Deadline: 29-May-2026
The ReLOaD3 programme (EU–UNDP funded) in the City of Šabac, Serbia, supports civil society organisations with $5,000–$15,000 grants for 6–9 month local development projects. It focuses on participatory democracy, EU integration, and community priorities such as youth, health, environment, and cultural heritage, with strict funding rules and a $45,000 per-organisation cap.
Overview
The Regional Programme for Local Democracy in the Western Balkans (ReLOaD3) is a European Union-funded and UNDP-implemented initiative designed to strengthen local democracy, civic participation, and cooperation between civil society and local governments.
This specific call in the City of Šabac, Serbia supports civil society projects that address local development priorities and improve public service delivery.
Programme Duration
- Overall ReLOaD3 programme period: February 2025 – January 2029
- Focus: Strengthening participatory democracy and EU integration in the Western Balkans
Key Programme Objectives
ReLOaD3 aims to:
- Strengthen participatory democracy and civic engagement
- Improve cooperation between CSOs and local authorities
- Enhance transparency in public funding systems
- Support EU integration processes
- Improve public service delivery at the local level
- Build stronger legal and institutional frameworks for CSO engagement
Priority Areas (City of Šabac)
Projects must align with at least one of the following:
1. Public Services and Social Well-being
2. Education and Youth Development
- Youth empowerment programmes
- Skills development and employability
- Competence-building initiatives
3. Rural Development and Local Initiatives
- Improving quality of life in rural areas
- Local community-driven projects
- Decentralised development initiatives
4. Environment and Animal Welfare
- Environmental protection projects
- Sustainability initiatives
- Animal welfare activities
5. Culture and Community Identity
- Cultural heritage preservation
- Strengthening local identity
- Community development initiatives
Funding Structure
Grant Size
- Minimum: $5,000
- Maximum: $15,000 per project
Organisation-Level Cap
- Maximum total funding per organisation: $45,000 across ReLOaD3 programme
Project Duration
- Minimum: 6 months
- Maximum: 9 months
Who Can Apply?
Eligible Applicants
- Non-profit civil society organisations (CSOs)
- Organisations registered in Serbia
- CSOs implementing activities within Šabac municipality
Application Structure
- Individual CSOs may apply
- Partnerships between CSOs are allowed
- One organisation must act as the lead applicant
Associate Organisations
- May participate in projects
- Are not eligible for funding
Eligible Activities
Projects must:
- Address specific local community needs
- Deliver measurable outcomes
- Align with defined priority areas
- Be time-bound (6–9 months)
- Strengthen citizen engagement and participation
Ineligible Activities
Funding cannot be used for:
- Regular ongoing organisational operations
- Scholarships or individual sponsorships
- Political activities or campaigns
- Completed or retrospective projects
- Non-development or unrelated activities
Budget Rules
Allowed Costs
- Programme-related expenses
- Limited administrative and staff costs
- Necessary equipment (within limits)
Key Restrictions
- Administrative, staffing, and equipment costs are capped
- At least 40% of the budget must be allocated to programme activities
- Strong justification required for all non-programmatic expenses
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Completed application form
- Detailed project proposal
- Budget breakdown
- Logical Framework Matrix (Logframe)
Compliance Requirements
- Transparency in reporting
- No conflicts of interest
- Accurate and truthful information mandatory
- Non-compliance or false information leads to disqualification
Assessment Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
1. Relevance
- Alignment with Šabac local priorities
- Responsiveness to community needs
2. Impact
- Measurable social and community outcomes
- Contribution to participatory democracy
3. Feasibility
- Realistic implementation plan
- Strong organisational capacity
4. Sustainability
- Long-term community benefit
- Potential for continued impact
5. Partnership Quality
- Strength of CSO collaboration
- Engagement with local stakeholders
Programme Purpose and Impact
ReLOaD3 is designed to:
- Strengthen citizen participation in governance
- Improve transparency in public decision-making
- Build stronger CSO–government cooperation
- Support EU-aligned democratic development
- Enhance local service delivery systems
- Foster inclusive and sustainable community growth
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting projects outside Šabac municipality
- Including ineligible activities (political or individual sponsorships)
- Ignoring 6–9 month duration rule
- Weak alignment with priority areas
- Exceeding budget allocation limits
- Failing to provide a proper logical framework
Tips for a Strong Application
- Align clearly with one or more priority sectors
- Focus on measurable, community-level outcomes
- Keep budgets realistic and activity-focused
- Demonstrate strong local relevance in Šabac
- Build meaningful CSO partnerships
- Ensure transparency and compliance in documentation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is ReLOaD3 in Šabac?
It is an EU–UNDP funded programme supporting civil society projects that improve local governance and community development in Šabac, Serbia.
2. Who can apply?
Registered non-profit civil society organisations in Serbia implementing projects in Šabac.
3. What is the funding range?
Between $5,000 and $15,000 per project.
4. How long can projects run?
Between 6 and 9 months.
5. What is the maximum funding per organisation?
Up to $45,000 across the ReLOaD3 programme.
6. Are partnerships allowed?
Yes, but only CSOs are eligible for funding; associate organisations cannot receive funds.
7. What activities are not eligible?
Political activities, scholarships, individual sponsorships, and regular organisational operations.
Conclusion
The ReLOaD3 Šabac grant call is a structured EU–UNDP initiative that strengthens participatory democracy and local development in Serbia. By funding short-term, community-driven CSO projects, it enhances civic engagement, improves public services, and promotes sustainable development aligned with local priorities.
For more information, visit City of Šabac.