Call for Project Proposals: Strengthening Collaboration Between Local Governments and CSOs

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the EU-funded ReLOaD3 programme, is inviting civil society organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina to apply for grants that strengthen cooperation with local governments. The initiative supports participatory democracy, improved public service delivery, and inclusive local development through structured partnerships and transparent public funding.

Overview of the UNDP ReLOaD3 Grant Call

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is requesting grant applications to strengthen partnerships between civil society organizations (CSOs) and local government units (LGUs) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The call focuses on fostering sustainable dialogue, participatory governance, and improved service delivery at the local level. This initiative is implemented under the Regional Programme for Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3), funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP across six Western Balkan countries.

Key Objectives of the Programme

The ReLOaD3 grant call aims to achieve the following objectives:

• Strengthen participatory democracy and citizen engagement in local governance

• Improve coordination and trust between CSOs and local authorities

• Support the EU integration process in the Western Balkans

• Promote transparent and fair public funding mechanisms for CSOs

• Enable citizen participation in public policy design, implementation, and monitoring

• Enhance service delivery for vulnerable and marginalized groups

Priority Thematic Areas

Projects submitted under this call should align with one or more of the following focus areas:

• Social policy and social inclusion

• Youth engagement, culture, and sport

• Environmental protection and climate action

• Education and lifelong learning

• Rural development and local livelihoods

• Health protection and public health services

• Civic participation and human rights promotion

Target Groups and Beneficiaries

The programme prioritizes initiatives that benefit:

• Youth and young people

• Persons with disabilities

• Socially excluded and marginalized communities

• Minority and human rights groups

• Local communities requiring improved public services

Funding Structure and Grant Lots

To accommodate organizations with varying capacities, funding is structured into three distinct lots:

• LOT 1: Designed for grassroots CSOs with limited project experience, offering grants from 5,000 to 15,000 KM for projects lasting four to ten months

• LOT 2: For experienced organizations managing mid-sized projects, providing funding between 15,000 and 25,000 KM

• LOT 3: For well-established CSOs with strong management capacity, offering grants from 25,000 to 50,000 KM
  All projects must be implemented between April 2026 and January 2027, with durations ranging from four to ten months depending on the lot.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Formally registered civil society organizations and NGOs in Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Associations and foundations established in accordance with national legal regulations

• Organizations capable of partnering with local government units

• CSOs operating in one or more of the programme’s priority thematic areas

Why This Grant Matters

This call represents a strategic opportunity for CSOs to:

• Strengthen their role in local governance and decision-making

• Build long-term partnerships with municipal authorities

• Improve access to public funding through transparent mechanisms

• Contribute to inclusive, sustainable, and rights-based local development

• Support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s alignment with EU governance standards

How the Programme Works

The ReLOaD3 programme operates through structured cooperation between CSOs and LGUs:

1. CSOs submit project proposals aligned with local development priorities

2. Projects are evaluated using transparent, merit-based criteria

3. Selected CSOs implement activities in partnership with local authorities

4. Citizens are engaged in planning, implementation, and monitoring

5. Results contribute to improved public services and inclusive governance

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Review the official call for proposals and eligibility criteria

2. Identify the appropriate funding lot based on organizational capacity

3. Develop a project proposal aligned with priority areas and local needs

4. Establish or confirm cooperation with relevant local government units

5. Submit the complete application within the specified deadline

6. Prepare for potential evaluation and clarification processes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying for a funding lot that does not match organizational capacity

• Submitting projects without clear local government collaboration

• Proposing activities outside the defined priority areas

• Weak problem analysis or unclear target beneficiaries

• Incomplete documentation or missed deadlines

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ReLOaD3 programme?

ReLOaD3 is the third phase of the Regional Programme for Local Democracy in the Western Balkans, funded by the EU and implemented by UNDP to strengthen CSO–local government cooperation.

Who can apply for this UNDP grant?

All formally registered CSOs and NGOs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including associations and foundations, are eligible if they meet national legal requirements.

What is the minimum and maximum grant amount?

Grants range from 5,000 KM under LOT 1 to a maximum of 50,000 KM under LOT 3, depending on organizational capacity and experience.

How long can projects last?

Project durations range from four to ten months, with implementation scheduled between April 2026 and January 2027.

Are partnerships with local governments mandatory?

Yes, the programme strongly emphasizes cooperation and sustainable dialogue between CSOs and local government units.

Which sectors are prioritized?

Priority sectors include social inclusion, youth, environment, education, health, rural development, and civic participation.

Is this programme limited to Bosnia and Herzegovina?

This specific call is for Bosnia and Herzegovina, although ReLOaD3 operates across six Western Balkan countries.

Conclusion

The UNDP ReLOaD3 grant call offers civil society organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina a structured, EU-funded opportunity to strengthen local democracy, improve public services, and advance inclusive development. By fostering transparent funding, meaningful partnerships, and citizen participation, the programme supports sustainable local governance and long-term community impact.