News and updates from BCSDN and the region
A 2020 OECD study reveals that less than 10% of bilateral donor funding for CSOs reaches the Global South, with the majority directed to Northern CSOs and or to large International Non-Government Organisations (INGOs). This practice, which has persisted for decades, stems from a historical reliance on Northern organizations for citizen engagement in development. While
Read more →Target group: CSOs and CSO networks in Albania, BiH, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Aim: Strengthen participatory democracies and Euro-Atlantic integrations by supporting CSOs in Security & Stability and Governance projects. Amount: 8 223 685 NOK (708 938 EUR) total, with at least 33 grants awarded Duration: 6-8 months Deadline: 21 October Link to
Read more →Target group: CSOs in Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia, and Portugal, focused on women’s rights, environmental justice, and anti-corruption. Aim: Strengthen grassroots CSOs through coalition building, advocacy, and enhanced capacity in monitoring and influencing policies at local, national, and EU levels. Amount: 30 000 – 40 000 EUR per grant. Duration: 12-18 months Deadline: 22 October Link to
Read more →Target group: Cross-border teams of at least two professional journalists and/or news outlets to conduct investigations into environmental affairs related to Europe (all the countries, not only the EU). Aim: Investigate environmental issues that involve European affairs or compare local environmental policies between regions. Amount:The total available amount per call to be distributed among all supported
Read more →Target group: Newsrooms, journalistic teams, and freelance journalists based in at least two European countries, both EU and non-EU. Aim: Support cross-border investigative journalism by providing funding and additional support (mentoring, training, legal assistance) for ambitious projects on topics of cross-border relevance. Amount: Investigation Support Scheme: Up to 50 000 EUR for newsrooms and investigative
Read more →Target group: Local organizations, encouraging the participation and representation of Albanian youth in Preševo and Bujanovac. Aim: By empowering local organizations to leverage their community connections and understanding of local challenges and needs, the call aims to create an environment where Albanian youth actively engage in social events and where their voices are heard and respected. Amount: The
Read more →Target group: Media outlets from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Serbia, and Slovakia. Aim: Engage audiences in reporting, fostering trust and addressing underreported issues, with a focus on marginalized communities, youth, and women. Amount: Up to 4 000 EUR for individual stories, and up to 8 000 EUR
Read more →Target group: Young innovators and teams from the Western Balkans (average team age < 35) Countries: Western Balkans Short Description: The Butterfly Innovation Award offers 30 000 EUR for innovative solutions in six categories: industry, green innovation, STEM, youth, university, and women’s innovation. Each category winner will receive 5 000 EUR. Projects must demonstrate a
Read more →Target group: Early Career Researchers (PhD holders or candidates in later stages of study, within 5 years of obtaining PhD) Countries: Worldwide Short Description: The RECAS Fellowship Program invites Early Career Researchers to conduct research or develop projects at one of the Centers for Advanced Studies in the Western Balkans. Fellows receive support from universities
Read more →Target group: Non-profit initiatives by individuals, CSOs, and private companies registered in the EU Countries: EU member states Short Description: This prize rewards innovative initiatives combating harmful polarisation in European society, promoting European identity and shared values. The total prize is 50 000 EUR, shared among up to five winners. Duration: N/A Link to more
Read more →In a joint statement, BCSDN expresses strong support for Serbian civil society, calling for an end to government repression and standing with them in their fight to protect democratic values and fundamental rights. Recent protests, fueled by corruption, environmental issues, and claims of rigged elections, with those surrounding Rio Tinto’s mining plans being the most
Read more →In a joint letter, EU CSOs and journalists, including ARTICLE 19, Civil Society Europe, and the European Federation of Journalists, expressed concerns over the EU’s proposed Foreign Interference Directive, part of the Defense of Democracy Package. They warn that its vague and broad regulations could jeopardize media freedom, particularly for organizations and media outlets funded
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