Open Call: Support Program for Informal Groups (Serbia)

The Informal Groups Support Program 2026 offers financial and mentoring support to spontaneous citizen groups across Serbia to address local community challenges and promote European values. The program funds up to 80 short-term projects focused on human rights, environmental protection, media literacy, and civic engagement, with grants of up to 235,000 RSD and no co-financing required.

Program Overview

The Informal Groups Support Program is a national funding and capacity-building initiative designed to empower informal citizen groups across Serbia.

The program supports spontaneous, unregistered groups of citizens who come together to solve concrete problems in their local communities while promoting European values, democratic participation, and civic activism.

In addition to financial support, selected groups receive mentoring and expert guidance to strengthen their project implementation and community impact.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Support the development and visibility of informal citizen groups at the local level

• Strengthen citizen participation in community development and public life

• Align local initiatives and public policies with citizens’ needs and European values

• Create an enabling environment for civic engagement and grassroots activism

• Contribute to Serbia’s EU accession process through active citizen involvement

Priority Thematic Areas

Informal groups may submit project proposals in the following priority areas:

• Protection, improvement, and promotion of human rights

• Gender equality and non-discrimination

• Environmental protection and climate change action

• Media literacy and improvement of media professionalism

Encouraged Underrepresented Areas

Projects in the following areas are especially encouraged:

• Agriculture and rural development

• Consumer rights and competition policy

• Urban development and transport policy

• Food safety, fisheries, and tourism development

• Employability and labor-related initiatives

• Social inclusion of vulnerable and marginalized groups

• Youth-focused public policies

• Good governance in line with EU values and principles

What Types of Activities Are Supported?

Supported activities must address clearly identified local problems and actively involve citizens.

Eligible activities include:

• Awareness-raising and educational campaigns

• Improvement and activation of public or community spaces

• Community forums, workshops, and participatory events

• Creation of communication content for social networks and traditional media

• Other activities that directly contribute to program goals and EU-aligned values

Activities That Are Not Eligible

The program explicitly excludes activities that:

• Generate profit or commercial gain

• Support or promote political parties or political campaigns

• Promote religious activities

• Organize protests or demonstrations

• Discriminate against individuals or groups on any basis

Funding Available

The program provides direct financial support without requiring co-financing.

Key funding details:

• Maximum grant amount: up to 235,000.00 RSD per project

• Co-financing: not required

• Total projects supported: up to 80

Funding allocation by implementing partner:

• Novi Sad School of Journalism: up to 20 projects

• ENECA: up to 30 projects

• Užice Center for Child Rights: up to 30 projects

Project funds are managed through intermediary organizations, reducing administrative burden for informal groups.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Only informal groups are eligible to apply.

An informal group is defined as:

• A group of citizens that has spontaneously gathered to address a local community issue

• A group that is not formally registered as an organization

Eligibility requirements:

• Minimum of three citizens of the Republic of Serbia

• All members must reside in Serbia

• At least one group member must be of legal age (for contract signing)

• Prior experience is not required

Project proposals must clearly demonstrate that:

• The project responds to real and specific local community needs

• Citizens will be actively involved in planning and implementation

Why This Program Matters

The Informal Groups Support Program plays a strategic role in strengthening grassroots democracy in Serbia.

The program helps to:

• Empower citizens to solve local problems directly

• Increase trust and cooperation within communities

• Support reforms aligned with European Union values

• Encourage inclusive, rights-based, and participatory local development

• Strengthen Serbia’s civil society ecosystem beyond formal organizations

How the Program Works

The program combines funding, mentoring, and institutional support.

Process overview:

1. Informal groups submit project proposals through an electronic application process

2. Applications are reviewed against eligibility, relevance, and community impact

3. Selected groups receive financial support and mentoring

4. Projects are implemented with ongoing expert guidance

5. Funds are administered through intermediary partner organizations

Project Duration and Timeline

All supported projects must:

• Last exactly four months

• Be implemented between March 1 and June 30, 2026

Projects outside this timeframe are not eligible for support.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Applicants must follow the official application procedure.

Steps to apply:

1. Form an informal group of at least three eligible citizens

2. Identify a concrete local problem and define clear project goals

3. Complete the prescribed application form

4. Prepare a detailed budget proposal

5. Submit a signed statement of the informal group

6. Submit all documents electronically using the required forms

7. Ensure submission before the official deadline

Application Deadline

• Deadline: February 10, 2026

• Time: 3:00 p.m. (local time)

Late submissions or applications submitted in non-electronic formats will not be considered.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of selection:

• Focus on one clearly defined local problem

• Show strong citizen involvement and community support

• Align your project with European values and program priorities

• Propose realistic activities and achievable outcomes

• Use clear, simple language and avoid overly technical descriptions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals from formally registered organizations

• Proposing activities that fall under excluded categories

• Failing to demonstrate real community need

• Submitting incomplete or late applications

• Ignoring the required four-month implementation period

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can registered NGOs apply to this program?

No. Only informal, unregistered citizen groups are eligible.

Is prior project experience required?

No. Groups without previous experience are encouraged to apply.

Is co-financing mandatory?

No. Co-financing is not required for any supported project.

How many projects will be funded in total?

Up to 80 projects will receive support across Serbia.

Who manages and implements the program?

The program is led by the Belgrade Open School with multiple national partners and support from the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia.

Who manages the project funds?

Project funds are managed through intermediary partner organizations, not directly by informal groups.

What values should projects promote?

Projects should promote European values, including human rights, equality, inclusion, participation, and good governance.

Conclusion

The Informal Groups Support Program 2026 provides a unique opportunity for citizen-led groups in Serbia to turn local ideas into concrete action. By combining financial support, mentoring, and expert guidance, the program empowers informal groups to strengthen their communities, promote European values, and actively contribute to Serbia’s democratic development and EU accession process.