Re-form for Growth Small Grant Facility for Civil Society

Deadline: 06-May-2026

The WB Reform and Growth Monitor project has launched the “Re-form for Growth” Small Grant Facility to support civil society organisations (CSOs) in monitoring and contributing to the implementation of the Western Balkans Growth Plan. Grants of up to EUR 16,000 will strengthen CSO capacities for evidence-based monitoring, advocacy, and multi-stakeholder dialogue on economic reforms and EU-funded infrastructure projects.

Overview

The Small Grant Facility aims to empower civil society organisations in the Western Balkans to:

• Monitor economic reforms linked to EU accession and strategic infrastructure projects

• Increase public awareness about the Growth Plan

• Strengthen CSO capacities through training, mentoring, and peer learning

• Facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogue on sectoral reforms at national and regional levels

This initiative is implemented by Think for Europe Network and Transparency International Bosnia and Herzegovina, with support from the European Union.

Funding Details

• Total budget: EUR 314,620

• Maximum grant per project: EUR 16,000

• Indicative average grant: EUR 15,730

• Number of grants: Up to 20

• Implementation period: 10–12 months

• Coverage: Six Western Balkan countries

  • Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina: 4 grants each

  • North Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro: 3 grants each

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must be:

• Non-profit civil society organisations (CSOs)

• Legally registered and operating at national or local levels in:

  • North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo

• Registered for at least six months prior to the call

• Demonstrate experience in monitoring, research, advocacy, or related activities relevant to economic reforms

What the Grants Support

CSOs can use the grants to:

• Develop evidence-based monitoring tools for reforms

• Conduct analysis of EU-funded infrastructure projects

• Produce national and regional monitoring reports, policy recommendations, and advocacy outputs

• Establish consultation and dialogue mechanisms between CSOs, business sectors, public authorities, and EU institutions

• Build capacity through training, mentoring, and peer learning

How to Apply / What to Do

1. Confirm eligibility as a registered non-profit CSO in one of the six Western Balkan countries.

2. Prepare a proposal addressing:

   • Monitoring of economic reforms or infrastructure projects

   • Advocacy strategies

   • Multi-stakeholder engagement

3. Demonstrate experience in relevant thematic areas through past research, monitoring, or advocacy work.

4. Submit a detailed budget not exceeding EUR 16,000 per project.

5. Plan implementation over a 10–12 month period.

Key Benefits

• Provides financial support for independent monitoring and advocacy

• Strengthens civil society capacity in reform-related research

• Facilitates structured engagement with public authorities, EU institutions, and the business sector

• Promotes transparency and public awareness of economic reforms

• Encourages regional collaboration among Western Balkan CSOs

Tips for a Strong Application

• Emphasise relevant prior experience in monitoring, research, or advocacy

• Present clear objectives and methodologies for monitoring reforms

• Include plans for public awareness and multi-stakeholder engagement

• Keep the budget realistic and well-justified

• Show potential for regional impact and collaboration

FAQs

1. What is the maximum grant amount?
Up to EUR 16,000 per project.

2. How many grants will be awarded?
Up to 20 grants across six Western Balkan countries.

3. Who is eligible to apply?
Registered non-profit CSOs operating at national or local levels in the eligible countries with at least six months of operation and relevant experience.

4. What is the purpose of the grants?
To support evidence-based monitoring, advocacy, and multi-stakeholder dialogue on the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.

5. What is the expected project duration?
Between 10 and 12 months.

6. Which countries are covered?
North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Kosovo.

7. What activities are funded?
Monitoring reforms, analyzing infrastructure projects, producing reports and policy recommendations, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building.

Conclusion

The “Re-form for Growth” Small Grant Facility is a strategic opportunity for civil society organisations in the Western Balkans to strengthen monitoring, advocacy, and multi-stakeholder engagement in economic reforms and EU-funded infrastructure projects, promoting transparency, regional cooperation, and public awareness.

For more information, visit TEN – Think for Europe Network.