Deadline: 14-Dec-2025

CARE has opened a funding call to support women-led social entrepreneurship associations and cooperatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The program provides up to EUR 10,000 in equipment and services to strengthen operational capacity, sustainability and economic empowerment. Three women-led organizations will be selected based on social impact, governance, and alignment with social enterprise principles.

CARE is inviting applications from women-led social entrepreneurship associations and cooperatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina to strengthen their economic role, expand social impact and enhance long-term sustainability.

Purpose of the Call

The program aims to empower women in the Western Balkans by supporting social enterprises that meaningfully contribute to women’s economic rights and social inclusion.

What the Funding Supports

CARE will support three women-led associations or cooperatives with:

• Procurement of equipment and services worth up to EUR 10,000

• Visibility, promotion and networking opportunities

• Support designed to increase operational capacity and sustainability
  Not funded:

• Used equipment

• Biological materials

• Raw materials

• Equipment for commercial facilities unless directly tied to a social enterprise model

Geographic Eligibility

Applicants must be headquartered and operating in one of the following areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina:

• Herzegovina-Neretva Canton (selected municipalities)

• West Herzegovina Canton

• Central Bosnia Canton

• Selected municipalities within Republika Srpska

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Registered as an association or cooperative

• Led by women

• Operating on a social entrepreneurship model

• Demonstrated economic activity

• Active business operations for the past 12 months

• Clear social mission and defined goals

• Ability to demonstrate social, economic and environmental impact

• Reinvestment of a significant portion of profits into social goals

• Participatory governance structure consistent with social enterprise practices

Why It Matters

Women-led social enterprises drive inclusive development, create community-centered jobs and reinvest profits into social objectives. This call strengthens these initiatives by providing targeted resources and visibility to ensure their long-term viability.

Required Documentation

Applicants must submit:

• Completed application form

• Registration decision

• Founding documents

• Statement confirming compliance with social entrepreneurship criteria

• Financial documentation proving active business operations in 2024

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Review CARE’s eligibility and criteria for social entrepreneurship.

2. Prepare required documents and confirm compliance with social enterprise principles.

3. Develop a proposal describing how equipment/services will strengthen the enterprise.

4. Ensure your organization operates in an eligible geographic area.

5. Submit the full application electronically by the deadline.
   Deadline: 14 December 2025 at 12:00 p.m.

Selection Criteria

An expert evaluation committee will assess applications based on:

• Alignment with social entrepreneurship principles

• Expected social, economic and community impact

• Long-term sustainability of the proposed intervention

• Organizational capacity to implement activities and manage reporting

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete documentation

• Proposing to buy used or non-eligible equipment

• Failing to demonstrate a clear social mission

• Not providing evidence of activity during 2024

• Applying from outside the specified geographic areas

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can newly established associations apply?
No. Applicants must show at least 12 months of active business operations.
2. Is commercial equipment allowed?
Only if it directly supports a social business model.
3. Can a cooperative led by both men and women apply?
No. The organization must be women-led.
4. How many organizations will be funded?
Three organizations in total.
5. Is networking support included?
Yes. Beneficiaries will receive promotional and networking opportunities.
6. Can applicants from outside the listed cantons apply?
No. Only organizations operating in eligible geographic areas are accepted.
7. Are raw materials or consumables eligible?
No. The program does not finance raw materials.

Conclusion

CARE’s funding call offers a strategic opportunity for women-led social enterprises in Bosnia and Herzegovina to strengthen their economic impact, access essential equipment and increase visibility. By supporting organizations rooted in social entrepreneurship values, the program contributes to long-term empowerment and sustainable community development.

For more information, visit CARE.