CFPs: Modern Slavery Fund Albania Programme 2026 to 2029

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has launched the Modern Slavery Fund Albania Programme 2026–2029 to reduce the vulnerability of Albanian nationals to human trafficking through stronger prevention, victim protection, reintegration support, and criminal justice responses. The programme will provide grants to eligible organizations working in Albania and the United Kingdom to improve trafficking prevention, institutional capacity, and victim identification systems.

Overview of the Modern Slavery Fund Albania Programme 2026–2029

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has announced a call for proposals under the Home Office Modern Slavery Fund Albania Programme 2026–2029.

The programme aims to strengthen efforts to prevent and respond to human trafficking affecting Albanian nationals and third-country nationals in Albania.

It will support government institutions, civil society organizations, communities, and service providers to improve:

• Prevention of trafficking and exploitation.
• Identification of victims.
• Protection and reintegration services.
• Institutional coordination.
• Criminal justice responses.
• Referral mechanisms in Albania and the United Kingdom.

The programme will operate until 31 March 2029.

Purpose of the Programme

The Modern Slavery Fund Albania Programme addresses risks linked to:

• Labour exploitation.
• Criminal exploitation.
• Sexual exploitation.
• Unsafe migration.
• Human trafficking networks.

The initiative seeks to create stronger systems that help individuals recognize trafficking risks, access protection services, and receive support to rebuild their lives.

Key Programme Areas

The funding opportunity is divided into four programme lots.

Lot 1: Prevention of Human Trafficking in Albania

This area focuses on reducing vulnerability before exploitation occurs.

Activities may include:

• Raising awareness about trafficking risks.
• Supporting safer migration decisions.
• Promoting access to safe livelihood opportunities.
• Engaging communities vulnerable to exploitation.

The programme will help people understand recruitment risks and avoid unsafe migration pathways.

Lot 2: Identification and Reintegration Support

This component focuses on improving identification of trafficking victims and supporting recovery.

Key activities include:

• Strengthening victim identification systems.
• Improving referral pathways.
• Supporting access to protection services.
• Providing sustainable reintegration assistance.
• Reducing risks of re-trafficking.

The programme will support victims in Albania and improve coordination with relevant UK services.

Lot 3: Institutional Development in Albania

This area aims to strengthen the capacity of Albanian institutions and organizations working against trafficking.

Support will focus on:

• Improving coordination between institutions.
• Strengthening operational systems.
• Developing institutional capacity.
• Improving ownership of anti-trafficking responses.

The goal is to create sustainable national systems capable of responding effectively to trafficking.

Lot 4: Identification and Referral of Albanian Victims in the United Kingdom

This complementary component focuses on improving support systems in the UK.

Activities include:

• Strengthening identification of Albanian trafficking victims.
• Improving referral mechanisms.
• Supporting organizations working with Albanian migrant communities.
• Enhancing coordination among UK agencies.

Funding Details

The programme has an indicative total value of approximately:

£3.24 million

Applicants can apply for funding under specific programme lots.

Key funding requirements include:

• Separate proposals must be submitted for each lot.
• Proposals must be submitted by 24 August 2026.
• Grants available are valued at more than £1 million.

Expected Outcomes by March 2029

By the end of the programme, the initiative aims to achieve three major outcomes.

1. Improved Prevention and Safer Choices

People vulnerable to trafficking will:

• Better understand exploitation risks.
• Make safer migration decisions.
• Access improved livelihood opportunities.

2. Stronger Victim Identification and Reintegration

The programme will:

• Improve early identification of victims.
• Strengthen referral systems.
• Expand access to reintegration services.
• Reduce the risk of repeat trafficking.

3. Stronger Institutional Response

The programme will:

• Improve coordination among Albanian institutions.
• Strengthen government and civil society capacity.
• Enhance UK agencies’ ability to identify Albanian victims.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
• Civil society organizations.
• UK-based non-profit organizations.
• Educational institutions.
• Research institutions.
• Organizations based in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to manage UK government grant funding responsibly.

Eligibility Requirements

Organizations must:

• Be legally registered.
• Have transparent financial management systems.
• Maintain safeguarding policies for children and vulnerable adults.
• Not be subject to UK sanctions.
• Not be excluded through FCDO debarment procedures.
• Submit a conflict-of-interest declaration.

Application Requirements by Programme Lot

Lots 1–3: Albania-Focused Activities

Applications must be submitted by:

• A consortium of up to three organizations.
• A designated lead organization.
• Partners with relevant experience in Albania or the Western Balkans.

The lead organization will be responsible for programme delivery and coordination.

Lot 4: United Kingdom Activities

Applications must be submitted by:

• A single organization.

Applicants should have experience supporting:

• Albanian migrant communities.
• Trafficking survivors.
• Vulnerable migrants in the UK.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Select the Appropriate Lot

Organizations should identify whether their expertise aligns with:

• Prevention.
• Identification and reintegration.
• Institutional development.
• UK referral mechanisms.

Step 2: Develop a Proposal

Applications should include:

• Project objectives.
• Implementation approach.
• Target beneficiaries.
• Expected outcomes.
• Risk management strategy.
• Budget details.
• Organizational experience.

Step 3: Demonstrate Safeguarding Capacity

Applicants should provide evidence of:

• Child protection policies.
• Vulnerable adult safeguarding procedures.
• Safe programme delivery practices.

Step 4: Submit Proposal Before Deadline

All proposals must be submitted by:

24 August 2026

Why This Programme Matters

Human trafficking continues to affect vulnerable communities through forced labour, criminal exploitation, and sexual exploitation.

This programme is important because it will:

• Reduce trafficking risks.
• Improve survivor support.
• Strengthen criminal justice responses.
• Build stronger institutional systems.
• Improve cooperation between Albania and the United Kingdom.

A coordinated approach involving governments, civil society, and communities is essential to preventing exploitation and protecting victims.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting proposals for the wrong programme lot.
• Failing to demonstrate trafficking-related experience.
• Weak safeguarding policies.
• Poor coordination plans for consortium applications.
• Insufficient evidence of financial management capacity.
• Missing the proposal deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Modern Slavery Fund Albania Programme?

It is an FCDO-funded programme designed to reduce human trafficking risks affecting Albanian nationals through prevention, protection, reintegration, and institutional strengthening.

2. When will the programme operate?

The programme will run from 2026 until 31 March 2029.

3. What areas does the programme support?

The programme supports trafficking prevention, victim identification, reintegration services, institutional development, and UK referral mechanisms.

4. Who can apply for funding?

Eligible applicants include NGOs, civil society organizations, educational institutions, research organizations, UK non-profits, and LMIC-based organizations.

5. Can organizations apply individually?

For Lots 1–3, applications must be submitted through a consortium of up to three organizations with a lead partner. Lot 4 allows single organizations to apply.

6. What safeguarding requirements apply?

Applicants must have safeguarding policies covering vulnerable adults and children and demonstrate responsible programme management.

7. What is the application deadline?

Proposals must be submitted by 24 August 2026.

Conclusion

The Modern Slavery Fund Albania Programme 2026–2029 provides significant support to organizations working to combat human trafficking and exploitation. By strengthening prevention, improving victim protection, enhancing reintegration services, and building institutional capacity, the programme aims to create stronger and more sustainable responses to modern slavery in Albania and the United Kingdom.