Annual Report 2018

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

www.partnersalbania.org

Partners Albania for Change and Development Rruga e Elbasanit, PARK GATE building, 10th floor, App.71 / 73 PO Box 2418/1, 1010, Tirana, Albania Tel.Fax: +355 4 2254881 E-mail: partners@partnersalbania.org www.partnersalbania.org All rights reserved.

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I. Enabling Environment and Sustainable Development of Civil Society

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Confiscated Assets Used for Social Experimentation - C.A.U.S.E. Project

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Financially Sustainable Civil Society = Active Civil Society

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Entrepreneurship models that build creative relations and economy - EMBRACE project

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The Civil Society Programme for Albania and Kosovo

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NPO Academy

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Enabling environment - Sustainable CSOs

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Monitoring Matrix on Enabling Environment for Civil Society Development, Country Report for Albania 2017

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Monitoring the Right to Freedom of Assembly, Report for Albania 2017-2018

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Stronger CSOs for Transparency in Health

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Capacity building programs for NPOs

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The Albanian Crowd, the online platform of the Albanian NPOs and social enterprises in Albania

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II. Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Green Ideas Competition 2018 Contributing to social entrepreneurship development in the country and beyond

III. Women and Youth Employment and Increased Representation in Decision Making

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Youth Bank Hub for the Western Balkans and Turkey

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Making the labor market work for young people in Albania - RISIAlbania project

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Supporting youth employment in the banking sector

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IV. Philanthropy and Corporate Social Responsibility Monitoring the philanthropic activity in Albania

V. Transparent and Accountable Governance

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LevizAlbania project

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Partnerships of non-governmental organizations and self-government: Together for more effective participation

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Building Institutional Capacity for Public Engagement and Consultation

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VI. Partners Albania programs in the media focus VII. Publications VIII. Finances

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FROM THE DIRECTOR It is with great excitement that I present to you the Annual Report of Partners Albania for Change and Development for the year 2018.

I am very happy that each year Partners Albania is able to bring to its main constituency, the non-for-profit sector, new programs and initiatives that support its growth and institutional development needs. This year does not make any exceptions.

In 2018, we launched the Giving Circle platform as a creative way for non-for-profits to generate public support and build strong constituencies that goes beyond just funding as such. In addition to that, the sector was assisted with a new training and coaching program about building financial sustainability and program independence by adopting new business models.

In our social entrepreneurship program, we were able to advance a pilot program for the Western Balkans consisting in using and transforming assets confiscated by organized crime into social enterprises. A program with multiple effects at social, economic and political level.

During this year, I am happy we stood by the sector in supporting several advocacy efforts tackling issues from freedom of assembly to fiscal policies, social enterprises, transparency and public participation. Partners Albania leading role around these issues was supported by thorough research and development of policy alternatives.

The road towards strong and sound democratic institutions, and meaningful participatory processes is not easy. Nevertheless, the power of evidence base advocacy backed up by a strong sense of togetherness, have proven to produce results.

The tireless and dedicated work of our staff and partners have enabled us to double up the number of our beneficiaries compare to the year before. Our outreach capacity is increased thanks also to use of on-line technologies. All these have been made possible not by increased budgets but by increased efficiency in management.

These are only some highlights of new programmatic developments during 2018. For more insights about our work in other sectors I would leave you to check the report and appreciate the diversity of our work and its impact through figures and facts.

Partners Albania team and myself are looking forward to 2019, as an important year in our organizational development, with plans for further institutional consolidation and expansion. The passion of creation and commitment to bring change, is “the fuel� to our speed.

Sincerely,

Juliana Hoxha Director

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HIGHLIGHTS OF

BENEFICIARIES BENEFI

INSIGHTS 17

projects

2,215

355

9

days activity

contracts

direct participants in our activities

16

donors

GRANTS GRANT APPLICATION

19 grants awarded to 22 organizations & individuals

24 publications

- studies - guides - reports

14%

Women

28%

Employment

REPRESENTATION

5%

11%

~

€500,000

Transparent Governance

17%

Social Inclus.

11%

Environment

3%

Media

LOCAL

REGIONAL

Youth

11%

Tourism development

GLOBAL * Financial schemes managed directly by Partners Albania, not including LevizAlbania and RisiAlbania projects.

OUR IMPACT DURING 2018

ICIARIES

USE OF TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION ONLINE

#GivingCircle

Albania

167 Individual Coaching Sessions 13 Trainings and Networking Sessions for 174 NPOs & individuals

MEDIA & COMMUNICATION

1,885,874

ALL raised during the first Live crowdfunding event in Albania, in support of 3 initiatives that will bring sustainable social change for the vulnerable communities

national & international media 25 local, published news about PA work A kindergarten for the children of Blliรงe

Adopt a therapy!

Services for children with Down Syndrome

Education & integration of Roma and Egyptian children through sport

150,000 unique visitors 2.5 million hits and

in PA & Albanian Crowd website

EDUCATION OF YOUNG JOB-SEEKERS IN BANKING SECTOR Program

- training - coaching - employment opportunities

keyword

for

15 students of economic sciences

516,000 37,000 post

post reach & engagement in Facebook

45,000 Twitter impressions 2,500 Youtube views

ANNUALREPORT 20 18 C.A.U.S.E - CONFISCATED ASSETS USED FOR SOCIAL EXPERIMENTATIONS Partners Albania announced in January 2018 the project KeBuono! Social Pastry: legality, inclusion, and awareness as ingredients for a better community, winner of the first open Call for Proposals under the sub-granting scheme of C.A.U.S.E - Confiscated Assets Used for Social Experimentations project. Through a usufruct contract between the implementing organizations Enti Kombëtar i Jozefinëve të MurialdosENGIM and Qendra Sociale Murialdo, and the Agency for the Administration of Sequestered and Confiscated Assets (AASCA), “KeBuono!” will create a sustainable model of social enterprise in a confiscated asset from the organized crime, for a period of at least 5 years.

C.A.U.S.E is the first initiative of this nature implemented in Albania and in the Western Balkan region, aiming to turn into a success story as part of a larger mosaic, which is the implementation of the Justice Reform in Albania supported by international partners as well.

It aims to establish a model of sustainable re-use of confiscated assets from organized crime by civil society organizations (CSOs).

Applying an innovative approach, focused on the promotion and development of the culture of social entrepreneurship and fight against organized crime, CAUSE provides opportunities, skills and financial support for CSOs to start a new project in a confiscated asset from the organized crime.

We are proud to witness how this has become a reality. It’s not about a bakery but about Rule of Law. All Albanian society must get involved to fight organized crime. The EU strongly supports use of confiscated assets for the social good.

Mrs. Romana Vlahutin, EU

It is implemented by Partners Albania in Ambassador to Albania (former) partnership with Project Ahead and Comitato Don Peppe Diana, and in cooperation with the AASCA. The project is funded by the European Union through the Delegation of the European Union to Albania.

In October 30th 2018, EU new Ambassador to Albania Mr. Luigi Soreca visited KeBuono, in an public event to taste the first products of this social enterprise.

Today’s event brings me back to the beginning of my career in Sicily at 25 years old, when I was responsible for seizure and confiscation of assets from mafia organised crime. It is so rewarding and promising to see legal activities run by civil society and youth organisation flourishing in the same places where organised crime was stealing money from society…… This small project is sending a clear message, what is stolen can and should be given back to society. I wanted personally to thank Partners Albania , ENGIM and Murialdo for the courage to stand up against criminal networks and to fight it through an innovative model of social business based on social inclusion.

Mr. Luigi Soreca, EU Ambassador to Albania

During pastry courses with youngsters from marginalized groups, helping them to gain a profession and employment

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Enabling Environment and Sustainable Development of CSOs

FINANCIALLY VIABLE CIVIL SOCIETY = ACTIVE CIVIL SOCIETY Partners Albania’ core mission is to build capacities of Albanian NPO sector to effectively advocate for change as a way to better respond to beneficiaries and community needs.

In line with this, in 2016 Partners Albania started the program Financially viable civil society = Active civil society, to support civil society in becoming less donor dependent in their activities, believing this will enhance their advocacy efforts, independent from any third party

interest. The initiative was implemented in framework of Civil Society Watchdog and Advocacy Program supported by the Public Affairs Office of the United States Embassy in Tirana.

During two years, Partners Albania assisted 28 NPOs in creating alternative funding sources, by developing new products and services aiming primarily

the private sector. One of the added values of the program was introduction of facilitated interaction with the private sector, in building mutual beneficial cooperation and start considering each-other as offerers (NPOs) and buyers (Businesses).

Partners Albania organized in May the Conference Building Resilient NPOs in Times of Change – New Business Models, to share the results of this pilot initiative for Albania, and discuss the global challenges and trends to this regard. . Mrs. Senida Mesi, Deputy Prime Minister of Albania and H.E. Mr. Donald Lu, US Ambassador to Albania, addressed the conference.

Representatives from Partners Global Network and CIVICUS presented one of the most recent global initiatives on civil society sector resilience as a need to respond to current trends of shrinking space for civil society, but not only.

In his speech, Ambassador Lu highlighted the important role the Albanian NGOs have played in observing the elections and other democratic developments in the country.

For these things and many more, Albanian civil society should be proud. But you should not be lazy. There is lots more to do. That is why we have worked with Partners Albania to help local civil society organizations become more financially independent and successful.

Mr. Donald Lu, US Ambassador to Albania Mrs. Senida Mesi, Deputy Prime Minister of Albania addressing the conference

Readiness of CSOs for Revenue Generating Activities

From meetings with Telekom Albania and Grant Thornton Albania, where NPOs increased their knowledge regarding Business Plan Development /Marketing Strategy, preparation and negotiation of contracts for fee-for services / products; reporting obligations in the state etc.

The report on Readiness of CSOs for Revenue Generating Activities provides an overview of the situation in the sector regarding the provision of fee-for-services, institutional readiness of civil society organizations to be involved in the design and delivery of services and products, as well as provides information on their nature and market segment they target.

It offers a series of inspirational case studies from Albania and the world, on how they have managed to be successful in ensuring their sustainability by using similar business models.

This was the pilot program but Partners Albania has planned to continue this program for the years to come.

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ANNUALREPORT 20 18 ENTREPRENEURSHIP MODELS THAT BUILD CREATIVE RELATIONS AND ECONOMY - EMBRACE Partners Albania, for more than a decade is dedicated to the development of social entrepreneurship in Albania as a driving force in the country’s socio-economic development. In 2018 Partners Albania started EMBRACE - Entrepreneurship Models Building Creative Relationships and Economy, focused in advancing the legal environment for SEs and the need for better incentives, supporting existing and new SEs in how to better tailor their products and services and / or find their niche in the market by using the existing legal and institutional setup.

During the onsite and online training and assistance with participating organizations in the program.

EMBRACE is implemented by Partners Albania in partnership with Project Ahead (Italy), and funded by the European Union through the Delegation of the European Union to Albania.

Mr. Stephen Stork, Head of Operations Section I – Governance and Rule of Law, at the Delegation of the European Union, addressing the participants in the event Presentation of Entrepreneurship Models Partnership with Business.

The event brought together SEs and private sector to solicit interest of businesses to support SE activity and explore business exchanges.

EMBRACE has a sub-grant funding scheme that supports NPO initiatives that aim to address social challenges and foster inclusive growth, by involving marginalized groups in economic productivity and provision of services. Partners Albania launched the first Call for Proposals in October 2018, and awarded five projects benefiting different social groups across the country.

Eco-Social Farm for Social Inclusion implemented by The Door, Shkodër; Recycling of wastes as an alternative for the employment of women implemented by Zejtaret e Veriut, Shkodër; New horizons for disadvantaged and longterm unemployed women in Fushe-Arrez project, implemented by Social Center for Helping People in Need, Fushë Arrëz;

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Mapping Tirana Trails and making it available through a website and a mobile application project, implemented by Tirana Ekspres, Tiranë; Empowering Jonathan Center with financial sustainability through its social business project, implemented by Jonathan Center, Tiranë.

Through the projects’ financial support, these five entrepreneurship initiatives will contribute to the social inclusion of disadvantaged groups such as unemployed women, and children with special needs.

The initiatives will foster the economic development of local communities across Albania, intervening in areas such as tourism, social services, and artisan products.

Co-funded by the European Union

UDHEZUES PER SIPERMARRJEN NE FUSHEN E SHERBIMEVE

Partners Albania has prepared a guide for non- profit organizations, to serve as resource material for identification and design of services and products or their improvement.

Enabling Environment and Sustainable Development of CSOs

GIVING CIRCLE ALBANIA Partners Albania launched a call for applications addressed to NPOs which had an innovative idea or a concrete initiative to bring social change in the community, but lacked financial resources or technical expertise to implement them.

Of the dozens of applications, PA selected three initiatives that were supported through the GIVING CIRCLE, the first live crowd-funding event held in Albania on December 4th 2018. It brought together representatives from the business sector,

the donor community, civil society, media, art, etc. who offered financial and material support to improvement of the facilities of the kindergarten in Bllice village in north Albania, continuation of services for children with Down Syndrome and other special needs, and the football team of the children from minority communities. The total amount raised of 1,885,874 ALL was almost the double of the targeted amount, confirming once again the civic awareness toward social causes and groups in need.

Photos from the Giving Circle event, 4 December 2018

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ANNUALREPORT 20 18 THE CIVIL SOCIETY PROGRAMME FOR ALBANIA AND KOSOVO The Civil Society Programme for Albania and Kosovo is a threeyear (2018-2021) programme funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs represented by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Pristina. The lead implementing organization of the programme is the Kosovar Civil Society Foundation (KCSF) with Partners Albania for Change and Development as partner organization.

The overall goal of the programme is to support the democratic participation and development of a strong and vibrant civil society in Albania and Kosovo, by supporting NGOs that advance the EU accession process through contribution to one of the following five thematic areas: Non-discrimination and gender equality; Independent media; Minorities and marginalized groups; Environment protection; Anti-corruption.

The first Call for Proposals under the program’s sub-granting scheme was launched in October 2018, as part of which Partners Albania awarded projects from 7 NPOs.

Providing sustainable reintegration assistance to former victims of trafficking in Albania by Vatra Psycho-Social Centre consists in providing quality services and access to community services for former victims or potential victims of trafficking, for their reintegration in social life; Better Environment applying integrated agriculture by Albanian Local Capacity Foundation (ALCDF) and For the Future Foundation (FFF) consists in improving the environment through the minimization of the soil and water pollution applying integrated agriculture practices in Divjaka municipality; A clean parliament - Transparency and accountability by the Institute of Political Studies consists in piloting the establishment of an anti-corruption framework aimed at the prevention of conflict of interest, enhanced transparency and extended accountability from the MPs in relation to their parliamentary activity; Strengthening the role of the independent media in the justice reform process in Albania by Albanian Media Institute consist in strengthening the role of the Albanian media in the implementation of the new justice reform and improving the professional skills and capacities of Albanian journalists in reporting justice issues;

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Early intervention, the best approach to advance the child development by Help the Life Association consists in improving the benefits of children with special needs in terms of their mental, social and educational development, and help them to have a more productive and independent life;

Increasing the social inclusion through access to justice

by Tirana Legal Aid Society consists in helping and enabling minorities and marginalized groups to enjoy their rights and ensure their inclusion in social state programmes;

Promotion of gender equality in Albania: A multidisciplinary approach through capacity building and provision of services for women- by Counseling Line for Women and Girls which consists on ensuring gender equality and reduce gender based discrimination by providing services to women victims of gender based violence and male perpetrators, and raising capacities of relevant professionals.

Enabling Environment and Sustainable Development of CSOs

NPO ACADEMY Partners Albania successfully completed the NPO Academy program for the fifth group of participants, representatives of NPOs from all over Albania. Since 2015, through this program, over 70 NPO leaders have gained knowledge and skills development, cooperation, networking and partnerships opportunities with similar organizations within the country and abroad.

The 15 participants of this season followed the cycle of 13 lessons and participated in a one-week study visit to Slovakia. Sharing experiences and best practices on a series of issues related to the development and sustainability of the sector, involvement in policy-making processes at local and central level, and discussion on partnership opportunities were the focus areas during meetings with the Slovak organizations.

Intensive training in Advocacy and Lobbying, January 2018

Study visit to Slovakia, March 2018

PILLARS OF CIVIL SOCIETY: between civil and state sector in Albania

Partners Albania prepared an assessment report that evidences the concrete impact that the NPO Academy has had in increasing the quality of work and performance of participating organizations.

NPO ACADEMY 2015-2018

At the graduation ceremony for the participants of the NPO Academy 2017-2018, participants of the NPO Academy throughout the years shared with the guests some of the benefits, personal and professional achievements and plans for the future.

The NPO Academy 2018 was financially supported by Slovak Aid - Official Development Assistance of the Slovak Republic.

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ANNUALREPORT 20 18 ENABLING ENVIRONMENT – SUSTAINABLE CSOs Following its work on creating an enabling environment for civil society organizations, Partners Albania conducted in 2018 a comprehensive review of the national legislation and practice with regard to fiscal treatment of not-for-profit organizations in Albania. Several regional consultations with representatives of non-profit organizations in Tirana, Vlora, Kukësi etc. were organized to discuss their experience and FISCAL TREATMENT get their feedback on issues related to the sector’s fiscal OF NPOs ASSESSMENT OF NATIONAL treatment. A wide range of other sources were consulted, LEGISLATION AND PRACTICE FOR NON-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS IN including data and reports published or received by state ALBANIA institutions, various reports produced by Albanian and 2018 international organizations as well as international resources to compare country-based fiscal treatment with international and regional best practices. The study report identifies gaps in the current legal framework and challenges encountered by CSOs in practice, as well as provides recommendations for further improvement.

Its findings and recommendations are expected to serve as basis for Partners Albania’s work in cooperation with the sector, to address the necessary legal and practical changes as part of their advocacy efforts. A positive development in this regard has been the re-discussion of one of the most problematic issues such as VAT reimbursement for project expenses supported by donors who have a bilateral agreement with the Albanian government, where EU programs take the major part.

Prior to publishing the report, Partners Albania consulted the preliminary findings and recommendations of the study at a round-table with representatives of CSOs, state institutions and donors who discussed these issues and provided their opinions and experiences that further materialized the findings of the report.

All participants agreed on the necessity to undertake concrete actions to address the issues with regard to the fiscal treatment of NPOs.

As part of the efforts of a joint working group with representatives from the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the EU Delegation and the civil society represented by Partners Albania, it is expected a new procedure for reimbursement of VAT, that will facilitate and increase the range of organizations that will benefit, giving more guarantees for its implementation.

This initiative was supported by IBON International through the CSO Partnership for Development Efficiency (CPDE) within the ”Advocacy on CSO Enabling Environment” program.

Within the CONCORD HUB3 Spring Meeting in Brussels, held on 13-15 march 2018, Klotilda Kosta, PA Director of Programs participated and contributed to the event of March 13, focusing on Promoting Civil Society Space.

The event gathered more than 100 participants, representatives of organizations from EU and the Western Balkans, platforms and networks, and representatives of the European Commission and the donor community. It represented an effort of European civil society development organizations to build a platform for discussions, exchanges and solutions of shared problems around the issues of enabling environment for CSOs, shrinking space

by illiberal democracy, CSO accountability, the engagement of civil society in EU policy, civic participation and community engagement.

The second day of the HUB3 Meeting was devoted to the CSO partnership for development effectiveness (CPDE), for familiarizing the participants with the work of CPDE, how European CSOs can be more involved, and how they can contribute towards greater development effectiveness. Partners Albania is CPDE Focal Point in Albania for the monitoring of indicator two of the GPEDC framework: Civil society operates within an environment which maximizes its engagement in and contribution to development.

MONITORING MATRIX ON ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR CIVIL SOCIETY DEVELOPMENT COUNTRY REPORT FOR ALBANIA 2017 Monitoring Matrix on Enabling Environment for Civil Society Development,Countr y Report for Albania 2017 Monitoring Matrix on Enabling Environment presents the findings from for Civil Society Development the monitoring of practical COUNTRY REPORT FOR ALBANIA 2017 and legal framework for the development of civil society. This is the 5th consecutive report conducted in Albania. It is part of a series of country reports covering 7 countries in the Western Balkans and Turkey. The monitoring in Albania is conducted by Partners Albania.

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Top findings from the Report Centralization of the registration procedure of CSOs at the Tirana First Court of Instance, presenting high financial and human costs for CSOs, still is not addressed; There is not legal base and regulation for de-registration of CSOs unfairly registered automatically in the VAT scheme, and for profit tax between 2008 and 2014; There is no legal framework nor state policies to regulate philanthropic activity and stimulate cooperation between CSOs and donors for channeling their donations through CSOs; Implementation of The Road Map for Drafting Policy and Measures for Enabling Environment for Civil Society approved in 2015, has not progressed in most of the proposed actions; The role of the National Council for Civil Society in its first year of operation has been weak with no concrete results; The legal and regulatory framework in place is not enabling for a meaningful engagement of CSOs in the delivery of different services through state contracts.

Enabling Environment and Sustainable Development of CSOs

Partners Albania published for the 2nd year the REPORT ON MONITORING THE RIGHT TO FREE ASSEMBLIES 20172018.

This report presents an analysis of the legal framework governing the freedom of assembly in Albania and its implementation in practice, towards international standards in this area. The evaluation of the legal framework implementation was based on data and facts gathered through consultations with civil society organizations, media and experts in the field of the right and freedom to peaceful assembly.

A positive development regarding this issue is a package of recommendations by the Ombudsman office, addressed to the State Police in July 2018, to improve the administration of peaceful assemblies and facilitate the procedures for organizing them. These recommendations are in line with the findings and recommendations produced by PA as part of this report.

In June, a team of Partners Albania attended a training on monitoring the right to peaceful assembly, organized in Belfast, by the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ECNL). The new observation approach of the assemblies introduced in the training, was adopted by Partners Albania in its 2018 monitoring methodology.

In September, Mrs. Juliana Hoxha, PA Director attended the OSCE / ODIHR Human Dimension Implementation Meeting in Warsaw. As part of the event Promoting Human Rights Complaint Assembly Policing Practices in the Western Balkan Region, Mrs. Hoxha presented the latest report on the monitoring of the right to peaceful assembly in the country. Albania was chosen as success story in improving the regulatory framework by adopting a series of recommendations put forward by Partners Albania and Ombudsman.

STRONGER CSOs FOR TRANSPARENCY IN HEALTH Despite the country’s progress in the legal framework targeting corruption and introducing mechanisms to denounce corruption in the health institutions, there is still a poor enforcement, and weak reaction from civil society organisations’ to address transparency issues in the health sector.

In the frame of Transparency in Health Engagement Activity project of USAID, Partners Albania provided a capacity building and technical assistance program for 20 organizations working within the human rights and health sector, increasing their

watchdog role and contribution to effective implementation of the legal framework and practices that foster greater transparency and accountability of health state institutions. The participating NPOs in the program were selected from across country such as Tirana, Lushnja, Fieri, Kukësi, Shkodra, Saranda, Pogradeci, Berati, Elbasani, Durrësi, Peshkopia, Tropoja, and Korça.

The network of these organizations, under facilitation of PA experts, after identifying the most pressing issues in the health sector, developed three joint work plans on how

to collectively address them. The work plans included important elements such as community mobilization, tailored strategies on how to address corruption issues and how to advocate for change.

The advocacy plans for increased transparency and fight against corruption in the health sector were developed in close collaboration with institutions playing a key role in this matter such as the Ombudsman, High State Audit and High Inspectorate of Declaration and Audit of Assets and Conflicts of Interest.

During the first round-table aiming to create cooperation bridges among 20 participating NPOs from all over the country and independent oversight institutions such as the Ombudsman, the Supreme State Audit, HIDAACI and the Commissioner for the Right to Information and Protection of Personal Data, February 2018

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ANNUALREPORT 20 18 CAPACITY BUILDING FOR NPOs Partners Albania specially designed and delivered a program to enhance the effectiveness and quality of the projects implemented by nine organizations from across the country, beneficiaries of the Grant Program of the US Embassy’s Democracy Commission.

The program consisted in a series of training sessions around topics such as organization development, internal policies and procedures, financial management, strategic planning, communication, monitoring, evaluation and reporting, etc. In addition to the training, the NPOs were guided and mentored by Partners Albania in preparing their project’ reports, in designing and developing policies and procedures, sustainability plans etc.

The Albanian Crowd

www.thealbaniancrowd.org Since 2013 Partners Albania provides The Albanian Crowd, an interactive Online platform of Albanian NPOs. The platform provides comprehensive information on the location, scope of work, areas of activity, beneficiaries, services the organizations offer and projects they are working on.

The Albanian Crowd provides the opportunity for its members to share the most recent updates about projects and activities, identify potential project partners and recruit volunteers and supporters. It also serves the institutions and individuals from the public sector, business community, media, international organizations and donors, who will find in it dynamic information, partners and services needed.

The platforms supports already 150 member organizations from across the country, operating in different fields. Since it was launched, the platform counts thousands of visitors and million hits from over 150 countries from all continents.

All interested groups can join the platform by completing the online registration form at the following link: http://www.thealbaniancrowd.org/aplikimi-en/ We invite the organizations which are already members, to send us continuous updates to publish in the platform.

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Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation

GREEN IDEAS 2018 COMPETITION Every year since 2012, Partners Albania invites individuals, social entrepreneurs, small business ventures and NPOs, to present their business ideas in an annual national competition.

This year’s competition took place on June 28th - 29th, 2018 in Tirana, where 20 ideas selected out of 35 applications, competed to win a start-up financial support for creating a small scale green economic enterprise in Albania, utilizing local resources and revitalizing traditions of production and community-based markets, in an environmentally friendly way.

Before the competition, like every year, Partners Albania assisted interested applicants in the Business and Marketing Planning, through a two-day training provided by experts from Grand Thornton Albania.

The moment everyone was expecting: The jury announce the three winning ideas!

Aloe Vera (Saponaria) in Albania - from Albi Sulo (individual), who plans to create for the very first time an Aloe Vera Farm in a suburban area of Tirana, with the ambition to turn the cultivation of Aloe Vera in a successful and lucrative venture.

This innovative local initiative is expected to be an incentive for a wider cultivation of this plant in Albania, making use of the abandoned land, and enhancing employment and wellness.

Pana Souvenirs from Pezana Rexha (social entrepreneurs) - an initiative which will create and develop a new line of unique products that aims to promote Albanian identity through the “Made in Albania” souvenirs, produced by recycling of pallets and wood residues. Its implementation will create new employment and training opportunities for people in need, as well as for children and youngsters with special needs.

Green Paths - Vjosa Explorer Association is going to create in Vjosa valley (Përmet district) four green trails and a digital map with GPS marking, points of interest and all necessary information about the trails. The creation and promotion of these trails is expected to encourage the inhabitants of eight villages involved in their itinerary, to adopt their homes into guest houses enabling them to provide accommodation and services for visitors, as well as to increase the production of typical local products.

The three winning ideas were given the opportunity to participate in the regional competition organized by the Balkan Green Foundation, in Macedonia, on July 18-20, 2018.

Winning ideas are being supported through a fund created with contributions from the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the Balkan Trust for Democracy, Credins Bank and Telekom Albania.

Besides the financial support, the new enterprises will be provided assistance and mentoring on issues related to the establishment and development of their enterprises.

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ANNUALREPORT 20 18 MEETING OF ACTORS IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN ALBANIA A networking event featuring social enterprises that were helped to take off by Partners Albania’ support over the years, but not only, brought together social entrepreneurs, investors, donors and representatives from the public institutions.

The informal event served as a market place for social entrepreneurs to promote their products and services but also meet potential funders and donors.

The meeting took place at the premises of Telekom Store. Telekom is one of the supporters of the Green Idea Competition since the beginning of this initiative.

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Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation

ADVANCING THE SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AGENDA IN ALBANIA The legal package on social enterprises in the country has attracted lots of attention and criticism from social enterprises community and actors supporting this agenda.

Juliana Hoxha, Partners Albania Director, as one of the speakers in the conference “Social Entrepreneurship and Green Economy in Albania”, presented on behalf of Partners Albania, in a wide community of SEs, a critical assessment of this legal framework, by keeping into consideration the opportunities and challenges SEs face at the moment.

MAPPING SOCIAL ENTERPRISES AND THEIR ECO-SYSTEMS IN EUROPE Partners Albania is conducting the mapping of SEs in Albania. This is part of a larger research project where PA participates, led by EURICSE and EMES network. The research study consists in “Mapping Social Enterprises and their Eco-systems in Europe” supported by EU, as an update of the mapping study conducted in 2014 and 2016.

The synthesized report for all European countries is expected to be launched in September 2019.

Erila Haska, Project Manager at Partners Albania participated in the Coordination Meeting with national researchers, organized in Brussels.

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SOCIAL ENTERPRISE SCHOLARS Partners Albania is one of the members of the EMPOWER-SE Empowering the Next Generation of Social Enterprise Scholars project. Klotilda Kosta, Director of Programs represented Partners Albania in an event organized in Lisbon on February 28 – March1 2018. In the workshop entitled “Foundations of social enterprise”, Klotilda talked about the challenges and the development of social enterprises in Albania. As a Management Committee (MC) observer, she represented PA also in the MC Meeting, together with experts from 33 countries.

VISIT OF GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT FROM KOSOVO In June, a delegation with representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and members of the Parliament of Kosovo, among whom Mrs. Besa Baftiu - Chair of the Committee on Health, Labour and Social Welfare, and Mrs. Flora Brovina member of this Commission and Chair of the League of Writers of Kosovo, held a meeting at Partners Albania office.

Mrs. Juliana Hoxha, PA Director introduced the honoured guests to the latest developments and some of the social entrepreneurship practices in Albania. At the time, Kosovo was in the process of reviewing the draft law on social enterprises which was approved in November 2018.

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ANNUALREPORT 20 18 YOUTH BANK HUB FOR WESTERN BALKANS AND TURKEY Since January 2016, Partners Albania is a member of Youth Bank Hub for Western Balkans and Turkey network, together with organizations from Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Turkey.

The network is working to improve youth participation in decision-making processes in Western Balkans and Turkey, through supporting capacity building of youth organizations, advocacy initiatives, and awareness-raising.

One of the main activities of the network is the ongoing monitoring of the situation regarding the political, social and

From the meeting among YBH4WBT partner organizations, April 2018, Montenegro

economic participation of young people. An Annual Report is prepared in each country by partner organizations measuring progress against a set of indicators which are uniform for the entire region. The Monitoring Report for Albania 2018 provides new data and also a comparative analysis of the indicators with the situation in 2017.

The report serves as a strong base to feed the future advocacy initiatives regarding youth

participation enriched by recommendations gathered through consultation with youth NPOs and other stakeholders.

In 2018, the YBH4WBT network selected in each of member countries, three local grantee organizations.

“Youth Act Center” from Tirana, “Epoka e Re” in Fier and “Social Center for Helping People in Need” in Fushë-Arrëz are grantee organizations from Albania which are implementing youth initiatives in support of groups they represent.

Partners Albania together with the three grantee organizations from Albania, participated in a study visit to Serbia, hosted by “Ana I Vlade DIVAC” Foundation, PA partner organization in #YBH4WBT project.

Albanian YBH4WBT newest members benefited from a tailored training program provided by PA, on topics such as project management and financial procedures, advocacy and strategic communication, to increase their capacities and skills in the development and undertaking of advocacy initiatives to increase social, political and economic participation of young people in Albania and the region.

The project “Youth Bank Hub for Western Balkans and Turkey” is funded by the European Union.

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Women and Youth Employment & Increased Representation in Decision-making

MAKING THE LABOR MARKET WORK FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN ALBANIA RisiAlbania is a development project aimed at increasing the employment opportunities of young people. It is a SDC project, implemented by a consortium of partners comprised of Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation and Partners Albania. RISIAlbania has entered the second phase of the project. As part of the preliminary analysis and a study of the situation, one of the vulnerable groups identified was “internal migrants”, predominantly located in peripheral areas of Tirana such as Kamza, Paskuqani, Kashari and Farka. As part of the project, Partners Albania carried out the study “Understanding Unemployment among Young Internal Migrants in Kamza”, to find “entry points” for intervention by RisiAlbania to reduce the unemployment of domestic migrants located in these areas. Some of the project’s main activities for 2018 were:

In the Tourism sector, the project supported the creation of quality jobs all year-round with an emphasis on sustainable tourism.

During 2018 has been established a public-private partnership in Gjirokastra region among tourism stakeholders for promoting the destination in domestic and foreign markets. The first output is the online information platform www.visit-gjirokastra. com. And in order to stimulate touristic offer diversification, the project partnered with five tour operators to develop 13 new tourism packages in the region of Gjirokastra to address the high seasonality and the weak tourism offer.

Risi also supported a special edition of ALBINFO.CH magazine which was published in 2018 promoting Albania’s alternative tourism offers among Swiss tourists and entrepreneurs, as well as the organizers of “Festat Lokale”, a Government initiative aiming at revitalizing rural tourism through the promotion of villagebased events. To raise rural businesses’ capacity, the project is supporting twinning and expertise exchanges between Swiss and Albanian businesses, as part of the Albanian Government initiative “100 villages.

In the MAPs sector, Risi supported exporters to improve the business performance by improving post-harvesting practices and promoting organic cultivation. The vision is to improve the Albanian’s MAP quality and quantity, as the way to generate more income and increases employment opportunities for youth.

Risi encouraged experienced business service providers to sell their services to rural businesses to access available agribusiness funds like IPARD and other alternative funds.

In ICT sector Risi is invested in the promotion of IT and BPO sectors to attract new investors through partnerships between service providers and market players. The project did this in 2018 through strengthening sector associations’ capacities to attract investments, and support to create a compliant regulatory environment.

Risi supported the National Agency for Electronic Certification and Cybersecurity (NAECCS) to enforce the implementation of the new cybersecurity law requiring companies with critical and important information infrastructures to employ IT security specialists.

In Agribusiness sector the project partnered with businesses stimulating job creation for young women and men.

In fruits and vegetables, Risi supported exporters to pilot the Global G.A.P. group certification by cooperating with their supplying farmers. This adds value to Albanian products and prepares them for new European export markets, which generates higher margins and higher security for farmers leading to job creation.

The project has also supported the stimulation of the ICT providers to promote their services domestically, starting with tourism and agribusiness – two sectors that are in need for IT solutions but are not aware of the services offered locally.

RisiAlbania had a strong focus on the development of accessible, relevant Career Guidance Services for Youth, by strengthening and introducing career guidance services at different levels and stages of career development for youth.

Risi signed Memorandum of Cooperation with Municipality of Tirana, for the establishment of career guidance services at local level as a community service. To strengthen CG services at university level, Risi has defined the first lot of universities to support with capacity building of career advisors’, as the first strategic measure in this regard.

In parallel, Risi has facilitated a partnership among the Faculty of Social Sciences and the University of Lausanne signing a cooperation agreement to improve its education offer on Career Orientation Master Programme and become a center of expertise for career guidance services.

A special focus was given in 2018 to the identification of new media products to provide attractive media content on career guidance for youth. Risi partnered with National Employment Service by having a strong focus on increased cooperation with business for intermediation of quality jobs for youth.

By end of 2018, RisiAlbania partnered with 6 private non-formal training providers to improve the skills of young people with labour market-oriented and innovative training offers.

The project RisiAlbania was selected as one of the most introduced innovation in the innovative project in the Western Balkans among 21 training offers, new learning projects by the Women of the Balkans for new politics methodologies, and added organization in the framework of the “Employability value services, making sure no in the Balkans” project. one is excluded.

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ANNUALREPORT 20 18 SUPPORTING YOUTH EMPLOYMENT IN THE BANKING SECTOR Partners Albania in cooperation with experts from several banks conducted the program EDUCATION OF YOUNG JOB-SEEKERS IN THE BANKING SECTOR for the second group of 15 students of economic sciences, aiming to contribute to improving employment

opportunities among young people in Albania who are pursuing a professional career in the banking sector. The program provided educational and development opportunities, as well as interactive exchange and exposure in the banking sector.

From the opening ceremony of the program.

Participants were greeted by Mr. Ardian Angoni, Manager of the Human Resources Department at Credins Bank and Mrs. Lutjana Konomi, Manager of the Public Relations and Marketing Department at Tirana Bank. The first lecture focused on the “Banking System in Albania and its development trends”, led by Ms. Joarda Mema, Head of Segment and Product Development Unit at Credins Bank.

“Bank as an institution – Organizational structure, functions, banking products and services” was the second lecture led by Ms. Manjola Angoni, Director of the Human Resources Department at Alpha Bank Albania.

“Preparing for a job interview and the recruitment process” was the lecture led by Mrs. Lutjana Konomi, Manager of the Public Relations and Marketing Department at Tirana Bank.

Recruitment challenges and career in the banking sector was the third lecture led by Ms. Edlira Zambaku Memushaj, Director of the Human Resources Department and Mrs. Armela Hasa, Training Specialist at BKT.

Work skills was the last lecture held by Ms. Irida Vejsiu, Director of the Human Resources Department and Mr. Skerdi Buhuri, Director of the Training and Development Sector at Societe Generale Albania. The students were greeted by Mr. Frederic Blanc, SGAL’s CEO who among others discussed with them on the importance of human resources and the role of technology in the banking system.

In June 2018 was established the ALBANIAN FINANCIAL EDUCATION NETWORK (ANFE), through a Memorandum of Understanding between the Albanian Association of Banks, The Insurers Association of Albania, the Albanian Micro-finance Association, the Association of Life, Pensions and Investment Funds Insurance, the Association of Securities Trading in Albania, the Albanian Securities Exchange ALSE, Junior Achievement Albania, Partners Albania for Change and Development and the National Youth Service. ANFE network will contribute to the advancement of financial education in Albania, to all age groups, entrepreneurs, and small and medium enterprises.

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Mrs. Juliana Hoxha, PA Director during the ceremony of signing of MOU for the establishment of ANFE network, June 2018

Philanthropy and Corporate Social Responsibility

MONITORING OF PHILANTHROPIC ACTIVITY IN ALBANIA As part of its work to promote philanthropy, Partners Albania continues the monitoring of philanthropic activity in Albania using cases reported by media (including social media) and information sources from public and non-public institutions.

The daily monitoring gathers information on the nature of the causes supported, nature and value of the donations, geographic coverage and donor’s nature. The findings are presented as monthly infographics.

Throughout 2018, the total amount registered by Partners Albania is 93,964,753 ALL, whereas the number of donations is 309, which were carried out mostly in cash. The main field of donation is Support to Marginalized Groups, while as regard to the main beneficiary group, Children are ranked first, followed by Elderly.

The main contributor is Corporate with 32% of the total amount of donation, followed by Individuals and NPOs.

Beneficiaries

Fields of donations

Value of donations by donor type

Type of donations

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ANNUALREPORT 20 18 INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS’ MEETING ON FUNDRAISING LEGAL FRAMEWORK Following the PA work in support of the development of philanthropic activity, Juliana Hoxha, PA Director, participated in the meeting of the experts group from 15 countries Regulating fundraising: Which way forward?, organized by The European Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ECNL), in January 2018 in Brussels.

The experts group reviewed and provided feedback on the first draft report prepared by ECNL, comparing the legal framework on fundraising in 16 European countries.

MEETING OF PHILANTHROPY FOR GREEN IDEAS PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS FROM THE BALKANS Partners Albania hosted in February 2018 the two-day retreat of partner organizations of the Philanthropy for Green Ideas from around the Balkans. Philanthropy for Green Ideas is an annual competition that supports the development of local and sustainable small business ideas in the Balkans.

Each year, this competition organized by Balkan Green Foundation, welcomes the winning ideas of national competitions that take place in Albania, Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo and recently in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

From left, upper row: Biljana Dakić-Đorđević – Trag Foundation, Serbia, Karen Karnicki - Rockefeller

Brothers Fund, Juliana Hoxha – Partners Albania, Anica Maja Boljević - FACT, Montenegro, Rinora Gojani - Balkan Green Foundation. From left, lower row: Irina Janevska - ARNO Macedonia, Dajana Berisha - FIQ Kosovo, Visar Azemi - Balkan Green Foundation

PARTNERS NETWORK MEETS IN TIRANA Partners Albania, in the capacity of the Partners Network member, hosted in May the annual meeting of the network. Partners Network meet annually to discuss their joint agenda, the latest developments trends at the global level and explore joint initiatives.

The Network members had also the opportunity to participate in the PA conference Building Resilient NPOs in Times of Change – New Business Models, sharing their experiences in implementing business models to generate revenues through partnership building with the private sector.

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Transparent and Accountable Governance

www.levizalbania.al

LEVIZ ALBANIA LevizAlbania is a SDC project, implemented by a consortium of three organizations: Open Society for Albania, Partners Albania and Co-Plan. LevizAlbania supports local democracy in the country through the cultivation of a community-based local civil society, which affects and stimulates demand for good governance.

During May 7-11, LevizAlbania organized #JavaDemocraciseVendore2018 {Local Democracy Week 2018}, a series of debates, forums and other activities to highlight projects achievements and discuss developments in the local governance and challenges associated with that, faced by the civil society actors during the implementation of their initiatives supported by LevizAlbania.

LevizAlbania awarded as part of the Fifth Call for Applications, 36 projects out of which 9 implemented by individuals and 27 by NPOs. In support of LevizAlbania, in order to address the needs of beneficiaries and interested applicants, PA is offering a wide assistance program online and onsite, supporting networking in territories larger than those in which CSOs operate. Partners Albania assists these organizations to better tailor their action plans in order to achieve planned results.

During 2018, PA organized:

Nine online and onsite trainings with participation of over 120 NPOs and individuals, on Advocacy and Lobbying, Cooperative Planning, Communication etc.

Four Local Democracy Camps in Korça, Shkodra, Vlora and Elbasan, to help 85 youngsters in increasing their level of activism on issues of local democracy in their home cities.

Six Thematic Networking Sessions in DurrĂŤs, Elbasan and Tirana attended by 40 LA grantees; 2 networking sessions with organizations from the region; 14 Individual Coaching sessions with grantees of the 4th Call of LevizAlbania.

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ANNUALREPORT 20 18 PARTNERSHIPS OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS AND SELF-GOVERNMENT: TOGETHER FOR MORE EFFECTIVE PARTICIPATION The lack of participation and inclusion of local communities in decision-making processes, still remains an issue affecting good governance at the local level.

Partners Albania launched in 2018 the project Partnerships of non-governmental organizations and self-government: Together for more effective participation, to foster the partnership and cooperation between civil society and local government. The project assisted efforts of civil society organizations in several municipalities to improve mechanisms in place that ensure transparency

and accountability of local government, as a way to increase the partnership among sectors.

The participants had the chance to get exposed to some of the techniques and best practices at European level introduced by Partners for Democratic Change Slovakia.

The project is supported by Slovak Aid – Official Development Assistance of the Slovak Republic and implemented by Partners Albania in cooperation with PDCS.

Partners Albania organized 21 two-day regional training programs with the participation of 321 NPO and local government representatives across country. In addition, PA experts conducted 4 online trainings, 2 thematic networking sessions and 11 individual assistance sessions in these issues.

Some of the training programs were led by Ms. Karolina Mikova, Executive Director of PDCS and Mrs. Zora Pauliniova, expert trainers with over 20 years experience in the field.

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The first Participatory Governance training program in Korça with participation of 15 local government representatives from the municipalities of Korça, Devoll, Maliq, Pogradec, representatives of the Regional Council and the Korça Prefecture.

Transparent and Accountable Governance

BUILDING INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY FOR PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND CONSULTATION Effective public consultation and engagement, despite being a legal obligation for Local Government Units is an important process that contributes to a good and sustainable local governance.

Partners Albania, in the framework of STAR2 project, during 2018 worked to assess the situation in the country regarding public participation and consultation at the local level, the legal and regulatory framework and practices in this regard.

To assist the LGUs in improving this governing process in the respective municipalities, under the #STAR2, Partners Albania drafted the Guiding Manual for Engagement and Public

Consultation. The manual provides detailed information about planning, standards and methods for organizing public consultation.

Techniques and tools are illustrated through concrete examples and pros and cons arguments for a deeper understanding of the situation.

Partners Albania conducted 12 regional consultation round tables to share the manual with the 61 Municipalities.

In addition, Partners Albania developed an evaluation system that will be available to assist all LGUs in their work towards public engagement and consultation. The system is based on the measurement of several

standards which were presented as part of 13 Regional Training programs with representatives of 61 Municipalities and 3 Regional Trainings dedicated only for the Coordinators of Notification and Public Consultation. The standards were illustrated with concrete examples of how to measure and evaluate consultation processes.

The project Support to Territorial and Administrative Reform -STAR2 is implemented by the Albanian Government in partnership with UNDP in Tirana, with the support and cooperation of the European Union, the governments of Sweden, Italy, Switzerland and USAID.

LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND SUSTAINABLE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE WESTERN BALKANS Juliana Hoxha, PA Director was one of the speakers at the Local Democracy and Sustainable Local Development in the Western Balkans event, co-hosted by the Swiss Mission to EU and UNDP in Brussels on December 5th, where she talked about Albania’s progress and challenges with regard to local government development and EU integration.

27

ANNUALREPORT 20 18

PARTNERS ALBANIA PROGRAMS IN MEDIA FOCUS

28

PUBLICATIONS Monitoring the Right to Free Assembly, Country Report for Albania 2017-2018 prepared for the second consecutive year by Partners Albania, presents an analysis of the legal framework, monitoring of its implementation in practice, based on data and facts gathered from consultations with civil society organizations, media and experts in the field of the right and freedom to peaceful assembly.

The monitoring report was conducted as part of the ‘Monitoring the Right to Free Assembly’ regional project, managed by the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ECNL). The project is made possible by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) through the Civic Space Initiative.

Monitoring Matrix on Enabling Environment for Civil Society Development

Monitoring Matrix on Enabling Environment for Civil Society Development, Country Report for Albania 2017 presents the findings from the monitoring of practical and legal framework for the development of civil society. This is the 5th consecutive report conducted in Albania. It is part of a series of country reports covering 7 countries in the Western Balkans and Turkey. The monitoring in Albania is conducted by Partners Albania.

COUNTRY REPORT

FOR ALBANIA 2017

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the national legislation and practice with regard to fiscal treatment of not-for-profit organizations in Albania. The paper gives a general overview on fiscal legislation for non-profit organisations in Albania and its implementation, identifies gaps in the legal framework and the challenges encountered in practice, and provides recommendations for further improvements.

FISCAL TREATMENT OF NPOs ASSESSMENT OF NATIONAL LEGISLATION AND PRACTICE FOR NON-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS IN ALBANIA

2018

This assessment report evidences the concrete impact that the Partners Albania NPO Academy has had in increasing the quality of work and performance of participating organizations.

PILLARS OF CIVIL SOCIETY: between civil and state sector in Albania

NPO ACADEMY 2015-2018

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ANNUALREPORT 20 18

Readiness of CSOs for Revenue Generating Activities

Co-funded by the European Union

Readiness of CSOs for Revenue Generating Activities provides an overview of the situation in the sector regarding the provision of fee-for-services, institutional readiness of civil society organizations to be involved in design and delivery of services and products, as well as provides information on their nature and market segment they target.

It offers a series of inspirational case studies from Albania and the world, in how they have managed to be successful in ensuring their sustainability by using similar business models.

The Entrepreneurship Guide in the Field of Services serves as resource material for non-profit organizations, in identification and design of services and products or their improvement.

UDHEZUES PER SIPERMARRJEN NE FUSHEN E SHERBIMEVE

The Monitoring Report for Albania presents the current state of affairs regarding the political, social and economic participation of youth, based on a set of indicators, making also a comparison with 2017, of the most important data monitored. The report serves as a strong base to feed the future advocacy initiatives regarding youth participation enriched by recommendations gathered through consultation with youth NPOs and other stakeholders.

This Report is prepared by Partners Albania as part of the regional network “Youth Bank Hub for Western Balkan and Turkey�, an initiative implemented in Albania, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Turkey.

This Handbook on Transparency and Citizen Participation in Albania was jointly developed by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe and Partners Albania for Change and Development.

It serves as a practical guidance on transparency and citizen participation, aiming to support local authorities in their efforts to improve the quality of local governance in line with the principles of the European Charter of Local Self-Government. The handbook includes a straightforward look at relevant national legislation, a concise assessment of the most prevalent corruption risks, and a set of best practices to introduce and implement transparency and citizen participation mechanisms.

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Viewon#Philanthropy QUARTERLY BULETIN , NO.3, JUNE2018

In this issue: -Green Ideas Competition 2018 Winners Announced page 1 -Quick facts on philanthropic activity in Albania April—June 2018 page 2—3 - “Books for Roses”, in Elbasan’s Public Library - “Shqiptarët për Shqiptarët” TV Show supporting people in need -“Alpha Bank Group Volunteer Day“, supporting children suffering from blood diseases page 4—5

View on #Philanthropy is a quarterly bulletin presenting the latest news and facts on the philanthropic activity conducted in Albania and abroad.

-”Love is All—Charity Gala” in support of Streha LGBT - “The Global Philanthropy Environment Index” - report on philanthropic environment in 79 countries page 6—7

Partners Albania organized on 28-29 June 2018 in Tirana, the national competition “Green Ideas 2018“.

“Green Ideas” is an annual competition that Partners Albania organizes since 2012, in the framework of its work on promoting entrepreneurship and social innovation.

Partners Albania, as part of its mission to support the non for profit sector in Albania and to strengthen the crosssectorial cooperation, works on developing philanthropy in the country.

For the third consecutive year, Partners Albania is conducting the monitoring of philanthropic activity through the media, including social media, and information resources from the public and non-public institutions.

The monitoring process is conducted on daily bases and the findings present the supported causes, the nature and value of donations, geographic coverage and the donor’s nature. They are presented as monthly short summary reports that aim to help on the understanding and identification of this activity. Data collection is supported by Catalyst.

This bulletin presents infodata on the monitoring of this activity, as well as featured cases of donations and support, in Albania and region.

During the two days of the competition, 20 individuals, civil society organizations and small business ventures presented their ideas in front of a jury of experts, who selected three best ideas: “Green Paths“, the idea of the Vjosa Explorer Association, which aims to increase the touristic offer in the Permeti area through the construction of the Green Paths, as an untapped potential that improves the visitor experience, increases the quality of their stay and influences in reducing the seasonality of tourism activity in favor of employment growth, social and economic development.

“Aloe Vera (Aloe Saponaria) in Albania“, the idea of Albi Sulo, (individual), consists in the development of a new enterprise to grow the Aloe Saponaria plant (for the first time in Albania) in a suburban area of Tirana, aiming to turn the cultivation of Aloe Vera in a successful and lucrative venture.

Facts on Philanthropic Activity report reflects the philanthropic activity in Albania during 2018, launched in a synthesized way from Partners Albania, based on daily monitoring and monthly reporting. The report analyses the main sectors and issues supported, nature and value of the donations, geographic coverage and also the nature of donors and beneficiaries.

“Pana Souvenirs”, the idea of Pezana Rexha, which aims to create and develop a new line of products – the “Made in Albania” souvenirs. It also aims creating job and training opportunities, as well as a line of unique products that fully represent and identify Albania.

Winning ideas will be financially supported up to 800,000 ALL, through a fund created with contributions from local companies and private donors. Co-funders are the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the Balkan Trust for Democracy-A project of the German Marshall Fund, Credins Bank and Telekom Albania. ___ 1

The winners of Green Ideas Competition since 2012 Philanthropy for Green Ideas

Philanthropy Awards

The winners of Philanthropy Awards over the years

Winners of the years

Since 2011, Partners Albania is working to promote philanthropy in

NATIONAL

in Albania has taken various forms

and Social Responsibility Program. It serves as an incubator for small scale green economic and community-based markets in an environmentally friendly way. The program supports

to the individuals and companies that support social causes in our society, Partners Albania organizes the Philanthropy Awards, where all social actors in Albania and abroad

provided pro-bono by local businesses among others by Intesa Sanpaolo Bank and Credins Bank.

proposals.

REGIONAL

Serbia. Partners Albania is RBF local partner in Albania.

Annual report 2017 provides an overview of our work, supporters and beneficiaries during the previous year.

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

EDITION NO. 67

- The Civil Society Program for Albania and Kosovo launched

ANNUAL R E P O RT

Call for Proposals – The Civil Society Programme for Albania And Kosovo

page 1

- EMBRACE - Entrepreneurship Models that Build Creative Relations and Economy page 1-3

grants!

asset from the organized crime

page 4

- Financially viable civil society = Active civil society

page 5

- Green Ideas 2018

page 6

- Fiscal treatment of NPOs, assessment of legal framework and its implementation in practice - Monitoring Matrix on the Enabling Environment for CSOs, Country Report for Albania 2017 - Monitoring the Right to Free Assembly, Report for Albania page 7 2016 - 2017

2017

SEPTEMBER 2018

TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY In this issue:

- The NPO Academy 2017-2018 - The Partners Network annual meeting held in Tirana - Visit of representatives from the Government and Parliament of Kosovo

page 8

- Making the labour market work for young people in Albania

page 9

RisiAlbania project

page 10

- Youth Bank Hub for the Western Balkans and Turkey - Partners Albania, part of the “Albanian Network for Financial Education” - Monitoring of philanthropic activity in Albania - Public participation and consultation at the level of local government in Albania

page 11 page 12

- News from LevizAlbania project

Society Foundation (KCSF) in partnership with Partners Albania for Change and Development (PA).

The overall goal of the programme is to support the democratic participation and development of a strong and vibrant civil society in Albania and Kosovo, by supporting NGOs that advance the EU accession process

• • • • •

Non-discrimination and gender equality; Independent media; Minorities and marginalized groups; Environment protection; Anti-corruption.

Deadline for submission of project proposals is November 5, 2018 at 24:00 hrs.

To provide more information on the Call and application procedures, Partners Albania will organize several information sessions.



Toward a Sustainable Society is PA quarterly newsletter distributed electronically to all our cooperators and supporters, and is also accessible via PA website.

Find here the Call and application documents

- Partnerships of NPOs and self-government: Together for more

page 13

- Stronger CSOs for Transparency in Health - The Albanian Crowd, online platform of Albanian NPOs

page 14

Latest news and publications

Readiness of CSOs for Revenue Generating Activities

Partners Albania for Change and Development has opened of the project EMBRACE – “Entrepreneurship Models Building Relations and Creative Economy”. This project is implemented by Partners Albania, in partnership with one Italian organization: Project Ahead, and funded by the European Union through the Delegation of the European Union in Albania. continues in page 2

1

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ANNUALREPORT 20 18

FINANCES World Vision Albania

` Responsibilities of Management and Those Charged with Governance for the Financial Statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with the National Accounting Standard for Non-Profit Organisations, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Grant Thornton Sh.p.k.

Rr: Sami Frasheri, Kompleksi T.I.D, Shk. B, Floor 1, 10 000 Tirana, Albania T +355 4 22 74 832 F +355 4 22 56 560 www.grantthornton.al

In preparing the financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Organisation’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the Organisation or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Organisation’s financial reporting process.

Independent Auditor’s Report

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.

To the Management of the Foundation “Partners Albania for Change and Development”

Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:

Opinion We have audited the financial statements of Partners Albania for Change and Development (hereafter referred as the “Foundation”), which comprise the statement of financial position as at 31 December 2018, statement of activities, and statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies.

In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Foundation as at 31 December 2018, its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with the National Accounting Standard for Non-Profit Organisations.

 Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Organisation’s internal control.

Basis for Opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISAs). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are independent of the Foundation in accordance with the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (IESBA Code) together with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in Albania, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the IESBA Code. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

This version of our report/the accompanying documents is a translation from the original, which was prepared in Albanian. All possible care has been taken to ensure that the translation is an accurate representation of the original.

However, in all matters of interpretation of information, views or opinions, the original language version of our report takes precedence over this translation.

 Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

i

 Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management.  Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Organisation’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Foundation to cease to continue as a going concern.

This version of our report/the accompanying documents is a translation from the original, which was prepared in Albanian. All possible care has been taken to ensure that the translation is an accurate representation of the original.

However, in all matters of interpretation of information, views or opinions, the original language version of our report takes precedence over this translation.

ii

Budget for FY 2018 = 83,532,644 ALL

2%

Direct budget managed directly

by Partners Albania, excluding LevizAlbania and RisiAlbania projects.

17%

81%

Foreign Governments Private Foundations Fee-for services

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www.partnersalbania.org partners@partnersalbania.org

ANNUAL

REPORT 2018