News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Civil Society Europe (CSE), representing EU-level CSOs, expresses deep concern about the European Parliament’s own-initiative report on the transparency and accountability of NGOs funded from the EU budget. CSE rejects the report, arguing it lacks evidence and relies on assumptions. They emphasize that NGOs are subject to the same EU financial rules and reporting obligations
Read more →CSOs in North Macedonia continually face the challenge of assessing their organizational capacities and areas of improvement. To enhance competence, efficiency, and accountability, the Civil Society Resource Center has developed a self-assessment tool for CSOs. The tool covers ten categories, including strategic management, project work, governance, human resources, organizational values, administration, media, cooperation, advocacy, and
Read more →To achieve a more equitable future, while addressing the inequities exposed by Covid crisis, conflict, and climate change, there is a call for a stronger aid ecosystem based on principles like solidarity, humility, self-determination, and equality. The key shift involves building genuine partnerships with local and national organizations and governments, empowering communities affected by crisis
Read more →The CIVICUS 12-month Donor Transformation Challenge guides leaders to dismantle oppressive practices, fostering trust and collaboration. It encourages small, consistent changes and community engagement for a more supportive ecosystem, aiming for improved partnerships and responsiveness to changemakers’ needs. The Challenge covers one topic per month that CIVICUS identified as key to advancing this transformation. It
Read more →A global gathering in Bogota, Colombia, brought together 120 narrative practitioners and funders focused on strengthening the narrative power of global justice movements. The Confluence event, hosted by IRIS, Puentes, and the Global Narrative Hive, prioritized discussions on philanthropy’s role in narrative change. Key takeaways included the need for increased resources, supportive practices, and a
Read more →Target group: Independent media organizations in Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia, and Romania. Aim: To support and empower independent media organizations in Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia, and Romania, as well as the civic sector in Central Europe. The overarching goal is to safeguard democratic institutions and strengthen networks of active citizens defending democratic values. Amount: 25-
Read more →Target group: CSOs in WB6 operating in the fields of media, freedom of expression, digital technologies, education, human rights, or gender equality. Aim: Strengthening capacities of CSOs to promote media activism and counter disinformation and polarisation in the Western Balkans. Amount: In each country, the budget available for grants totals 46.500 EUR (except for Kosovo,
Read more →Target group: Civil servants working in the administrations of the National Parliaments in the WB6 Aim: To contribute to EU integration-driven reforms in the Western Balkans Parliament’s administrations. The program seeks to achieve this by building the capacities of individuals working as agents of change in the public sector. These align with broader efforts to
Read more →Target group: Expert with experience on NGOs and/or/ networks, coalitions, alliances, and consortia of CSOs Countries: International Short Description: The assignment involves reviewing the existing BCSDN Advocacy Strategy, proposing improvements, developing an Advocacy Monitoring Tool for systematic progress tracking, and supporting BCSDN in its implementation. The tool will document advocacy work, assess achieved outcomes, guide
Read more →Target group: Companies, businesses, and citizens who have undertaken philanthropic initiatives contributing to positive societal change throughout 2023. Countries: Serbia Short Description: Trag Foundation announces the 17th VIRTUS Award for Philanthropy, recognizing positive societal contributions in 2023. Supported by USAID, OAK Foundation, and Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the award includes a special category for empowering
Read more →Target group: Young leaders from Croatia, North Macedonia, and Serbia Countries: Croatia, North Macedonia, and Serbia Short Description: The program supports youth in shaping public policy, focusing on the Green Agenda. Thirty selected participants, aged 18-30, will gain knowledge, skills, and a network to advocate for green policies. The school emphasizes diversity and aims to
Read more →Target group: Volunteer or paid project officers, project managers, or similar roles in international youth organizations or networks with Council of Europe grants or intending to apply in the future. Countries: Country signatory of the European Cultural Convention Short Description: The course aims to enhance project management skills for individuals working in international youth organizations.
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