Deadline: 25-Jul-2025
The Open Society Foundations Western Balkans (OSF-WB), through its Sunny Schools initiative, has supported the development of photovoltaic (PV) infrastructure in 86 public schools across 33 municipalities in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia. This initiative has shown that public schools can be community-driven models for energy transition and climate resilience. OSF-WB and its partners aim to ensure the sustainability and inclusivity of the energy transition by empowering local governments, communities, and stakeholders to implement just and equitable, future-oriented energy models.
As part of the next phase, OSF-WB invites municipalities in the Western Balkans to apply for support under two distinct lots. Lot 1 focuses on the installation of PV systems on the rooftops of public schools. OSF-WB plans to support 3 to 5 municipalities in installing these systems, aiming to reduce schools’ energy costs so they can reinvest savings into educational resources and infrastructure. If excess electricity is produced, schools may generate income through net metering or other incentive schemes to further support education development.
Lot 2 supports the establishment of municipal energy community models. OSF-WB will back at least two municipalities in piloting local energy communities designed to serve the public interest. Proposals under this lot must respect a maximum budget.
Total funding available is $390,000, with $270,000 allocated to Lot 1 and $120,000 to Lot 2. The implementation period is up to 8 months for Lot 1 and up to 12 months for Lot 2.
For Lot 2, eligible activities include establishing municipal energy community models and governance by conducting necessary legal, regulatory, and financial assessments. Municipalities may also develop sustainable business plans, governance structures, and revenue management mechanisms to reinvest energy production revenues into community priorities like local services or new renewable energy initiatives. Peer learning and knowledge exchange through regional or international visits and networks are encouraged, and all activities should involve community and stakeholder consultations.
The call is open to municipalities in the Western Balkans. Eligible municipalities must show institutional commitment, with political and administrative readiness to engage in energy transition initiatives and adopt inclusive, sustainable energy models integrated into local development strategies.
For Lot 1, municipalities must be located in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, or Serbia. They should propose between one and three public schools suitable for PV system installation, with adequate rooftop space, structural integrity, and grid access. Municipalities must commit to monitoring energy savings, reporting, and reinvesting savings into community priorities such as educational improvements or green initiatives. They should also be prepared to co-finance PV installation on at least one additional school if supported by OSF-WB.
For Lot 2, municipalities should be located in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, or Serbia. They must have existing or planned municipal ownership of renewable energy assets like PV systems, ensuring that energy communities remain publicly owned and aligned with energy democracy and public benefit principles.
Applications will be evaluated based on the feasibility and quality of proposals, local commitment and readiness, and the potential for impact and replication.
For more information, visit OSF.
