Deadline: 03-Jun-2026
The United Nations Development Programme, in partnership with Bureau for Regional Development, has launched the Third Call for Submission of Grant Applications under the project “Municipalities as Drivers of Sustainable Development.”
The initiative supports municipalities in North Macedonia through grants aimed at strengthening inter-municipal cooperation, improving local governance, and promoting balanced regional development.
Focus Areas
The programme supports projects related to:
- Financial management
- Environmental protection
- Transportation
- Disaster prevention and response
- Public service improvement
- Administrative capacity strengthening
- Regional development cooperation
The initiative encourages municipalities to adopt:
- Innovative local governance tools
- Shared service delivery models
- Sustainable regional development approaches
- Efficient inter-municipal cooperation systems
Funding Support
The total budget available is:
- USD 160,000
Municipalities may apply for:
- Up to USD 30,000 per project
Applicants must provide:
- At least 20% co-financing
Project duration:
- Maximum of 8 months
Projects will be administratively managed by the United Nations Development Programme.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Local self-government units
- Municipalities in North Macedonia
Projects must involve:
- Cooperation between two or more municipalities
The programme particularly supports municipalities seeking to:
- Improve administrative capacity
- Strengthen financial and human resource systems
- Deliver better public services
- Achieve economies of scale through cooperation
Non-Eligible Projects
The following are not eligible:
- Projects involving only one municipality
- Activities unrelated to municipal competencies
- Retroactive financing
- Political or religious activities
- Establishment of private companies
- Re-granting or loan distribution schemes
- Standalone conferences or workshops
Projects focused only on:
- Equipment procurement
- Infrastructure works
- Land or building acquisition
are also not eligible unless included within a broader project proposal.
Why This Programme Matters
The initiative supports decentralization and helps municipalities address challenges linked to limited administrative and financial capacity. By promoting inter-municipal cooperation, the programme aims to:
- Improve efficiency of local services
- Strengthen governance systems
- Enhance regional cooperation
- Support sustainable and balanced development
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Develop a joint project involving at least two municipalities
- Align the proposal with programme priority areas
- Prepare a co-financing plan
- Demonstrate long-term public service impact
- Submit the application according to programme guidelines
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting single-municipality projects
- Proposing standalone workshops or conferences
- Failing to provide co-financing commitments
- Focusing only on equipment purchases
- Submitting incomplete project plans
FAQ
- Who can apply for the grant programme?
- Municipalities and local self-government units in North Macedonia working jointly with other municipalities.
- What is the maximum grant amount?
- Projects can receive up to USD 30,000.
- Is co-financing required?
- Yes, applicants must provide at least 20% co-financing.
- How long can projects run?
- Projects must be completed within 8 months.
- Are single-municipality projects eligible?
- No, projects must involve cooperation between at least two municipalities.
Conclusion
The United Nations Development Programme and Bureau for Regional Development initiative supports municipalities in North Macedonia through funding for collaborative projects that strengthen governance, improve local public services, and promote sustainable regional development through inter-municipal cooperation.
For more information, visit UNDP.