Deadline: 12-May-25
The Agence Française de Développement is accepting applications for the National BOOST – (Balkans for Optimizing Opportunities, Sustainability and Transformation of Civil Society) Program.
Objective
- The overall objective of this call for proposal is strengthening civil society in the Western Balkan countries through implementation of initiatives related to the
- youth and entrepreneurship;
- rural development and environment;
- preservation of cultural heritage and community development.
- Specific Objectives of this call for proposals include:
- Strengthen the role and the capacities of civil society organizations in the Western Balkans countries, which work for the democratization and sustainable development of the region.
- Set up a network of relevant stakeholders (civil society, local authorities, universities and others) committed to the stable and democratic, economic, cultural and social development of the region.
- Promote and strengthen a shared narrative among civil society and decision-makers that reinforces European values of peace, democracy, and inclusion of young people (men and women, boys and girls) at national level.
Priority Focus
- Preference will be given to youth and women led CSOs.
Funding Information
- Total grant amount: €30,000
- Maximum BOOST contribution: €24,000 per project (80% of the total grant)
- Co-financing: Minimum 20% of the total grant (€6,000) to be provided by the applicants
Priority Issues
- Priority issues under this call include the three key pillars identified within the BOOST project, along with a cross-cutting focus on civic participation.
- Youth and entrepreneurship – Activities eligible for financial support include the empowerment of youth in the field of social entrepreneurship, national activities aimed at youth empowerment, and the active participation of youth in decision-making processes. Additionally, initiatives promoting social entrepreneurship among women and improving youth access to entrepreneurship are essential.
- Rural development and environmental protection – encompasses activities such as rural development projects and support for youth involved in rural initiatives, as well as the empowerment of women in rural development. Environmental initiatives linked to awareness-raising, research, and policy formulation are also vital. This pillar includes environmental campaigns and studies related to the thematic pillars, promoting sustainable practices and enhancing environmental stewardship. As well, networking events for civil society organizations (CSOs) are strongly encouraged.
- Preservation of cultural heritage and community development – under this pillar, activities should focus on promoting cultural heritage and foster community development. This includes using cultural heritage as a catalyst for local and national economic development, integrating it into tourism and other relevant sectors, and encouraging active networking among civil society organizations (CSOs). These initiatives aim to preserve cultural heritage while fostering community growth and economic opportunities.
Duration
- The project duration should be 12 (twelve) months, excluding the Reporting Period (30 days after finishing of project implementation timeframe). Starting period of the project implementation is October 2025.
Expected Results
- CSOs have improved their capacity to promote sustainable development initiatives in the three key pillars, at national levels
- Cooperation and partnership between civil society organizations and public institutions have been strengthened at local and national level
- Promoting and strengthening a shared discourse between civil society and decisionmakers that reinforces European values of peace, democracy and inclusion of young people (men and women, boys and girls) at national level
Who can apply?
- Must be a legal entity
- Must be non-profit
- Must be a civil society organization (CSO) with at least two years (24 months) of experience working on one or more thematic pillars relevant to this Call for Applications. (Political, faith-based, and religious organizations are not eligible).
- Must be established in one of the six targeted WB countries
For more information, visit BOOST Balkans.