Funding available for Social Enterprises Operating in Serbia

CARE Balkans has launched a grant opportunity for social enterprises in southern and central Serbia to enhance their capacity, sustainability, and social impact. Grants up to €10,000 are available for equipment or services that support growth, particularly for enterprises that empower vulnerable populations. This initiative is part of the Economic Inclusion and Justice for Women in the Western Balkans (EWI) project, promoting inclusive local development and social entrepreneurship.

Overview

The CARE Balkans Social Enterprise Grant supports registered or emerging social enterprises in Serbia’s Nišavski, Rasinski, Toplički, Jablanički, Pirotski, and Pčinjski districts. Funded under the EWI project with support from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the grants aim to strengthen the operational, economic, and social capacities of enterprises contributing to inclusion and local development.

Why It Matters

This grant program:

• Enables social enterprises to invest in essential equipment and services to scale operations.

• Promotes economic inclusion and empowerment of marginalized groups, including women, rural residents, and minority communities.

• Encourages sustainable social business models with measurable social and economic impact.

• Supports local development and employment creation through socially driven enterprises.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must be:

• Registered social enterprises or organisations in the process of obtaining social enterprise status under Serbian law.

• Entrepreneurs, cooperatives, associations, foundations, or other legal entities that operate economically but prioritize social impact over profit.

• Organisations demonstrating a clear social mission, inclusive governance, and plans for job creation, environmental protection, or community support.
  Priority is given to enterprises that reinvest profits into social objectives and maintain transparent, participatory decision-making.

Funding Details

• Grant amount: up to €10,000 per enterprise.

• Eligible expenses: equipment, services, and resources needed to scale operations or improve social impact.

• Geographic focus: Nišavski, Rasinski, Toplički, Jablanički, Pirotski, Pčinjski districts in Serbia.

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Prepare Application Materials – Include legal registration, proof of active operations, financial statements, and a detailed proposal outlining grant usage.

2. Submit Proposal – Complete the online or physical application form before the deadline.

3. Evaluation – A selection committee assesses proposals based on:

   • Strength and clarity of social mission

   • Economic viability and sustainability

   • Potential social impact

   • Organisational capacity and governance

4. Follow-Up – Shortlisted enterprises may be invited for interviews or site visits.

5. Grant Approval – Selected applicants receive funding and can implement the approved project plan.

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Avoid submitting incomplete legal or financial documentation.

• Clearly define how the grant will create social or economic impact.

• Highlight inclusive governance and participatory decision-making.

• Focus on tangible outcomes for marginalized groups rather than general business growth.

• Submit proposals before the deadline to ensure full consideration.

FAQ

1. Who can apply for the grant? Registered social enterprises or organisations in the process of obtaining social enterprise status in Serbia.
2. What is the maximum grant amount? Up to €10,000 for equipment or services supporting enterprise growth.
3. Which districts are eligible? Nišavski, Rasinski, Toplički, Jablanički, Pirotski, and Pčinjski districts in southern and central Serbia.
4. Can for-profit entities apply? Yes, but they must prioritize social impact over profit and reinvest any revenue into social objectives.
5. What documentation is required? Legal registration, proof of active operations, financial statements, and a detailed grant proposal.
6. Are marginalized populations a focus? Yes, priority is given to enterprises supporting women with disabilities, single mothers, rural residents, minority communities, or other disadvantaged groups.
7. Is participation limited to Serbian nationals? No, but the organisation must operate within the eligible districts in Serbia.

Conclusion

The CARE Balkans Social Enterprise Grant provides crucial support for socially driven businesses in Serbia, fostering inclusion, empowerment, and local development. By investing in operational capacity and sustainable practices, this initiative strengthens enterprises that deliver measurable social impact, contributing to a more equitable and resilient regional economy.