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RFAs: Core Programmatic Support Grants Program

Deadline: 19-Dec-2025

The European Fund for the Balkans (EFB) has opened applications for its Common Ground Program, offering €20,000 core support grants for civil society organisations in the Western Balkans. The funding strengthens ongoing operations—such as governance, staff retention, and outreach—rather than new projects. This call prioritises organisations fostering dialogue, trust-building, and social cohesion across divided communities.

Common Ground Program Grants – European Fund for the Balkans (EFB)

The Common Ground Program supports civil society organisations (CSOs) across the Western Balkans with flexible core funding designed to strengthen institutional stability, dialogue initiatives and long-term resilience.

Overview of the Grant

The EFB Common Ground Program provides up to €20,000 in core support for 12 months. Unlike traditional project-based grants, these funds are designed to reinforce existing organisational functions. This allows CSOs to improve continuity, strengthen governance structures, and sustain staff and operations that drive regional peacebuilding and social cohesion.

What the Grant Supports

The grant focuses on internal capacity rather than external project expansion. Typical areas of support include:

  • Staff retention and professional development

  • Governance and institutional strengthening

  • Inclusion and safeguarding practices

  • Community outreach and dialogue facilitation

  • Organisational resilience and operational continuity

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a non-profit organisation operating in: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia or Serbia.

  • Demonstrate a strong track record in:

    • Trust-building

    • Dialogue and bridge-building

    • Social cohesion

  • Work within or across divided or diverse communities.

  • Grassroots groups without registration may apply through a registered partner organisation.

Why This Funding Matters

This call is significant for civil society in the Western Balkans because:

  • Core funding (rather than project funding) helps organisations survive between project cycles.

  • It strengthens civic spaces and supports stability in a region dealing with social fragmentation.

  • It builds long-term capacity for dialogue, reconciliation, and community engagement.

  • It enhances organisational resilience in challenging political or economic contexts.

How the Application Process Works

EFB evaluates applications through a structured scoring system focused on:

  1. Strategic Fit: Alignment with the Common Ground Program’s mission.

  2. Dialogue and Bridge-Building Practice: Evidence of peacebuilding, mediation or community dialogue experience.

  3. Budget Feasibility: Clear, realistic use of core funding.

  4. Organisational Resilience: Capacity to sustain operations and manage grants.

Grant Disbursement

  • 80% of the grant is released at the time of signing the contract.

  • 20% is released after the progress report is reviewed and approved.

Reporting Requirements

  • A progress report (for the second disbursement)

  • A final narrative and financial report at the end of 12 months

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

  1. Prepare documentation demonstrating your organisation’s track record in dialogue, trust-building, and social cohesion.

  2. Outline how core funding will strengthen institutional capacity and operations.

  3. Develop a feasible and transparent budget.

  4. If unregistered, secure a registered partner willing to apply on your behalf.

  5. Submit your application through the EFB Common Ground Program portal (follow official instructions).

  6. Await evaluation and respond to any clarification requests if needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting project proposals instead of core-funding requests

  • Overinflated budgets that lack justification

  • Weak evidence of past work in dialogue or social cohesion

  • Missing documentation on organisational structure or governance

  • Neglecting to show long-term sustainability plans

FAQ

1. Can newly established organisations apply?
Yes, if they can demonstrate relevant work, but stronger preference is given to organisations with an established track record.

2. What types of costs can be covered?
Operational costs such as staffing, governance improvements, safeguarding, inclusion actions, and outreach.

3. Is cross-border collaboration required?
Not mandatory, but regional impact or cooperation is considered an advantage.

4. Are individuals eligible for funding?
No, only non-profit organisations (or grassroots groups applying through a partner).

5. Can the funding be used to start new projects?
The program prioritises support for ongoing work, not new project creation.

6. How long is the grant period?
12 months from the date of contract signing.

7. What happens if the progress report is late?
The remaining 20% disbursement may be delayed until the report is completed and approved.

Conclusion

The EFB Common Ground Program offers a unique opportunity for civil society organisations in the Western Balkans to secure flexible, core funding that strengthens organisational capacity and supports long-term dialogue and peacebuilding. By focusing on institutional resilience rather than temporary projects, this grant helps organisations sustain their essential role in fostering trust, cooperation and social cohesion across the region.

For more information, visit EFB.