Deadline: 06-Mar-2026

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a ReLOaD3 grant call in Shtip to strengthen cooperation between municipal authorities and civil society organizations (CSOs). Funding ranges from 150,000 to 1,537,000 MKD across three lots, supporting projects in social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and youth development. Eligible applicants are formally registered CSOs in North Macedonia, with local CSOs in Shtip serving as lead applicants.

Programme Overview

Under the ReLOaD3 (Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans) initiative, UNDP is inviting civil society organizations (CSOs) to submit project proposals that:

• Improve local community services

• Foster transparent municipal funding mechanisms

• Increase citizen participation

• Strengthen cooperation between municipalities and civil society

The call specifically supports projects aligned with the development priorities of the Municipality of Shtip.

Programme Objectives

The grant programme aims to:

• Create a supportive environment for civil society

• Promote transparent public funding

• Encourage participatory local governance

• Improve public service delivery at the community level

Priority Areas in Shtip

Projects must align with at least one of the following thematic areas.

1. Social Inclusion and Support for Vulnerable Groups

Priority activities include:

• Inclusion of marginalized communities such as:

  • Roma communities

  • People with disabilities

  • Single parents

  • Elderly individuals

  • Victims of domestic and gender-based violence

• Non-formal education programs

• Employment and self-employment initiatives

• Special attention to Roma women

Projects should demonstrate measurable improvements in social inclusion and access to services.

2. Environment and Sustainable Development

Eligible activities include:

• Urban greenery initiatives

• Environmental protection campaigns

• Waste management and recycling projects

• Climate-resilient city initiatives

• Education on:

  • Energy efficiency

  • Renewable energy

  • Biodiversity

  • Water quality

  • Air quality

Projects should promote environmental awareness and sustainable urban development.

3. Youth Development, Education, and Activism

Priority actions include:

• Youth-led initiatives

• Volunteerism programs

• Civic engagement projects

• Youth activism and leadership development

Projects must encourage active youth participation in community life.

Funding Structure

The call is divided into three funding lots.

Lot 1

• Funding amount: 150,000–307,000 MKD

• Project duration: 4–9 months

• Implementation period: May 2026 – January 2027

Designed for smaller-scale, short-term community initiatives.

Lot 2

Targets CSOs with prior project experience and stronger management capacity. (Specific funding range not stated but larger than Lot 1.)

Lot 3

• Funding amount: 615,001–1,537,000 MKD

• Project duration: 6–12 months

• Implementation period: May 2026 – April 2027

Intended for organizations capable of implementing strategic, complex community solutions.

Who Is Eligible?

Lead Applicants

• Civil society organizations formally registered in North Macedonia

• Must be registered within Shtip to apply as lead organization

Partnership Rules

• CSOs from other municipalities may apply only in partnership with local CSOs in Shtip

• Partnerships must be formalized through:

  • Signed and stamped Partnership Statement

Eligible Partners

Local institutions such as:

• Schools

• Kindergartens

• Museums

These entities may participate as partners but cannot receive direct funding.

Ineligible Applicants

• Branches or offices of international associations and foundations

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organization:

• Is formally registered in North Macedonia

• Meets lead applicant or partnership requirements

• Has appropriate management capacity (for Lots 2 and 3)

Step 2: Align with Shtip Priorities

Clearly demonstrate how your project addresses:

• Social inclusion

• Environmental sustainability

• Youth development

Step 3: Prepare Documentation

Typical application components include:

• Project proposal

• Logical framework or results framework

• Detailed budget in MKD

• Implementation timeline

• Partnership Statement (if applicable)

Step 4: Demonstrate Capacity

For higher-value lots, provide evidence of:

• Prior project experience

• Financial management capacity

• Organizational structure

• Strategic planning capability

Step 5: Submit Proposal Before Deadline

Follow official submission instructions under the ReLOaD3 call guidelines.

How Proposals Are Evaluated

Applications are assessed based on:

• Relevance to priority areas

• Clarity and feasibility of the action plan

• Impact on local community services

• Sustainability of results

• Financial and operational capacity

• Strength of partnerships

Higher funding lots require stronger institutional and financial management capacity.

Why This Programme Matters

Strengthening Local Democracy

The programme supports participatory governance and transparent public funding.

Improving Public Services

Projects directly enhance local services in social inclusion, environment, and youth engagement.

Supporting Vulnerable Communities

Special focus on marginalized groups ensures equitable development.

Building Civil Society Capacity

By offering tiered funding lots, the programme strengthens both emerging and experienced CSOs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying as lead without being registered in Shtip

• Submitting proposals not aligned with municipal priorities

• Weak partnership documentation

• Overambitious budgets without clear justification

• Insufficient demonstration of past project experience (for Lot 2 and Lot 3)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the ReLOaD3 call in Shtip?

Civil society organizations formally registered in North Macedonia. Only CSOs registered in Shtip may apply as lead applicants.

2. What is the funding range?

Funding ranges from 150,000 MKD (Lot 1) to 1,537,000 MKD (Lot 3).

3. What is the project implementation period?

Projects start in May 2026 and must be completed by January 2027 (Lot 1) or April 2027 (Lot 3).

4. Can organizations outside Shtip apply?

Yes, but only in partnership with a locally registered CSO in Shtip.

5. Are international NGOs eligible?

Branches or offices of international associations and foundations are not eligible.

6. Can schools or museums apply directly?

No. They may participate as partners but cannot receive direct funding.

7. What types of projects are prioritized?

Projects focusing on social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and youth development aligned with municipal priorities.

Conclusion

The UNDP ReLOaD3 grant call in Shtip provides structured funding opportunities for civil society organizations to strengthen local democracy, improve public services, and support inclusive development.

With funding up to 1,537,000 MKD, the programme empowers capable CSOs to implement impactful community-based solutions. Eligible organizations should carefully align proposals with municipal priorities, demonstrate capacity, and formalize partnerships to maximize their chances of success.

For more information, visit UNDP.