Deadline: 04-Mar-2026
The Municipality of Bileća, in partnership with UNDP, has launched a public call under the EU-funded ReLOaD3 Programme to support civil society projects aligned with local development priorities.
The call funds initiatives in social inclusion, youth, culture, environment, education, health, rural development, and civic participation.
Eligible civil society organisations in Bosnia and Herzegovina can apply under three funding lots, with grants ranging from KM 5,000 to KM 50,000.
Overview
The Municipality of Bileća, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is inviting civil society organisations (CSOs) to submit project proposals under the ReLOaD3 Programme.
This public call supports projects that address locally identified development needs and contribute to inclusive, participatory, and sustainable community development in Bileća.
The initiative strengthens cooperation between local governments and civil society to improve the quality of life at the municipal level.
About the ReLOaD3 Programme
ReLOaD3 (Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans) is a regional initiative financed by the European Union and implemented by UNDP.
The programme operates across six Western Balkan countries and territories, including Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Its core objective is to strengthen participatory democracy, improve transparency in public funding, and enhance the role of civil society in local decision-making and service delivery.
Priority Focus Areas
Project proposals must align with development priorities identified through consultations with citizens and civil society representatives in the Municipality of Bileća.
Supported thematic areas include:
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Social policy and social inclusion
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Culture and cultural development
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Sport and youth engagement
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Environmental protection and sustainability
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Education and skills development
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Rural development
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Health protection and health promotion
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Civic participation and citizen engagement
Projects should clearly demonstrate how proposed activities respond to local needs and contribute to community-level impact.
Funding Lots and Grant Amounts
Applicants may submit proposals under one of three funding lots, depending on project scope, budget, and duration.
Lot 1: Small-Scale Projects
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Grant amount: KM 5,000 to KM 15,000
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Project duration: 4 to 10 months
Lot 2: Medium-Scale Projects
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Grant amount: KM 15,000 to KM 25,000
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Project duration: 6 to 10 months
Lot 3: Large-Scale Projects
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Grant amount: KM 25,000 to KM 50,000
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Project duration: 6 to 10 months
Applicants should select the lot that best matches their organisational capacity and project objectives.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Participation in the public call is open to:
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Formally registered civil society organisations
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Associations and foundations
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Organisations operating in accordance with the legal framework of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria and submit complete documentation as specified in the application guidelines.
Why This Call Matters
This public call plays a critical role in strengthening local democracy and community development in Bileća.
By funding CSO-led initiatives, the programme supports inclusive decision-making, improves access to services, and encourages citizen participation in shaping local development priorities.
It also enhances transparency and accountability in the allocation of public funds.
How to Apply
Civil society organisations must submit project proposals following the official application procedures and deadlines.
The application process includes:
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Reviewing the public call documentation and eligibility criteria
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Selecting the appropriate funding lot
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Preparing a project proposal aligned with priority focus areas
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Submitting all required forms and supporting documents
Applications must be complete and submitted within the specified timeframe to be considered.
Applicant Support and Capacity Building
To ensure equal access to information and transparency, the Municipality of Bileća will provide structured support during the application period.
Support measures include:
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Public presentations of the call
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Mentoring meetings for interested applicants
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Additional guidance on proposal preparation
These activities are designed to improve proposal quality and encourage broad participation from civil society.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants are advised to:
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Clearly link project objectives to local development priorities
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Define measurable outcomes and realistic activities
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Ensure budgets align with proposed activities and funding limits
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Demonstrate organisational capacity and experience
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Submit all required documents accurately and on time
Incomplete or unclear applications may be disqualified.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the ReLOaD3 Programme?
ReLOaD3 is an EU-funded regional programme implemented by UNDP to strengthen participatory democracy and cooperation between local governments and civil society in the Western Balkans.
2. Who can apply to this public call?
Formally registered civil society organisations, including associations and foundations operating legally in Bosnia and Herzegovina, are eligible to apply.
3. What types of projects are supported?
Projects addressing social inclusion, youth, culture, environment, education, rural development, health, and civic participation aligned with local priorities are supported.
4. How much funding is available per project?
Grants range from KM 5,000 to KM 50,000, depending on the selected funding lot and project scope.
5. How long can projects last?
Project durations range from 4 to 10 months, depending on the funding lot.
6. Is applicant support available?
Yes. The Municipality of Bileća will organise presentations, mentoring meetings, and additional support activities during the application period.
7. Are organisations required to operate only in Bileća?
Projects must contribute to local development priorities of the Municipality of Bileća, even if organisations operate more broadly.
Conclusion
The ReLOaD3 public call in Bileća offers a valuable opportunity for civil society organisations to secure funding for impactful local development initiatives.
By supporting inclusive, community-driven projects, the programme strengthens democratic participation, improves service delivery, and contributes to sustainable development at the municipal level.
For more information, visit UNDP.
