Funding available for Strengthening Civil Society Organizations in Burundi

The European Commission is inviting grant applications to strengthen local civil society organizations (CSOs) in Burundi. This initiative focuses on building organizational capacity, promoting strategic advocacy, and supporting the economic and social empowerment of women, youth, and vulnerable groups. Grants range from €1,000,000 to €1,500,000 for projects lasting 36–48 months, with a total budget of €4,842,000.

Overview of the Program

The European Commission’s grant aims to foster organized civil society at the local level in Burundi. The initiative targets civil society actors—including grassroots community-based organizations (CBOs)—as essential contributors to good governance, sustainable development, and social inclusion.

Program Objectives

• Strengthen technical, organizational, and financial capacities of Burundian CSOs.

• Promote strategic advocacy with local elected officials and political decision-makers.

• Enhance economic and social empowerment of women, youth, and vulnerable groups through local development initiatives.

Key Focus Areas

1. Capacity Building for CSOs

   • Provide training and tools to improve management, governance, and operational efficiency.

   • Strengthen financial sustainability and accountability.

   • Support local ownership of development initiatives.

2. Strategic Advocacy

   • Encourage CSOs to engage with local authorities and decision-makers.

   • Promote public policies that strengthen community development and governance.

3. Economic and Social Empowerment

   • Implement Local Economic and Employment Development (LEED) initiatives.

   • Create employment and income opportunities for youth, women, and vulnerable populations.

   • Support social inclusion for groups such as out-of-school children, orphans, and single mothers.

Funding Details

• Total Indicative Budget: €4,842,000

• Grant Size per Project: €1,000,000 – €1,500,000

• Project Duration: 36–48 months

• Funding Modalities: Reimbursement of eligible costs or non-cost-related funding, depending on project structure.

Who is Eligible?

• Legally registered, non-profit CSOs in Burundi.

• National or international CSOs or associations of CSOs.

• Co-applicants and affiliated entities that are directly involved in project management and implementation.

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Identify Project Goals: Define objectives aligned with capacity building, advocacy, and empowerment priorities.

2. Prepare Proposal: Include detailed project plan, budget, timeline, and expected outcomes.

3. Define Partnerships: List co-applicants or affiliated entities and specify their roles.

4. Submit Application: Follow the European Commission submission guidelines and deadlines.

5. Evaluation: Applications are assessed based on relevance, feasibility, sustainability, and impact.

6. Grant Award: Successful applicants receive funding and implement projects over 36–48 months with periodic reporting.

Common Tips and Best Practices

• Ensure proposals clearly demonstrate alignment with EU development priorities.

• Highlight measurable outcomes for CSO capacity, local governance, and social empowerment.

• Provide realistic timelines and detailed budgets.

• Emphasize strategies for sustainability beyond project duration.

• Engage local communities and vulnerable groups in project design and implementation.

FAQ

1. What is the total funding available for this call?
€4,842,000, distributed across multiple grants.

2. What is the duration of projects?
36–48 months.

3. Who can apply for this grant?
Legally registered non-profit CSOs in Burundi, national or international CSOs, or associations of CSOs.

4. What types of activities are supported?
Capacity building, strategic advocacy, local economic development, and social empowerment initiatives.

5. Can multiple organisations collaborate on a single project?
Yes, co-applicants and affiliated entities can be involved in preparing and managing the project.

6. How is the funding provided?
Through reimbursement of eligible costs or non-cost-related grants, depending on the project setup.

7. Are vulnerable populations a priority?
Yes, women, youth, unemployed individuals, out-of-school children, orphans, and single mothers are prioritized beneficiaries.

Conclusion

This European Commission grant provides a significant opportunity for CSOs in Burundi to enhance their capacities, influence local governance, and contribute to inclusive, sustainable development. By focusing on organizational strengthening, advocacy, and empowerment of vulnerable populations, the program fosters resilient communities and long-term social impact.