What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

CfA: BIRN Summer School of Investigative Reporting 2026 (Deadline: 10 July)

Short Description: Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) invites applications for its Summer School of Investigative Reporting, taking place from 17–23 August in Ohrid, North Macedonia. The intensive programme combines practical training in investigative journalism, cross-border reporting, OSINT, data journalism, digital verification, and security, while providing participants with mentorship from leading international journalists and editors to

Read more →

CfA: Mentorship Programme for CSOs in North Macedonia (Deadline: Ongoing)

Short Description: The Civil Society Resource Centre has launched a mentorship programme to strengthen the organisational capacities and long-term sustainability of CSOs in North Macedonia. Selected organisations will receive tailored support from experienced mentors in areas such as good governance, strategic planning, project and financial management, advocacy, communications, volunteer management, digital transformation, fundraising diversification, Erasmus+,

Read more →

CfA: Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program 2027/2028 (Deadline: Varies by country)

Short Description: A fully funded, non-degree professional fellowship in the United States for mid-career professionals. The programme combines academic enrichment, leadership development and a six-week professional affiliation with U.S. institutions to strengthen leadership, foster international collaboration and address global development challenges. Target Group: Mid-career professionals with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), at least five years

Read more →

CfA: Transparency School 2026 (Deadline: 15 June)

Short Description: Transparency School 2026 is an international training and networking programme focused on transparency, anti-corruption, accountability, and good governance. The programme brings together participants from around the world for expert-led discussions, practical learning, and peer exchange. Target Group: Senior students, graduates, and young professionals from the public, private, civil society, and academic sectors interested

Read more →

CfA: BIRN Kosovo Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence (Deadline: 22 June)

Short Description: The Kosovo Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence is a six-month programme supporting aspiring and mid-career journalists in producing in-depth investigative stories on issues of public interest, while benefiting from professional editorial mentorship and publication opportunities through leading media platforms. Target Group: Aspiring and mid-career journalists aged 18–35 with at least three years of professional

Read more →

CfA: Balkan SAYS 2026: Youth Security Conference (Deadline: 10 July)

Short Description: Balkan SAYS 2026 is an international youth security conference bringing together students, young professionals, policymakers, and experts to discuss contemporary security, foreign policy, and Euro-Atlantic challenges through panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Target Group: Students and young professionals aged 20–35 with a background or strong interest in international relations, security and defence,

Read more →

CfA: Matra Rule of Law Training Programme 2026–2027 (Deadline: Multiple)

Short Description: The Matra Rule of Law Training Programme is a fully funded professional development programme offering hybrid training courses on democratic institutions, human rights, public integrity, public procurement, administration of justice, border management, and public service delivery. Participants will gain practical knowledge, exchange experiences with peers from the region, and become part of an

Read more →

CfA: CoE Hack the Hate, Renew Democracy 2026 Hackathon (Deadline: 5 June)

Short Description: CoE has launched applications for the 2026 Democracy Hackathon, bringing together tech developers, designers, and democracy experts to develop innovative solutions against online hate speech and strengthen democratic resilience. The hackathon offers selected teams mentorship, implementation support, and the opportunity to compete for a €50,000 Microsoft grant. Target Group: Tech developers, designers, democracy

Read more →

CfA: Culture for Democracy Job Shadowing 2026 (Deadline: 15 June)

Short Description: Within the Hartefakt project “Culture for Democracy” (CfD), supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, applications are open for grants supporting job shadowing, internships, and on-the-job training in the fields of culture and arts. The programme aims to strengthen the capacities of cultural professionals and organisations in Serbia through peer learning,

Read more →

CfA: Carol Bellamy Leadership Award 2026 in North Macedonia (Deadline: 12 June)

Short Description: MCIC has launched the 2026 Carol Bellamy Leadership Award, supporting women and women-led organisations working at the intersection of women’s empowerment and prevention of violent extremism (P/CVE). Established by Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF), the award provides financial support for local initiatives focused on leadership development, strengthening women-led organisations, and supporting

Read more →

CfA: Western Balkans Fund Regional Academy (Deadline: 25 June)

Short Description: Western Balkans Fund and Open Society Foundation Western Balkans have launched the first edition of the Regional Academy on Dialogue and Culture of Cooperation, a new initiative bringing together junior professionals and emerging leaders from across the Western Balkans. The programme aims to strengthen regional cooperation, democratic values, intercultural dialogue, and peacebuilding through

Read more →

CfA: Heinrich Böll Foundation Global Majority AI Fellowship 2026 (Deadline: Rolling Applications)

Short Description: Heinrich Böll Foundation has launched the Global Majority AI Fellowship 2026 to support stronger participation of Global South civil society experts in international AI governance discussions. The fellowship will support participation in the first United Nations Global Dialogue on AI Governance, taking place in Geneva in July 2026, focusing on issues such as

Read more →