Deadline: 05-Mar-2026
The Municipality of Kavadarci, in partnership with UNDP, has launched a public call for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) under the Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3). The call supports projects in Environmental Protection, Healthcare and Social Protection, Local Economic Development, and Gender Equality. Funding is available across three lots, with projects running between May 2026 and April 2027.
Programme Overview
The Municipality of Kavadarci, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is inviting Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to submit project proposals under the Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3).
ReLOaD3 is funded by the European Union through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance – Civil Society Facility. It builds on earlier phases, ReLOaD1 and ReLOaD2 (implemented between 2017 and 2024), and will run until January 2029.
What Is ReLOaD3?
ReLOaD3 (Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3) aims to:
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Strengthen partnerships between local authorities and civil society
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Promote transparent public funding for CSOs
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Support a stimulating legal framework for civil society
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Increase civic participation in public policy creation, implementation, and monitoring
The programme supports structured cooperation between municipalities and civil society organizations to improve local governance and democratic participation.
Priority Areas for Project Proposals
Projects submitted under this call must fall within one or more of the following focus areas:
1. Environmental Protection
Initiatives aimed at protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices.
2. Healthcare and Social Protection
Projects supporting healthcare services and social welfare initiatives.
3. Local Economic Development
Activities contributing to economic growth and local development goals.
4. Gender Equality
Projects promoting equal opportunities and gender equality within the community.
Funding Structure
Projects can be submitted under three funding lots:
Lot 1
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Budget: 150,000 to 307,500 MKD
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Duration: 4 to 9 months
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Implementation period: May 2026 to end of January 2027
Lot 2
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Budget: 307,000 to 615,000 MKD
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Duration: As defined within the overall project framework
Lot 3
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Budget: 615,001 to 1,537,000 MKD
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Duration: 6 to 12 months
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Implementation period: May 2026 to end of April 2027
Maximum Funding Cap
The maximum total funding that any CSO can receive across all projects under ReLOaD3 is 3,690,000 MKD.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
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Civil Society Organizations formally registered in North Macedonia
Additional requirements:
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Lead organizations must be registered in Kavadarci
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CSOs from other municipalities may participate only in partnership with a local CSO
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Projects involving multiple organizations must include a signed and stamped Partnership Statement
Projects must align with the Municipality of Kavadarci’s development goals.
How to Apply
To participate in this public call, CSOs must:
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Ensure formal registration in North Macedonia
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Confirm eligibility as a lead organization (registered in Kavadarci) or secure a local partner
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Select the appropriate funding lot
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Design a project aligned with one of the four priority areas
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Prepare required documentation, including a signed and stamped Partnership Statement (if applicable)
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Submit the proposal within the specified call procedures
All proposals must clearly demonstrate how the project contributes to local development and democratic participation in Kavadarci.
Key Implementation Requirements
Projects must:
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Be implemented within the defined timeframe for the selected lot
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Align with municipal development priorities
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Respect partnership requirements
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Adhere to transparent funding and reporting principles under ReLOaD3
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
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Submitting proposals outside the four defined priority areas
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Failing to meet registration or partnership requirements
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Exceeding the funding limits of the selected lot
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Omitting the required signed and stamped Partnership Statement (if applicable)
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Designing projects that do not clearly align with municipal development goals
Why This Call Matters
This initiative provides a structured opportunity for civil society to:
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Contribute directly to local democracy
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Strengthen cooperation with municipal authorities
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Improve community welfare
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Support sustainable development in Kavadarci
By promoting transparent funding and civic participation, ReLOaD3 enhances accountability and strengthens democratic governance at the local level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply under this call?
CSOs formally registered in North Macedonia can apply. Lead organizations must be registered in Kavadarci.
2. Can CSOs from other municipalities apply?
Yes, but only in partnership with a CSO registered in Kavadarci.
3. What are the priority areas?
Environmental Protection, Healthcare and Social Protection, Local Economic Development, and Gender Equality.
4. What is the maximum funding available per project?
It depends on the funding lot selected, ranging from 150,000 MKD to 1,537,000 MKD.
5. Is there a funding cap per organization?
Yes. A CSO can receive a maximum total of 3,690,000 MKD across all projects under ReLOaD3.
6. What is the project implementation period?
Projects will be implemented between May 2026 and either January 2027 or April 2027, depending on the selected funding lot.
7. What document is required for partnerships?
A signed and stamped Partnership Statement must be included for joint projects.
Conclusion
The ReLOaD3 public call in Kavadarci offers Civil Society Organizations a structured opportunity to access EU-funded support for projects in environmental protection, healthcare and social protection, local economic development, and gender equality. With clearly defined funding lots, partnership rules, and implementation timelines, the programme strengthens collaboration between municipalities and civil society while promoting transparent governance and sustainable local development.
For more information, visit UNDP.