Deadline: 05-Mar-2026

UNDP, in partnership with the European Union, has launched a public call for civil society organizations under the Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3) in the Municipality of Berovo. The call supports projects in local economic development, tourism, culture, social protection, environment, energy efficiency, youth, and sports. Grants range from 150,000 MKD to 1,537,000 MKD, with project durations between 4 and 12 months.

Municipality of Berovo, North Macedonia

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the European Union, has launched a public call for civil society organizations (CSOs) to submit project proposals under the Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3).

This initiative is implemented in the Municipality of Berovo and forms part of the broader ReLOaD3 programme, which runs until January 2029.

About the ReLOaD3 Programme

ReLOaD3 builds on the previous ReLOaD1 and ReLOaD2 initiatives.

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen partnerships between local authorities and civil society organizations

• Promote transparent and accountable public funding for CSOs

• Support the development of a supportive legal and regulatory framework

• Increase civic participation in public policy processes

Priority Focus Areas in Berovo

Projects must align with one of the following thematic areas:

• Local economic development and tourism

• Culture and cultural heritage

• Social protection and human rights

• Environment

• Energy efficiency and climate change

• Youth and sports

Specific Priority Activities

Local economic development and tourism

• Tourism promotion activities and events

• Support for traditional products and handicrafts

• Agriculture and forestry development

Culture and Cultural Heritage

• Preservation of tangible cultural heritage

• Preservation of intangible cultural heritage

Social Protection and Human Rights

• Social security and inclusion programs

• Prevention of violence and discrimination

Environment, Energy, and Climate

• Innovative environmental protection initiatives

• Energy efficiency projects

• Renewable energy initiatives

Youth and Sports

• Sports and recreational programs for children with disabilities

• Youth engagement in local policymaking

• Volunteerism initiatives

Funding Information

The programme provides financial support through three funding lots.

• Grants range from 150,000 MKD to 1,537,000 MKD per project

• Project duration ranges from 4 to 12 months, depending on the funding lot

• Implementation period: May 2026 to January or April 2027, depending on the funding lot

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible Applicants

• Civil society organizations formally registered in North Macedonia

Local Partnership Requirements

• CSOs registered in Berovo may apply as lead applicants

• CSOs from other municipalities must partner with a local CSO in Berovo

• A signed Partnership Statement is required for joint applications

Implementation Timeline

• Project start: May 2026

• Project completion: January 2027 or April 2027, depending on the funding lot

Programme Objective

Through this call, UNDP and the European Union aim to strengthen structured collaboration between civil society and local government while promoting participatory governance, sustainable local development, and inclusive community engagement in Berovo.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible to apply?

Civil society organizations formally registered in North Macedonia.

2. Can organizations outside Berovo apply?

Yes, but they must partner with a CSO registered in Berovo and submit a signed Partnership Statement.

3. What is the grant amount?

Projects can receive between 150,000 MKD and 1,537,000 MKD, depending on the funding lot.

4. What is the project duration?

Projects may last between 4 and 12 months, depending on the funding lot.

5. When must projects be implemented?

Projects must run between May 2026 and January or April 2027, depending on the funding lot.

6. What are the thematic priorities?

Local economic development, tourism, culture, social protection, environment, energy efficiency, climate change, youth, and sports.

Conclusion

The ReLOaD3 public call in the Municipality of Berovo presents a significant opportunity for civil society organizations to access structured funding while strengthening collaboration with local authorities. By supporting initiatives across economic development, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and youth engagement, the programme contributes to transparent governance and community-driven development.

CSOs with innovative, locally relevant, and impact-oriented proposals are encouraged to apply and play an active role in shaping sustainable and participatory development at the municipal level.

For more information, visit UNDP.