Deadline: 27-Apr-2026
The Center for Civic Education is funding civil society projects that promote equality and inclusion for LGBTIQ+ persons across the Western Balkans. Grants of EUR 10,000–18,000 support initiatives in advocacy, legal aid, public awareness, capacity building, and regional collaboration, with a total budget of EUR 300,000. Eligible applicants are registered non-profit organizations in the region with at least 12 months of legal standing.
Overview
The Center for Civic Education invites civil society organizations (CSOs) to develop projects that promote equality and foster inclusion for LGBTIQ+ persons across the Western Balkans.
This funding is part of the “Together For LGBTQI+ Equality” initiative, implemented by a regional consortium and funded by the European Union. The program aims to strengthen civil society capacities and improve the lives of LGBTIQ+ individuals in six Western Balkan countries.
Objectives
The program has broad and specific objectives:
Overall Objective:
- Promote equality and inclusion of LGBTIQ+ persons in all areas of public and private life, in line with EU human rights guidelines.
Specific Objectives:
- Strengthen CSO capacities through advocacy, public awareness, and alliance building.
- Support strategic litigation to repeal discriminatory laws.
- Contribute to non-discrimination policymaking and systemic change.
Priority Thematic Areas
Eligible projects should address one or more of the following:
- Legal Assistance: Provide legal aid and advice to LGBTIQ+ individuals.
- Policy Monitoring & Advocacy: Track policy implementation and advocate for reforms.
- Capacity Building: Support LGBTIQ+ CSOs and human rights defenders.
- Public Awareness & Cultural Initiatives: Conduct campaigns, educational activities, or cultural events.
- Healthcare & Social Inclusion: Promote equal access to healthcare and social services.
- Regional Collaboration & Networking: Strengthen networks across the Western Balkans.
- Research & Monitoring: Conduct studies to inform systemic change.
Eligible Applicants
- Non-profit CSOs legally registered in one of the six Western Balkan countries.
- Must have at least 12 months of legal registration prior to the application deadline.
- Must be directly responsible for implementing the project.
Funding Details
- Total budget: EUR 300,000
- Individual grant range: EUR 10,000–18,000
- Funding can cover 70%–100% of eligible project costs.
- Co-financing from non-EU sources may be required if full funding is not requested.
Eligible Activities
Supported project activities may include:
- Policy monitoring and advocacy campaigns
- Legal aid and strategic litigation
- Research and monitoring for systemic change
- Training programs for CSOs and human rights defenders
- Public events, workshops, and educational materials
- Capacity building and mentoring to align with European standards
How to Apply
- Ensure your organization meets eligibility criteria.
- Identify a priority thematic area and define project objectives.
- Prepare a project proposal detailing activities, timeline, expected outcomes, and budget.
- Submit the proposal via the official application platform by the specified deadline.
- Include any co-financing commitments if required.
Tips for Success
- Clearly demonstrate impact on LGBTIQ+ inclusion in your community.
- Align proposals with EU human rights standards.
- Highlight innovative approaches and measurable outcomes.
- Emphasize capacity-building aspects and regional collaboration.
- Provide a realistic budget and justify all requested funding.
FAQs
1. Which countries are eligible?
All six Western Balkan countries participating in the project.
2. Who can apply?
Legally registered non-profit CSOs with at least 12 months of operation.
3. What is the maximum grant per project?
Up to EUR 18,000 per project.
4. Can the grant cover full project costs?
Yes, funding can cover 70–100% of eligible costs.
5. What activities are supported?
Activities include legal aid, advocacy, research, public awareness, training, and cultural initiatives.
6. Is co-financing required?
Co-financing is required only if the applicant requests less than 100% of eligible costs from the EU fund.
7. Can projects focus on one country or must they be regional?
Projects may focus on a single country but regional collaboration is encouraged.
Conclusion
The Together For LGBTQI+ Equality program empowers CSOs to tackle discrimination, promote human rights, and foster inclusion for LGBTIQ+ communities across the Western Balkans. By funding advocacy, legal assistance, public awareness, and capacity-building projects, the initiative strengthens civil society engagement and supports systemic change aligned with European Union standards.
For more information, visit CCE.