News and updates from BCSDN and the region
A recent report published by International Civil Society Sector (ICSC) explores how civil society, including NGOs, community groups, and citizens’ organisations, could evolve over the next 20 years as the world faces growing uncertainty from climate change, conflicts, digital risks, and declining international funding. The report notes that the current aid system is still largely
Read more →As digital technologies reshape civic participation, local civil society actors are facing growing challenges in accessing funding, technical infrastructure, and institutional support. In an environment of shrinking civic space and global democratic pressures, grassroots organisations remain essential for promoting inclusive governance and community accountability. The CIVICUS Digital Democracy Initiative highlights that many local actors operate
Read more →A recent commentary highlights the growing role of philanthropy in protecting democracy and civic space amid increasing pressure on CSOs and non-profit actors. Philanthropic institutions have faced political accusations and attempts to restrict support for human rights, democracy, and civic initiatives. Despite these pressures, philanthropy has developed strategies to strengthen sector resilience, including increased and
Read more →The Resilio Fund is promoting a new model of crisis response that places local communities at the centre of humanitarian action. The initiative argues that international aid systems can sometimes be slow, inefficient, and risk creating long-term dependency, while failing to strengthen community resilience. By prioritising grassroots participation, the fund aims to position local populations
Read more →Target Group: CSOs and media organisations operating in Albania that work on electoral processes, civic engagement, transparency, voter education, and integrity of information. Aim: To fund projects that safeguard electoral integrity, strengthen the media environment and information integrity, and foster informed participation, voter education, and civic engagement in the context of elections. Countries: Albania Amount:
Read more →Target Group: Non-profit organizations, NGOs, youth associations, and schools registered or active in BiH with experience working with youth or local communities. Aim: To support local initiatives that promote peacebuilding, dialogue, and a culture of remembrance among young people. The call encourages creative and participatory projects that use court-established facts about the 1992–1995 war to
Read more →Target Group: CSOs registered and operating in Kosovo, interested in strengthening local governance, civic engagement, and community development within the framework of the Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3). Aim: To support CSOs to design and implement project proposals that enhance participatory governance, foster civil society engagement with local authorities,
Read more →Target Group: CSOs, grassroots initiatives, and community-based actors from EU Member States working on democratic participation, inclusion, youth engagement, gender equality, migration integration, and community development. Aim: To support local democratic engagement by funding community-based projects that promote civic participation, social inclusion, and participatory governance through education, dialogue, and community-led activities. Countries: EU Member States
Read more →Target Group: CSOs, representative associations, public authorities, and other eligible entities established in EU Member States and countries associated to the CERV programme. Aim: To promote citizens’ active engagement and democratic participation in EU public policymaking beyond elections, and to strengthen broader civic engagement. The call supports initiatives that strengthen democratic institutions, promote civic participation,
Read more →Target Group: CSOs registered in the Western Balkans with experience in research, monitoring, advocacy, or policy analysis. Aim: To empower CSOs to provide independent monitoring, advocacy, and sector-specific perspectives on the implementation of the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and related reform agendas. Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia
Read more →Short Description: The Council for Coordination and Monitoring of the Open Government Partnership Process 2024–2026 invites interested stakeholders to apply for participation in the co-creation process of the National Action Plan for the Open Government Partnership 2026–2028. The call aims to ensure a timely, inclusive, transparent, and participatory consultation process for defining new priorities and
Read more →Short Description: European Forum Alpbach invites young changemakers to apply for its annual Scholarship Programme, which enables selected students, young professionals, and change-makers from around the world to attend the interdisciplinary forum. Target Group: Students, young professionals and change-makers from all countries and disciplines who are interested in interdisciplinary dialogue, civic engagement, innovation and leadership.
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