Engaged Democracy Initiative Response Hub Grants

Description

1) Objective

The Response Hub is a flexible financial instrument established by the European Fund for the Balkans (EFB) under the Engaged Democracy Initiative (EDI). They provide micro-financial and non-financial support to civic groups, local initiatives, media and movements in the Western Balkans to empower their claim for accountable institutions, democratic processes, and the protection of the public interest. The focus area of the organizations, initiatives and individuals need to be in one of the EDI thematic areas: Human Rights, Environment, Media, Public Spaces, Decent Work.

• Social Urgency Grants (Up to EUR 7,000)
  These grants are designed for moments of high-stakes transition or crisis. They support rapid interventions in response to sudden social, political, or environmental developments where a fast reaction can steer public discourse, prevent the rollback of rights, or seize a unique window of opportunity for policy change.
• Organizational Urgency Grants (Up to EUR 700)
  Local activism is often hindered by the “boring” costs of survival. This category provides a lifeline for organizations facing a temporary short-term crisis that threatens their daily operations. These funds are intended to cover essential “core” costs, such as electricity, heating, internet, or rent, that have become impossible to meet due to funding gaps or unforeseen financial pressure.
• Innovation Grants (Up to EUR 5,000)
  Have you identified a new way to reach citizens or a digital tool that could revolutionize local transparency? Innovation grants are meant for “R&D” within the civic sector. They provide the space to pilot, test, and iterate new ideas over a maximum period of 6 months.
• Travel Grants (Up to EUR 1,500)
  Democracy thrives on solidarity and the exchange of knowledge. Travel grants enable activists and group members to step out of their local silos and engage with the broader regional or international community. Eligible costs include travel, accommodation, and participation fees for conferences, high-level advocacy meetings (e.g., in Brussels or regional capitals), and specialized training workshops.
• Organizational Development Grants (Up to EUR 2,000)
  Scaling a project, program or initiative requires structure. These grants support efforts that bring an organization, program, or project to its next level of maturity. This might include strategic planning sessions, the development of internal bylaws, or financial management training.

2) Eligibility

Eligible are formal NGOs or informal movements.

3) Location

Actions must take place in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

4) Budget

The budget range for this proposal should be not more than €2,000.

5) Application

Applications are welcome any time throughout the year, while the last deadline in a year is September 3, 2026.