News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Civil Society Europe has published a policy paper titled EU Civil Dialogue: The Foundations of an Institutional Framework, calling for the establishment of a permanent and structured civil dialogue mechanism at the EU level. The paper notes that although Article 11.2 of the Treaty on European Union requires EU institutions to maintain an open, transparent,
Read more →The Trump administration is advancing a sweeping plan to restructure U.S. foreign aid, according to a leaked internal memo obtained by Reuters. The proposal envisions dismantling much of USAID and creating a narrower, rebranded agency—the U.S. Agency for International Humanitarian Assistance—focused solely on disaster relief, global health, and food security. Key programs related to democracy
Read more →A growing number of philanthropic organisations are experimenting with artificial intelligence, yet equity remains largely absent from the dominant AI conversation. Findings from the Technology Association of Grantmakers and the UK’s Association of Charitable Foundations show interest in AI across the sector, but only a small fraction have developed policies or integrated the technology organisation-wide.
Read more →Target group: Legally registered, non-profit organisations placing creativity at the core of their social transformation work. Aim: To support small and grassroots organisations working with disadvantaged and marginalised communities—especially youth aged 16–27—by providing unrestricted support to strengthen their operations and impact. Amount: €5,000 in unrestricted funding, with opportunities for further collaboration, mentoring, networking, and learning
Read more →Target group: CSOs, local and regional authorities, research institutions, and public universities from EU Member States and eligible non-EU countries. Aim: To support projects fostering civic engagement and democratic participation, including exchanges on EU policy priorities, countering disinformation, and promoting citizen involvement in decision-making. Amount: 33 million EUR total budget; minimum grant amount 75 000 EUR.
Read more →Target group: CSOs from Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia) registered at least 12 months prior to the deadline. Aim: To support CSO-led projects that promote the equality and inclusion of LGBTIQ persons in all areas of public and private life. Focus includes advocacy, awareness-raising, alliance-building, and strategic litigation
Read more →Target group: CSOs working on human rights, trade unions, faith-based actors, academic and social organisations Countries: EU Member States and selected candidate countries Short Description: The EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) is conducting its annual consultation to gather input from civil society organisations working on human rights. Covering experiences throughout 2024, the survey explores conditions
Read more →Target group: CSOs, activists, legal experts, and EU-level stakeholders concerned with civic freedoms Countries: EU Member States Short Description: Civil society across Europe is increasingly under pressure, with shrinking space for protest, association, and expression. In response, nine European organisations have launched the Early Warning and Alerts System as part of the MACS project. This
Read more →Target group: lawyers, in-house counsel, bar associations, representatives of civil society and academia Countries: Global Short Description: A global forum to explore innovative solutions, collaborate, and move the dial on access to justice, discussing how to best use pro bono and public interest lawyering to support nonprofit and civic organizations, and build more just, sustainable
Read more →Target group: Grantmaking organisations and impact funders in Europe Countries: Europe-wide Short Description: The survey explores the concept of catalytic grantmaking—strategic, non-repayable support to organisations tackling social and environmental challenges that are not yet investment-ready. It aims to highlight the role of such grantmakers in de-risking early-stage solutions, attracting follow-on funding, and advancing the impact
Read more →Looking for a new challenge in communications? BCSDN is hiring a Communications Officer to join our Executive Office in Skopje, North Macedonia. This full-time position is ideal for someone with interest and knowledge about civil society, democracy, and civic space. Candidates should have at least five years of experience in the civil society sector, strong
Read more →BCSDN, together with the European Civic Forum, coordinated and joined the call with 130 CSOs from across Europe to demand justice, democracy, and fundamental freedoms for Serbia. Civil society faces escalating attacks, including illegal police raids on NGOs and violent repression of protests after the Novi Sad train station collapse. The government’s response—arrests, intimidation, and
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