Founded in 2015 by Arbër Hajdari as a civic initiative aimed at helping families in need and fostering a culture of solidarity in Albanian society.
What began as a small initiative quickly grew into a widespread civic movement, bringing together thousands of people around a shared mission: to leave no one behind.
Our growth and commitment
Over the years, the foundation has expanded to every city and nearly every village in Albania, as well as into Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. Our work is not limited to emergency aid but focuses on long-term solutions.
We work step by step with families in need, providing continuous support until they emerge from extreme poverty and build a sustainable, dignified life.
Over a decade, the work of the ‘Fundjavë Ndryshe’ Foundation has materialized into thousands of concrete interventions.
In the field of housing, 720 homes have been built or purchased, and after the earthquake in Albania, 54 new homes were built and furnished for affected families. At the same time, 11,655 families have been supported and helped to emerge from extreme poverty. Two schools have also been restored to improve educational conditions.
In rural areas, 21 water‑supply projects have been completed, providing access to clean drinking water for entire communities, along with infrastructure improvements to enhance living conditions.
In healthcare, the foundation has supported 213 cases of treatment abroad, assisted 560 children with special needs, and supported 970 orphaned children, providing ongoing care and support.
In education, 122 scholarships have been awarded, 38,000 school backpacks have been distributed, and a public library with 75,000 books has been created, along with centers for youth skills development.
Material aid includes 110,000 tons of distributed food, tens of thousands of clothing and household packages, as well as support for self-employment in rural areas
The foundation has been on the front lines during emergency situations, providing aid during floods, the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2019 earthquake in Albania, and the 2023 earthquake in Turkey, responding quickly and efficiently to help affected families.
A Network of Solidarity
This impact would not have been possible without the support of a wide network of people.
Over 31,766 local volunteers and 8,599 international volunteers have contributed over the years, while more than 203,000 local donors and 2,233 international donors have supported our mission. In total, around 245,000 Albanians have participated in activities and solidarity initiatives.
The foundation also collaborates with international organizations and institutions such as NED, Amazon, Philip Morris, and the Rockefeller Foundation.
A network of solidarity
This impact would not be possible without the support of a wide network of people.
Over 31,766 local volunteers and 8,599 foreign volunteers have contributed over the years, while over 203,000 local donors and 2,233 international donors have supported our mission. In total, around 245,000 Albanians have been involved in solidarity activities and initiatives.
The Foundation also collaborates with international organizations and institutions such as NED, Amazon, Philip Morris and the Rockefeller Foundation.
One of the most important achievements is the construction of the “Fundjavë Ndryshe” Solidarity Center, a 43,169 m² space on Arbrit Street.
This center includes:
a library with 75,000 books
health and dental services
foreign language courses for children and youth
community activity facilities
central warehouse for aid and logistics
It serves as a reference center for organizing activities and support for the community.
Board of Directors
The Foundation is led by a board of 9 members, well-known and respected public figures, who contribute to the strategic direction of the organization and to guaranteeing its transparency and credibility.
Our Mission
To be close to those who need it most, through concrete works that restore dignity and hope.
We aim to build a society where solidarity is not a temporary reaction, but a permanent value that guides the way we live and act as a community.
Our vision is that every family has the opportunity for a dignified life, with access to housing, food, education and health—not as a privilege, but as a fundamental right.
Through civic engagement and sustainable interventions, we aim to build a model of solidarity that continues to grow and impact future generations.