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Call for CSOs and Media to Apply for Anti-Corruption Sub-Grants

Deadline: 21-Feb-2026

The Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) and Civic Alliance are offering sub-grants for civil society organizations (CSOs) and media outlets in Montenegro and Kosovo to combat corruption and strengthen the rule of law. Grants support investigative reporting, policy research, and initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in healthcare, education, and environmental sectors. Each project can receive up to USD 12,430, with no co-financing required.

Program Overview

This initiative aims to empower local media, civil society, and citizens to identify, report, and counter corruption at national and local levels. By enhancing transparency and accountability, the program strengthens democratic governance and supports equitable access to public services.

Key Focus Areas

  • Investigative Reporting and Policy Research in healthcare, education, and environmental sectors

  • Transparency and Accountability: Strengthening local oversight mechanisms and independent anti-corruption bodies

  • Citizen and Civil Society Engagement: Encouraging participation from under-represented groups, including minorities, youth, and women

  • Reducing Corruption and Organized Crime while limiting influence from hostile entities

  • Supporting Free Speech and Open Information Sharing to create a favorable democratic and business environment

Geographic Focus

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

  • Legally registered civil society organizations (CSOs) in Montenegro or Kosovo

  • Legally registered media outlets in Montenegro or Kosovo

Applicants must demonstrate:

  • Commitment to producing high-quality anti-corruption work

  • Engagement with under-represented communities (e.g., minorities, youth, women)

Grant Details

  • Number of Grants: 16

  • Maximum Amount per Grant: USD 12,430

  • Co-Financing: Not required

  • Eligible Activities:

    • For media outlets: at least 5 community-focused investigative stories

    • For CSOs: at least 3 policy papers

Why It Matters

  • Strengthens rule of law by enhancing civil society and media oversight

  • Improves public trust in institutions through transparency and accountability

  • Promotes inclusive civic engagement, especially among marginalized groups

  • Targets critical sectors (healthcare, education, environment) where corruption significantly affects outcomes

How to Apply / How It Works

  1. Confirm Eligibility – Ensure your organization is legally registered in Montenegro or Kosovo

  2. Develop Proposal – Include detailed project plan, budget, expected outputs, and engagement strategy for under-represented communities

  3. Submit Application – Follow the BIRN and Civic Alliance submission guidelines

  4. Evaluation – Applications are assessed based on:

    • Relevance to anti-corruption objectives

    • Quality and feasibility of proposed investigative or policy outputs

    • Inclusion of marginalized communities

    • Potential impact on transparency and accountability

  5. Grant Award – Selected projects receive up to USD 12,430 for implementation

  6. Implementation & Reporting – Funded projects produce investigative stories or policy papers according to the grant agreement

Tips and Best Practices

  • Ensure outputs are concrete and measurable, e.g., number of investigative stories or policy papers

  • Highlight impact on under-represented communities

  • Demonstrate coordination with local stakeholders to enhance reach and effectiveness

  • Focus on sectors where corruption has high social impact, such as healthcare, education, and environment

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply? Legally registered CSOs or media outlets in Montenegro or Kosovo.
2. What types of projects are funded? Investigative journalism, policy research, and initiatives addressing corruption and transparency in healthcare, education, and environmental sectors.
3. What is the maximum grant amount? USD 12,430 per project.
4. Is co-financing required? No.
5. Are under-represented communities required to be involved? Yes, applicants must include minorities, youth, or women in their work.
6. What outputs are expected? Media outlets must produce at least 5 investigative stories; CSOs must produce at least 3 policy papers.
7. How many grants will be awarded? 16 sub-grants.

Conclusion

The BIRN and Civic Alliance Anti-Corruption Sub-Grant Program strengthens the capacity of media and civil society in Montenegro and Kosovo to report corruption, influence policy, and empower citizens. By focusing on healthcare, education, and environmental sectors, the program supports transparency, accountability, and inclusive civic engagement, fostering stronger democratic governance across the Western Balkans.

For more information, visit BIRN.