Deadline: 08-Jun-2026
The joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” is inviting civil society organisations in Kosovo to apply for grants supporting projects that combat discrimination, hate speech, and intolerance while promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion. The initiative supports awareness campaigns, counter-narratives, anti-discrimination reforms, and protection of vulnerable communities in line with European human rights standards.
The programme has an indicative budget of €25,000 and plans to award five grants of up to €5,000 each to eligible civil society organisations in Kosovo.
Overview of the Funding Opportunity
The programme supports projects that strengthen anti-discrimination efforts and promote inclusive societies in Kosovo.
The initiative focuses on:
- Combating hate speech
- Promoting equality and diversity
- Strengthening anti-discrimination systems
- Supporting vulnerable communities
- Encouraging intercultural dialogue
- Advancing human rights protections
- Raising public awareness about discrimination
Projects should align with European human rights and anti-discrimination standards.
Background of the Programme
The funding is part of the:
- Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye
This joint programme is implemented by:
- European Union
- Council of Europe
The initiative supports reforms that improve alignment with European democratic and human rights standards.
Main Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Improve anti-discrimination mechanisms
- Strengthen equality institutions
- Combat hate speech and intolerance
- Promote inclusion and social cohesion
- Support rights of vulnerable groups
- Encourage positive public narratives
- Strengthen cooperation between institutions and civil society
The programme also supports Kosovo’s alignment with recommendations from the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI).
Focus Areas
Projects may address themes such as:
- Hate speech prevention
- Anti-discrimination awareness
- Equality promotion
- LGBTI rights
- Minority inclusion
- Roma community support
- Migrant inclusion
- Disability inclusion
- Women’s rights
- Youth engagement
- Intercultural dialogue
- Social cohesion
- Human rights education
Projects should promote tolerance, inclusion, and peaceful coexistence.
“Block the Hatred. Share the Love! 2.0” Initiative
The programme includes the awareness initiative:
- “Block the Hatred. Share the Love! 2.0”
Supported projects are expected to:
- Promote positive diversity messages
- Challenge hate speech
- Develop counter-narratives
- Encourage respectful public discourse
Activities may use:
- Social media platforms
- Traditional media
- Community campaigns
- Educational outreach
Types of Activities Supported
Eligible activities may include:
- Public awareness campaigns
- Anti-hate speech initiatives
- Community dialogue programmes
- Educational workshops
- Advocacy and policy support
- Awareness events
- Media campaigns
- Capacity-building activities
- Cooperation initiatives between institutions and CSOs
Projects should demonstrate clear community impact.
Support for Vulnerable Groups
Special emphasis is placed on protecting and supporting:
- LGBTI persons
- Roma communities
- Migrants
- Women
- Young people
- Minorities
- Persons with disabilities
Projects addressing violence and discrimination against vulnerable groups are strongly encouraged.
Institutional and Policy Support
The programme also encourages initiatives that:
- Strengthen equality bodies
- Improve anti-discrimination policies
- Support prosecution of hate speech cases
- Improve access to services
- Enhance institutional cooperation
Projects should contribute to stronger and more inclusive governance systems.
Funding Details
Total Indicative Budget
- €25,000
Grant Size
- Up to €5,000 per project
Number of Expected Grants
- Approximately 5 grants
Funding supports small-scale civil society initiatives with measurable impact.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants must:
- Be legally constituted civil society organisations in Kosovo
- Have at least 3 years of relevant experience
- Demonstrate operational and financial capacity
- Possess a valid bank account
Applicants should have experience in:
- Human rights
- Anti-discrimination
- Equality promotion
- Social inclusion work
Why This Programme Matters
Discrimination and hate speech continue to affect many communities and contribute to:
- Social division
- Exclusion
- Violence
- Marginalisation
- Reduced access to rights and services
The programme supports grassroots and institutional efforts that strengthen inclusion, diversity, and democratic values across Kosovo.
How the Programme Works
The initiative funds local civil society projects that promote equality and combat intolerance.
Application Process
- Identify a discrimination or hate speech issue
- Develop a community-focused project idea
- Align activities with ECRI recommendations
- Prepare a realistic implementation plan
- Submit grant application
- Implement awareness and inclusion activities if selected
Projects should clearly explain expected social impact.
Tips for a Strong Proposal
Applicants should:
- Demonstrate clear community relevance
- Focus on practical awareness outcomes
- Include vulnerable group participation
- Use strong communication strategies
- Align with anti-discrimination standards
- Show realistic implementation capacity
Strong proposals usually include:
- Clear target audiences
- Measurable impact indicators
- Community partnerships
- Sustainable awareness approaches
- Strong outreach plans
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main goal of this programme?
The programme supports projects that combat discrimination, hate speech, and intolerance while promoting equality and inclusion in Kosovo.
How much funding is available?
The total budget is €25,000, with grants of up to €5,000 available per project.
Who can apply?
Legally registered civil society organisations in Kosovo with at least three years of relevant experience may apply.
What types of projects are supported?
Projects may include awareness campaigns, anti-discrimination initiatives, community dialogue, media outreach, and inclusion activities.
Are projects supporting LGBTI rights eligible?
Yes, projects supporting LGBTI rights and addressing violence or discrimination against LGBTI persons are encouraged.
Must projects align with European standards?
Yes, proposals should align with ECRI recommendations and broader European anti-discrimination standards.
Can projects use social media campaigns?
Yes, awareness activities through social media and traditional media are encouraged.
Conclusion
The EU and Council of Europe grant programme supports civil society organisations in Kosovo working to combat discrimination, hate speech, and intolerance while promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion. Through small grants for awareness campaigns, community engagement, and anti-discrimination initiatives, the programme aims to strengthen human rights protections and foster more inclusive communities.
By supporting vulnerable groups, promoting positive narratives, and encouraging cooperation between institutions and civil society, the initiative contributes to stronger democratic values and social cohesion across Kosovo.
For more information, visit Council of Europe.