Deadline: 23-Apr-2026
Civil society organizations (CSOs) in Bosnia and Herzegovina can apply for the ReLOaD3 programme to strengthen local democracy, enhance cooperation with municipal authorities, and improve community services. Funded by the EU and implemented by UNDP, the initiative supports participatory governance, citizen engagement, and inclusive development across sectors such as youth, environment, culture, and social inclusion.
Programme Overview
The ReLOaD3 initiative strengthens participatory democracy and civil society collaboration with local governments in the Western Balkans. The programme supports EU integration efforts by fostering transparent public funding, enabling legal frameworks, and increasing citizen participation in public policy.
Thematic Priorities
- Culture, sport, and youth engagement
- Environmental protection and rural development
- Social inclusion and human rights
- Focus on young people, persons with disabilities, socially excluded groups, and minority rights
Programme Scope
- Funding: European Union
- Implementation: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Serbia
- Duration: February 2025 – January 2029
- Objective: Promote sustainable regional development through stronger collaboration between civil society and public institutions
Local Call in Rogatica
The Municipality of Rogatica leads the local call for project proposals, structured into funding lots based on organizational capacity:
- LOT 1: Grassroots CSOs with limited experience; grants 5,000–15,000 KM
- LOT 2 & 3: Experienced CSOs managing complex projects; grants 15,000–50,000 KM
- Funding Limit: Maximum 120,000 KM per CSO across all local governments
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be registered CSOs in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Demonstrate financial and operational capacity to implement projects
- Submit detailed project documentation including proposal, budget, activity plan, and financial statements
- Include a logical framework matrix for LOT 2 and LOT 3 applications
- Align projects with ReLOaD3 thematic priorities and local development goals
How to Apply
- Prepare detailed project proposal and supporting documents
- Submit within the deadlines outlined by the Municipality of Rogatica
- Indicate the applicable funding lot based on organizational capacity
- Ensure adherence to maximum funding limits per CSO
Evaluation Process
Project proposals will be assessed by a committee composed of:
- Representatives from the Municipality of Rogatica
- Local CSO representatives
- UNDP ReLOaD3 team
Evaluation Criteria
- Eliminatory Criteria: Financial and operational capacity to execute the project
- Relevance: Alignment with thematic priorities and needs of target groups
- Only proposals meeting minimum scoring thresholds proceed to further assessment
Expected Outcomes
- Enhanced cooperation between CSOs and local governments
- Increased citizen participation in public policy and community development
- Improved delivery of community services across priority sectors
- Strengthened participatory democracy in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Tips for Applicants
- Clearly align projects with ReLOaD3 thematic priorities and local development goals
- Ensure robust financial management and operational plans
- Demonstrate measurable outcomes and impact for target groups
- Use the logical framework matrix for LOT 2 and LOT 3 to show structured planning
- Submit proposals well before deadlines to allow for review
FAQ
Q1: Who can apply for ReLOaD3 funding?
A1: Legally registered CSOs in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the capacity to implement projects in line with programme priorities.
Q2: What thematic areas are supported?
A2: Culture, sport, youth engagement, environmental protection, rural development, social inclusion, human rights, and minority rights.
Q3: What funding lots are available?
A3: LOT 1 (5,000–15,000 KM for grassroots CSOs), LOT 2 & 3 (15,000–50,000 KM for experienced CSOs).
Q4: Can an organization submit multiple proposals?
A4: Yes, but the total funding per CSO cannot exceed 120,000 KM across all participating local governments.
Q5: What documents are required for application?
A5: Project proposal, budget, activity plan, financial statements, and a logical framework matrix for LOT 2/3.
Q6: How are applications evaluated?
A6: By a committee using eliminatory criteria (financial and operational capacity) and relevance to thematic priorities; only proposals meeting minimum thresholds proceed.
Q7: What is the programme duration?
A7: February 2025 to January 2029 (48 months).
Conclusion
The ReLOaD3 programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina empowers civil society organizations to enhance participatory democracy, improve local services, and engage citizens in public policy. By supporting projects aligned with thematic priorities and local development goals, the initiative strengthens collaboration between CSOs and local governments for sustainable community impact.
For more information, visit UNDP.