People in Need (PIN) is inviting grassroots civil society organisations (CSOs) and informal groups in North Macedonia to participate in a structured training program on circular economy and waste reduction. Participants will gain skills in project development, policy advocacy, organisational management, and may apply for small grants of up to EUR 3,000 to implement circular economy initiatives.

Overview of the PIN Circular Economy Initiative

People in Need (PIN), in partnership with ARNO, LEAD, and Ekovita and funded by the European Union, is launching its second Call for Participation. The program targets grassroots civil society organisations and informal groups outside Skopje to strengthen their capacities in circular economy, waste reduction, and sustainable development.

Focus Areas and Objectives

The initiative focuses on:

• Strengthening the capacities, resilience, and role of civil society in sustainability

• Empowering youth to engage in circular economy and waste reduction activities

• Supporting grassroots organisations through workshops, training, networking, and mentoring

• Developing project ideas based on circular design principles, recycling, responsible consumption, and green economy approaches

• Promoting advocacy, participatory policy dialogue, and local community engagement

• Enhancing organisational development, governance, strategic planning, and project management skills

• Offering small grants of up to EUR 3,000 to implement circular economy initiatives

Who is Eligible?

Eligible participants include:

• Legally registered CSOs in North Macedonia with an annual turnover up to 1,000,000 Macedonian denars

• Informal civic groups with demonstrated engagement in circularity or waste-related initiatives, willing to register as a CSO for future grant applications

• Grassroots organisations located outside Skopje

• Groups committed to actively contribute to experience-sharing, networking, and collaborative activities

Priority considerations:

• Prior experience in circular economy or waste-related initiatives

• Innovative project ideas

• Inclusion of vulnerable or marginalised groups

Training and Capacity Building Program

Participants will undergo a structured training program including:

1. Self-assessment workshops to evaluate organisational capacity and readiness

2. Online training modules over two months covering:

   • Circular economy frameworks and policy context

   • Circular design and waste management strategies

   • Recycling systems and responsible consumption

   • Organisational vision, strategy, and governance

   • Fundraising, budgeting, and project implementation

3. Networking activities with other CSOs, youth groups, schools, and regional actors in the circular economy sector

Small Grant Opportunities

• Following training completion, participants can apply for small grants up to EUR 3,000

• Grants aim to support the implementation of circular economy and waste reduction projects

• Projects must align with training objectives and demonstrate practical impact in local communities

How to Apply

1. Complete the application form in PDF format

2. Submit all required supporting documents, including:

   • Registration papers or founding acts

   • Sworn statements

   • Financial statements

   • Confirmation of collaboration where applicable

3. Submit the application electronically by 21 December 2025

4. Applications will undergo:

   • Administrative check

   • Evaluation by a committee of PIN, ARNO, LEAD, and Ekovita representatives

5. Successful organisations will be notified and invited to participate in the training program and subsequent grant application

Common Tips for Applicants

• Ensure your organisation meets the eligibility criteria and is based outside Skopje

• Highlight prior experience or innovative ideas in circular economy

• Include inclusion components targeting vulnerable groups

• Submit complete documentation in the required format to avoid administrative rejection

• Engage actively in networking and collaborative learning during training

FAQ

Q1: Who can apply for this program? Grassroots CSOs and informal civic groups outside Skopje engaged in circular economy or waste-related initiatives.
Q2: What types of projects are eligible for grants? Projects that implement circular economy principles, recycling, responsible consumption, and related green economy approaches.
Q3: What is the maximum grant amount? EUR 3,000 per project.
Q4: Can informal groups participate? Yes, if they demonstrate prior engagement in circular economy initiatives and commit to registering as a CSO for future grants.
Q5: How long is the training program? Two months of online training with workshops and networking activities.
Q6: What documents are required for the application? Registration papers, sworn statements, founding acts, financial statements, and confirmation of collaboration.
Q7: When is the application deadline? 21 December 2025.

Conclusion

The PIN Circular Economy initiative provides a comprehensive platform for grassroots organisations and informal groups in North Macedonia to enhance their skills, develop innovative projects, and access grant funding. By combining training, networking, and financial support, the program strengthens local civil society, promotes sustainable waste reduction practices, and fosters inclusive, environmentally responsible community development.