojnë Korçarët: A Model for Community Foundations
The Korçarët Ndihmojnë Korçarët (KNK) initiative exemplifies GAF’s commitment to local development. Funded by Dr. Yvonne Naum of Seattle in honor of her parents, the KNK program aims to transform Korçë into a better place to live.
Dr. Naum’s generous pledge to donate half of her estate has laid the foundation for the KNK Korçë Community Foundation, which will formally launch in 2025. Its mission is to support local NGOs and community organizations, with hopes to inspire similar community foundations across other Albanian cities.
This initiative underscores the power of the diaspora to make a significant impact in their hometowns and serves as a model for sustainable, community-driven development.
A vision for the future
As GAF enters its next chapter, the organization is committed to expanding its reach and impact through several strategic goals:
- Enhancing Online Platforms – Simplifying donor experiences and increasing access to crowdfunding for Albanian NGOs.
- Growing Partnerships – Collaborating with more not-for-profit organizations to amplify efforts.
- Fostering Long-Term Projects – Transitioning from short-term aid to sustainable, multi-year initiatives.
- Engaging Diaspora Youth – Expanding programs like OriginAL and offering more professional opportunities for Albanian diaspora members.
- Developing Community Foundations – Establishing local funding models inspired by KNK to support grassroots initiatives.
Through these efforts, GAF aims to empower Albanian communities, promote social and economic development, and strengthen the bonds of the global Albanian diaspora.
As GAF embarks on its next five years, it invites supporters, partners, and donors to collaborate in shaping the future of Albanian philanthropy. Whether through innovative ideas, impactful projects, or new partnerships, every contribution plays a crucial role in building a brighter, more connected Albanian community.
