Pivotal Place: Western Balkans
The countries of the Western Balkans are working to realize their European integration aspirations, as accession brings with it the promise of stability and rule of law—necessary prerequisites for long-term peace, prosperity, and democracy. The Fund’s work in the Balkans, and especially in Serbia, Montenegro, and Kosovo, gives special attention to democratic practice and sustainable development requirements.
The Rockefeller Brothers Fund has modified its Western Balkans guidelines by adding a peacebuilding goal. The amendment of this third goal will allow the Fund to continue to focus its work on the area of peacebuilding, foster collaboration with the RBF’s Peacebuilding program, and remain transparent about its work in the Western Balkans.
Fearless reporter Jeta Xharra was profiled in The New York Times on November 29, 2011. Xharra is the executive director of RBF grantee the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, an organization committed to promoting transparency and accountability through investigative journalism.
Nearly 150 artists, professors, journalists, and other professionals from countries of the former Yugoslavia signed a letter in support of the establishment of RECOM, the regional commission to identify and disclose facts about war crimes that occured in the Balkans during the 1990s. The letter was released at a press conference in Sarajevo on October 7, 2011.
Youth Initiative for Human Rights has been cited throughout the U.S. Department of State's 2010 Human Rights Report on Montenegro. The report provides comprehensive details on human rights conditions in the country. The State Department credits the the growth of nongovernmental organizations focused on democracy and human rights issues, like YIHR, as one factor for the increase in popular movements worldwide.
$145,000 for 1 year
For general support.
$70,000 for 1 year
For general support.
$50,000 for 1 year
For the Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory of its College of Natural Resources, for a study to assess energy investment options for Kosovo.
Most Albanian business leaders believe philanthropy helps to make their companies more successful, with 62 percent of the nearly 150 companies surveyed active in giving. Partners Albania, Center for Change and Conflict Management conducted a survey of philanthropic activity by Albanian enterprises. It recommends better tax incentives, more public recognition, and educating the public about corporate social responsiblity to bolster giving.
On October 2, 2009, citizens from across Belgrade gathered in Pioneers Park to protest growing human rights violations, violence, murder, and safety threats in Serbian society.
Attended by senior Kosovar political and civil society leaders, the conference on Developing a Strategy for Kosovo's First 120 Days was held at the Pocantico Conference Center from April 12-14, 2007.
Each year, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund's annual review focuses on an issue central to its mission. This year's cover story centers on the RBF's Pivotal Place: Western Balkans program.