Second Public Call for Regional grants

Description

1) Objective

The SMART Balkans Project announces a public Call for Applications for Concept Notes for Regional Grants, for applicants from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. SMART Balkans Project, funded by the Norway Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is implemented by consortium of organizations: Centar za promociju civilnog drustva (CPCD) from Bosnia and Herzegovina as a Lead Applicant, in partnership with Center for Research and Policy Making (CRPM) from North Macedonia, and Institute for Democracy and Mediation (IDM) from Albania.

Overall objective of the Project is to contribute to strengthening participatory democracies and Euro Atlantic integrations in the Western Balkans by empowering civil society organizations and CSO networks for stronger and active role in creating peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.

Specific objectives of the SMART Balkans project are:
• Stronger, more sustainable, and vibrant CSOs in the six countries of the Western Balkans region
• Developed strong regional partnerships between civil society organizations from the region of the Western Balkans themselves and with their EU counterparts and public authorities
• Increased effectiveness of citizen influencing change through CSOs that advances Security and Stability and Governance in the Western Balkans region
• Increased awareness of public on importance of active participation of civil society in major development initiatives in the region of Western Balkans

2) Eligibility

Civil society organizations from all 6 countries, applying in consortiums of minimum 3 CSOs from 3 countries can apply for Regional Grants. Also, already formed regional networks are eligible to apply. The applicants must have experience in working in the Western Balkans region and with various stakeholders (state and non-state).

3) Location

Actions must take place in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Regional Grants are a funding mechanism for consortiums of minimum 3 CSOs from 3 countries, and / or formal or informal regional networks for projects related to Security and Stability, and Governance, with strong regional dimension.

4) Budget

Total amount available for distribution under this call is 17,296,200 NOK (approximately 1,695,705 EUR), for 9 grants, with individual award amount range from 912,000 NOK to 1,921,800 NOK (89,400 – 188,400 EUR). Contribution by the applicant is not required, although it is allowed.

5) Application

The deadline for submission is 30 June 2023 via the online system.