News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The recently published book “The INGO Problem: Power, Privilege, and Renewal” by Deborah Doane examines the dominance of INGOs in the civil society ecosystem. Despite controlling vast resources, INGOs often marginalize local actors, relegating them to sub-contractor roles or competing by establishing their own “local” branches. However, INGOs face increasing scrutiny and decline due to
Read more →The shrinking civic space in the Western Balkans poses significant challenges for activists and progressive organizations, particularly in the face of security risks, legal threats, and limited funding. To better support them, PeaceNexus commissioned research to identify available emergency resources and to explore how funders approach these challenges. The report maps the most common types
Read more →Target group: International NGOs, umbrella NGOs, coalitions, or networks with expertise in democracy, human rights, or rule of law, and experience in cooperation with the Council of Europe. Aim: Strengthen democratic culture, enhance citizen engagement in decision-making, and raise awareness about the CoE’s work and its standards, particularly in the context of the Reykjavik Principles for
Read more →Target group: Young civic educators (under 35), young NGOs (under 3 years) Aim: The fund supports innovative civic education projects that enhance democratic participation, strengthen competencies, and promote resilience and collaboration. Targeting young civic educators and NGOs, it encourages inclusive, interdisciplinary, and transnational approaches to foster active citizenship and sustainable democracies in Europe. Amount: 10 000
Read more →Target group: Institutions and organizations operating in the cross-border region of Kosovo and North Macedonia. Aim: To foster cooperation in the cross-border region, strengthen good neighbourly relations, support EU integration, and promote social, economic, and territorial development through environmental protection, resource preservation, and business competitiveness. Amount: LOT 1 – from 300 000 to 700 000
Read more →Target group: CSOs based in Eastern and Pelagonia regions in N. Macedonia, registered for at least two years, with a focus on women’s rights and gender equality. Aim: To strengthen women’s influence on policy planning and decision-making at local and national levels through local actions. Amount: Total fund of 25 000 EUR Duration: 18 months (January
Read more →Target group: Youth organizations and organizations working with youth in BiH. Aim: Support local youth initiatives focused on improving youth cooperation, participation, and policy development. Amount: Up to 1 955 KM-approximately 999 EUR (LOT I), and up to 2 151 KM – approximately 1 099 EUR (LOT II). Duration: Initiatives must be implemented by 15 April
Read more →Target group: CSOs and private institutions with expertise in supporting democracy, human rights, and civic engagement. Aim: To support CSOs in strengthening democracy, human rights, and civic engagement across Europe. By providing crucial resources, the fund seeks to empower these organizations to contribute positively to their communities, particularly in the face of increasing threats to democratic
Read more →Target group: Young, diverse leaders in elected office, civil society, and business Countries: United States, EU, candidate countries, and WB6 Short Description: TILN is a transatlantic fellowship network of young leaders collaborating to promote inclusive policies and social cohesion across the US and Europe. Fellows receive mentorship, coaching, and training to prepare for leadership roles
Read more →Target group: Experts on legal frameworks, CSOs engaging volunteers, and current volunteers Countries: Western Balkans Short Description: A regional online discussion organized by the SMART Balkans project, focusing on volunteering trends and legal frameworks in the Western Balkans, aligned with EU standards. Duration: One and a half hours, happening on 5 December, Zoom. Link to
Read more →Target group: Mid-career practitioners from developing and transitioning countries working in democracy, legal, economic, or governance reform. Countries: Regions of Eurasia, which includes the former Soviet Union and Central Asia, along with Africa. Short Description: This Stanford University program, hosted by the Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law, offers training for approximately
Read more →The BCSDN virtual event “Weaponizing Accountability: Countering Foreign Agents’ Laws and Narratives” convened experts from Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Turkey, and the Western Balkans on November 6-8 to address restrictive foreign agents’ laws stigmatizing CSOs. Day 1 highlighted strategies to counter government-imposed narratives labeling CSOs as foreign threats, while Day 2 focused on building civil society
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