Deadline: 06-Feb-2026
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting registered civil society organizations (CSOs) in Bosnia and Herzegovina to apply for grants supporting local governance, participatory democracy, and improved services for marginalized communities. Funding is available across three lots ranging from 5,000 KM to 50,000 KM, with projects running from February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2029. Applications should focus on fostering CSO-government partnerships, citizen participation, and sustainable community development.
Overview of the UNDP Grant Programme
The UNDP grant programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina supports initiatives that strengthen partnerships between CSOs and local government units, enhance participatory democracy, and improve services for marginalized citizens. The programme emphasizes sustainable collaboration, transparent public funding, and active citizen involvement in local governance. Projects should contribute to the EU integration process and the region’s accelerated sustainable development.
Key Features of the Grant
- Eligible Applicants: Formally registered CSOs, including associations and foundations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Project Duration: February 1, 2025 – January 31, 2029 (48 months).
- Funding Lots:
- Lot 1: 5,000 – 15,000 KM
- Lot 2: 15,000 – 25,000 KM
- Lot 3: 25,000 – 50,000 KM
- Thematic Areas: Youth, education, sport, culture, environmental protection, civic participation, and improving quality of life for marginalized citizens.
- Objectives: Strengthen CSO-government partnerships, foster participatory democracy, and improve local services and community outcomes.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible participants include:
- Formally Registered CSOs: Associations, foundations, or other legally recognized civil society organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Focus on Community Impact: Projects should target marginalized citizens and address local governance and participatory democracy.
- Thematic Alignment: Proposed projects should fall within youth, education, sport, culture, environment, civic engagement, or quality of life improvements.
Why This Grant Matters
- Strengthens Local Governance: Encourages sustainable partnerships between CSOs and local government units.
- Promotes Citizen Participation: Enhances participatory democracy through inclusive decision-making and policy monitoring.
- Supports Marginalized Communities: Projects directly improve services and quality of life for underrepresented groups.
- Accelerates Sustainable Development: Aligns local governance initiatives with EU integration and regional development goals.
How to Apply
Step 1: Prepare Your Project
- Design a project aligned with UNDP objectives and thematic areas.
- Ensure the project fosters CSO-government collaboration and sustainable community outcomes.
- Define clear objectives, expected results, and target beneficiaries.
Step 2: Choose the Appropriate Funding Lot
- Determine your project budget and select the appropriate lot: Lot 1 (5,000–15,000 KM), Lot 2 (15,000–25,000 KM), or Lot 3 (25,000–50,000 KM).
Step 3: Complete the Application
- Provide all required documentation, including registration proof, project description, budget, and expected impact.
- Emphasize the project’s relevance to local governance, citizen participation, and the thematic areas.
Step 4: Submission and Review
- Submit the completed application following UNDP instructions and deadlines.
- Applications are evaluated based on alignment with thematic areas, feasibility, sustainability, and potential community impact.
Step 5: Project Implementation
- Selected projects will run from February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2029 (48 months).
- Projects are monitored for partnership outcomes, citizen engagement, and service improvement impact.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- Align with Thematic Priorities: Ensure your project addresses youth, education, sport, culture, environment, civic participation, or marginalized communities.
- Demonstrate Sustainability: Highlight long-term impact and sustainable partnerships with local government units.
- Clearly Define Beneficiaries: Projects should target marginalized communities and improve service delivery or governance.
- Provide Detailed Budgets: Ensure budgets correspond to selected funding lots and include justifications for all costs.
- Follow Legal Requirements: Ensure the CSO is formally registered in accordance with Bosnia and Herzegovina law.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply?
Formally registered CSOs, including associations and foundations, in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
2. What is the maximum grant amount?
Funding ranges from 5,000 KM to 50,000 KM depending on the selected lot.
3. How long is the project duration?
Projects run for 48 months, from February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2029.
4. Which thematic areas are supported?
Youth, education, sport, culture, environmental protection, civic participation, and improving quality of life for marginalized citizens.
5. Can multiple CSOs collaborate on a project?
Yes, projects that foster partnerships between CSOs and local government units are encouraged.
6. How are applications assessed?
Applications are evaluated based on alignment with UNDP objectives, feasibility, sustainability, potential community impact, and alignment with thematic areas.
7. What is the focus of funded projects?
Projects should strengthen local governance, enhance participatory democracy, and improve services and quality of life for marginalized communities.
Conclusion
The UNDP grant programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina empowers civil society organizations to strengthen local governance, foster citizen participation, and improve community services for marginalized populations. By providing funding across three levels, the programme enables CSOs to implement sustainable, collaborative, and impactful projects that contribute to regional development, participatory democracy, and long-term community wellbeing.
For more information, visit UNDP.