Albania is still desperately poor, but awakening from its long, imposed slumber. The eagerness to build a democratic society was evident in my meeting with 13 women’s groups in Tirana, held back only by scarce funding. I left the meeting more determined than ever to expand Heart and Hand’s funding base to include women’s groups in Albania and to increase support to grantees in Croatia.
In previous newsletters I’ve mentioned that international donors have been leaving the Balkans, despite the need for continued funding. Now, the spigot is all but turned off. To be fair, generous donors poured billions into the Balkans, much of it in large, one-time grants. Regrettably, a lot of the money did not benefit organizations that benefit women and children – those most affected by the years at war.
Heart and Hand is proud of its funding record in the Balkans. We give general operating grants to groups we know well and to activists whose intelligence, judgment, and hearts we trust, and we marvel at what they accomplish with minimal financial resources. We know they could do so much more if adequately funded. Grantees everywhere exist at the whim of what donors find trendy.
Heart and Hand remains steadfast in its long-term commitment to supporting women’s groups in the Balkans. Please help us ensure that they receive the steady stream of funding they need to build sturdy and vital organizations.
One hundred percent of your tax-deductible donation to Heart and Hand goes directly to grantees. Write checks today to The Agape Foundation with a note that it is for the Heart and Hand Fund. Mail to: Marta Drury, Box 3070, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019.
Yours,
Marta Drury
