The “Korçarët Ndihmojmë Korçarët” Community Foundation participates in study visit 2025 in Hungary
KNK took part in the Study Visit 2025 in Hungary, organized by ECFI, together with community foundations from over 20 European countries, sharing experiences and innovative community-building practices.
From May 28 to June 1, 2025, the Community Foundation “Korçarët Ndihmojmë Korçarët” (KNK) participated in the Study Visit 2025 in Hungary, organized by the European Community Foundation Initiative (ECFI). As the first community foundation established in Albania, KNK was invited thanks to its active engagement and the support of its long-standing partners.
More than 20 community foundations from over 20 European countries took part in this international exchange, creating a valuable environment for learning, sharing experiences, and exploring innovative approaches to community development and philanthropy.
Visit to the Eger Community Foundation
The activities organized in the historic city of Eger were inspiring and deeply engaging. The local foundation showcased exceptional dedication in supporting citizen groups and strengthening daily philanthropic initiatives.
One highlight was the “Happy Street” project, an interactive initiative that encourages residents to connect, build relationships, and revive traditions of neighborhood solidarity that have been slowly fading in the digital age.
Experience in Miskolc
In Miskolc, Hungary’s fourth-largest city—formerly a major industrial and metallurgical center—the KNK team learned about the significant challenges local communities face. Despite being newly established, the MiskoLecert Community Foundation is implementing impactful initiatives across different city districts.
Among the most notable was the “Goldfish Campaign”, designed to motivate local business owners not only to participate in charitable activities themselves but also to encourage other entrepreneurs to become long-term contributors to community projects.
Hungarian Community Foundations Conference
During the final day, the KNK delegation attended the annual conference of Hungarian community foundations. Discussions focused on national cooperation, joint campaigns, and shared initiatives to strengthen community engagement across the country.
A key takeaway was that, despite differences between countries, most community challenges are profoundly similar, making international cooperation essential.
Acknowledgements
Special thanks go to ECFI for the excellent organization; to the Roots and Wings Foundation for their warm hospitality; and to all Hungarian community foundations for their generosity and openness.
Deep appreciation goes to all participants who made this experience meaningful, including: Öznur Akkaya Aktaş, Patrycja Brodowska, Katya Dyankova, Nicol Gastaldello, Diederik Martens, Mariam Mtchedlishvili, Leonard Olli, Martina Perić, Anna Puixeu Palou, Giles Ruck, Dr. Alrun Luise Schößler, Nikola Sedelackova, Kees Sietsem, St. Mereta, Axel Halling, Gabriella Benedek — and especially György Hámori for the outstanding organization.
KNK – Together We Are Stronger.