Western Balkans Fund Matching Grants Scheme: Empowering Civil Society Organizations

The Western Balkans Fund (WBF) Matching Grants Scheme provides up to €10,000 to civil society and institutional actors in the WB6 region to support short-term regional cooperation projects. Grants cover up to 50% of total eligible project costs, with the remaining 50% secured through co-funding. Projects must involve at least two partners from different WB6 countries and last between two and four months, with applications evaluated quarterly.

About the Western Balkans Fund Matching Grants Scheme

The Western Balkans Fund (WBF) created the Matching Grants Scheme to strengthen cross-border cooperation across the six Western Balkan (WB6) countries.

The scheme aims to:

• Foster regional and international cooperation

• Strengthen civil society voices

• Promote dialogue and mutual understanding

• Support shared regional values

• Elevate local initiatives into regional collaborations

It aligns with WBF’s broader mission to enhance cooperation among the WB6 Contracting Parties.

What Is the WB6 Region?

The WB6 refers to the six Western Balkan economies:

• Albania

• Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Kosovo

• Montenegro

• North Macedonia

• Serbia

All project activities must take place within this region.

Funding Overview

Maximum grant amount: €10,000
Funding coverage: Up to 50% of total eligible project costs
Co-funding requirement: Minimum 50% from other donors
Project duration: 2 to 4 months
Evaluation cycle: Quarterly
Deadline: Rolling (no fixed deadline)

Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow sufficient processing time.

Priority Areas

Projects must align with one of the following three thematic priorities:

1. Cultural Cooperation

• Cultural exchange initiatives

• Cross-border artistic collaborations

• Cultural heritage promotion

• Intercultural dialogue projects

2. Education and Scientific Exchange

• Academic partnerships

• Research collaboration

• Knowledge-sharing platforms

• Educational mobility initiatives

3. Sustainable Development

• Environmental cooperation

• Green initiatives

• Regional sustainability projects

• Community-based development models

Projects must clearly contribute to regional cooperation and shared values.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be legal, non-profit entities

• Be based in the WB6 region

• Demonstrate capacity to manage donor-funded or regional projects

• Secure 50% co-funding

• Ensure the project has not been previously funded or rejected by WBF

Eligible entities include:

• Civil society organizations (CSOs)

• NGOs

• Public institutions

• Educational institutions

• Media associations

• Business or cultural institutions

Partnership Requirement

Each project must include:

• At least two partners

• Partners from different WBF Contracting Parties

Cross-border collaboration is mandatory.

How the Matching Grant Works

The WBF grant operates on a co-financing model:

Example:

• Total project cost: €20,000

• WBF contribution: €10,000 (50%)

• Co-funding from other donor(s): €10,000 (50%)

Applicants must secure confirmed co-funding before or during application.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Build a Regional Partnership
Identify at least one partner from a different WB6 country.

Step 2: Secure Co-Funding
Confirm 50% of total project budget from other donors.

Step 3: Design a Short-Term Regional Project
Ensure:

• Duration between 2–4 months

• Activities occur within WB6

• Clear alignment with priority areas

Step 4: Complete the Official Application Form
Download and complete the form available on the WBF website.

Step 5: Submit Application
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and evaluated quarterly.

Step 6: Await Quarterly Results
Results are announced after each evaluation cycle.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Alignment with WBF strategic goals

• Strength of regional partnership

• Feasibility within 2–4 months

• Financial clarity and co-funding security

• Potential to strengthen cross-border dialogue

• Organizational capacity

Projects must clearly demonstrate regional added value.

Why This Scheme Matters

The Western Balkans region faces historical, political, and social fragmentation. The WBF Matching Grants Scheme:

• Encourages cross-border collaboration

• Strengthens civil society networks

• Promotes reconciliation and dialogue

• Builds regional trust

• Amplifies local voices regionally

By requiring co-funding, the scheme also promotes financial sustainability and shared responsibility.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to secure 50% co-funding

• Proposing projects longer than four months

• Submitting projects without cross-border partners

• Applying with previously rejected projects

• Not demonstrating regional impact

• Applying as a for-profit entity

Strong proposals clearly articulate regional cooperation outcomes.

Tips for a Competitive Application

• Highlight cross-border impact and collaboration

• Demonstrate confirmed co-funding in writing

• Present a realistic 2–4 month timeline

• Show previous experience in regional cooperation

• Align explicitly with one of the three priority areas

• Provide measurable outcomes

Projects that move local initiatives into regional partnerships are particularly competitive.

FAQ

1. What is the maximum grant amount?
   Up to €10,000.

2. Does WBF fund 100% of project costs?
   No. WBF funds up to 50% of eligible costs.

3. Is co-funding mandatory?
   Yes. Applicants must secure 50% co-financing from other donors.

4. How long can projects last?
   Between 2 and 4 months.

5. Are there fixed deadlines?
   No. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and evaluated quarterly.

6. How many partners are required?
   At least two partners from different WB6 Contracting Parties.

7. Can previously rejected projects be resubmitted?
   Projects previously rejected by WBF are not eligible.

Conclusion

The Western Balkans Fund Matching Grants Scheme provides up to €10,000 in co-financing to strengthen short-term regional cooperation across the WB6. By requiring cross-border partnerships and 50% co-funding, the scheme ensures impactful, collaborative initiatives in culture, education, science, and sustainable development. Eligible organizations should secure partners and co-funding early to maximize their chances in the quarterly evaluation process.