Call for Project Proposals: Strengthening Family and Community Tourism Capacities in Rural Areas and the Local Economy

ABC Foundation announces the opening of the Call for Applications under the Grant Program on:

 “Strengthening family and community tourism capacities in rural areas and the local economy.”

Rural areas of Albania hold significant tourism, cultural, and natural potential, which has not yet been fully utilized. The lack of capacities, infrastructure, and support for local communities has limited tourism development as a sustainable driver of the rural economy.

Within this framework, ABC Foundation announces the 2026 Grant Program,aiming to support initiatives that strengthen family and community tourism capacities and directly contribute to the sustainable development of the local economy.

Through this grant program, the ABC Foundation supports initiatives that aim to:

• Develop the skills and capacities of families and communities to provide quality tourism services;
• Increase employment opportunities and generate sustainable income in rural areas;
• Promote sustainable tourism that respects and preserves local culture, traditions, and the environment;
• Strengthen cooperation among local actors, NGOs, and rural development institutions.

Eligible applicants for this call include Non-governmental organizations and community associations implementing projects in rural tourism, family businesses aiming to develop, improve, or expand tourism services, partnerships between local communities, businesses, and local institutions with innovative and sustainable projects.

The ABC Foundation considers support for this program as a strategic investment in the economic and social development of rural areas. Strengthening family and community tourism capacities creates real opportunities for increasing income, creating new jobs, and improving local well-being.

At the same time, the program contributes to preserving and promoting cultural heritage, traditions, and the hospitality characteristic of rural areas, turning rural tourism into a long-term, sustainable, and inclusive development model.

The maximum fund available for this call is 700,000 ALL, with an implementation period of 3–4 months.