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UNDP Funding Call: Enhancing Partnerships Between Local Governments and Civil Society

Deadline: 19-Feb-2026

The UNDP ReLOaD3 program in Bosnia and Herzegovina invites grant applications to enhance partnerships between civil society organizations (CSOs) and local government units. Funding supports projects across social policy, culture, sport, youth, environment, and inclusion, with three funding lots ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 KM depending on project scale and experience.

Overview of the Initiative

The ReLOaD3 program seeks to improve local service delivery by fostering effective cooperation between CSOs and municipal authorities. The initiative prioritizes inclusive projects that address social policy, gender equality, culture, sport, youth, environmental protection, civic participation, health, rural development, and the promotion of human and minority rights.

Key Thematic Areas

Social Policy and Gender Equality

  • Increase social inclusion and quality of life for people with developmental disabilities

  • Promote employment programs for hard-to-employ groups, particularly women

  • Develop services for the elderly and socially vulnerable populations

  • Support economic empowerment of women and prevent violence against women

Culture

  • Enhance quality and accessibility of cultural content for all population groups

  • Promote diverse cultural and artistic expressions, volunteerism, and municipal-level creativity

Sport

  • Encourage innovative development of sports facilities for children and youth

  • Promote amateur sports, especially for socially excluded populations

Youth and Information

  • Support non-formal education, skills development, and employability

  • Promote youth health, mental wellbeing, and safe lifestyles

  • Strengthen youth identity through arts, culture, and creative industries

  • Foster humanitarian values, solidarity, and active citizenship via volunteering and community engagement

  • Raise youth awareness on safety, disaster response, risk management, and climate change impacts

Funding Lots and Eligibility

Lot 1 – Grassroots CSOs

  • Funding: 5,000–15,000 KM

  • Duration: 4–10 months

  • Target: Grassroots CSOs with no prior large-budget projects

  • Eligibility: All formally registered CSOs, including associations and foundations in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Lot 2 – Partnership Strengthening

  • Funding: 15,000–25,000 KM

  • Duration: 6–10 months

  • Focus: Structured cooperation between CSOs and local government units to improve service delivery

Lot 3 – Large-Scale Partnership Projects

  • Funding: 25,000–50,000 KM

  • Duration: 6–10 months

  • Focus: Broader thematic engagement and more financially demanding initiatives supporting long-term local service improvements

Objectives and Expected Outcomes

  • Strengthen collaboration between civil society and local government units

  • Improve quality and accessibility of local services

  • Promote social inclusion, gender equality, youth engagement, culture, sports, and environmental sustainability

  • Support the empowerment of vulnerable, marginalized, and socially excluded groups

How to Apply

  1. Identify the appropriate lot based on project scale and organizational experience.

  2. Prepare a project proposal aligning with the ReLOaD3 thematic areas.

  3. Include budget, timeline, target groups, and expected outcomes.

  4. Submit through the official UNDP Bosnia application portal following guidelines.

  5. Ensure compliance with local legal registration and operational requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying for an incorrect lot not aligned with organization experience or project scope

  • Omitting a clear connection between proposed activities and thematic objectives

  • Failing to provide detailed budgets or realistic timelines

  • Not demonstrating inclusive participation of target communities

  • Submitting proposals from unregistered or non-compliant organizations

FAQs

  1. Who can apply? Formally registered civil society organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

  2. What is the maximum funding available? Up to 50,000 KM for Lot 3 projects.

  3. Can grassroots CSOs apply? Yes, under Lot 1 for funding between 5,000–15,000 KM.

  4. What are the thematic priorities? Social policy, gender equality, culture, sport, youth, environment, civic participation, health, rural development, and human/minority rights.

  5. What is the project duration? Lot 1: 4–10 months; Lots 2 and 3: 6–10 months.

  6. Are partnerships with local government required? Yes, particularly for Lots 2 and 3.

  7. What outcomes are expected? Improved service delivery, enhanced cooperation, and strengthened inclusion and empowerment of vulnerable groups.

Conclusion

The UNDP ReLOaD3 grant provides critical support for civil society organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina to strengthen partnerships with local government, improve service delivery, and empower marginalized communities. By funding initiatives across social policy, culture, sport, youth, and inclusion, the program aims to create sustainable local development and inclusive governance.

For more information, visit UNDP.