Deadline: 04-Sep-2025
The European Commission has launched a grant opportunity for civil society organisations (CSOs) in Albania, focusing on key areas like diversity, equality and inclusion, good governance, justice, freedom and security, as well as gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence.
In the field of diversity, equality, and inclusion, the goal is to empower CSOs to promote fair treatment and full participation of all people, especially marginalized groups. These include people with disabilities, the Roma and Egyptian communities, and the LGBTIQ+ population. Organisations are expected to engage in service delivery, advocacy, awareness campaigns, and reform monitoring to enhance public accountability and promote inclusive behaviour.
Under the good governance lot, the focus is on promoting transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption practices in public administration. CSOs are encouraged to advocate for open government, monitor public spending, improve access to information, and strengthen citizens’ participation in decision-making processes. Key sectors targeted include property management, healthcare, education, and taxation.
The justice, freedom and security lot supports CSOs working on topics under Chapter 24 of the EU acquis. This includes border management, counter-terrorism, and the re-use of confiscated assets. Eligible activities include capacity building, policy advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and cross-border cooperation. CSOs are also encouraged to build strategic partnerships with local authorities and contribute to monitoring national strategies.
For gender equality and gender-based violence, the objective is to support CSOs at the local level in raising awareness, providing services, and promoting equal participation of women. Actions should focus on preventing all forms of violence, supporting victims, and enhancing women’s leadership and economic empowerment.
The funding available is divided among four lots. Lots 1 to 3 each have an indicative budget of €2,000,000, with grants ranging from €480,000 to €500,000. Lot 4 has a total budget of €1,200,000, with each grant fixed at €400,000.
Eligible actions under these lots include anti-discrimination initiatives, educational campaigns, policy monitoring, art-based activism, cooperation among CSOs and public/private stakeholders, economic empowerment, and advocacy for policy changes. Specific activities include training, research, public forums, partnership-building, and structured dialogue with authorities.
Ineligible actions include individual sponsorships or scholarships, infrastructure purchases, profit-making ventures, charitable donations, and support to political parties. Also excluded are actions already funded by other EU programs or those promoting discrimination.
Eligible applicants must be legal, non-profit, non-governmental organisations. For Lots 1, 2, and 3, applicants must be based in Albania, the EU, IPA III beneficiaries, or EEA countries covered by CIR. For Lot 4, applicants can be based in Albania, the EU, or any eligible country as per the action’s nature and objectives. All applicants must directly manage the action with co-applicants and affiliated entities, not through intermediaries.
Entities involved only through procurement contracts or financial support from applicants are not considered affiliated. Memorandums of understanding or consortium agreements without creating a single applicant also do not qualify as affiliated status.
For more information, visit EC.