Framework Partnership Agreements and Associated Annual Operating Grants – Macedonia

Deadline: 05-Aug-21

European Commission is calling for proposals for Framework Partnership Agreements and Associated Annual Operating Grants to build stronger democracies by improving accountability and oversight systems and ultimately achieving implementation of sustainable policy reforms for economic and social development in the perspective of the EU integration.

In the Republic of North Macedonia, the CSF programme supports CSOs to constructively engage in policy dialogue mechanisms and expanding cooperation with central and local authorities. Particular attention is given in supporting the capacities and strategic priorities of CSOs in the context of the country’s forthcoming phases of EU membership and their specific needs for organisational strengthening, policy advocacy and innovative activities at the level of sectors. In this respect, the further development of a civil society culture requires political stability and a favourable environment for the enhancement of CSOs and civil society dialogue.

Objectives

• The global objective of this call for proposals is to strengthen capacities of civil society organisations in the Republic of North Macedonia, advancing their role of competent, transparent, effective civil society actors that are accountable.
• The specific objective(s) of this call for proposals is to support long-term commitment of civil society actors in giving citizens a voice to influence public sector reforms through evidence based programmes, analysis, monitoring and concrete advocacy and action initiatives.

Priority Areas

The current Call for Proposals seeks to establish partnerships with CSOs working in the following priority areas:

• Anti-discrimination ;
• Environmental protection & Climate change;
• Justice and rule of law;
• Anti-corruption, public procurement, transparency, effective oversight and remedy;
• Quality in Education (formal and non-formal) and Inclusiveness;
• Public administration reform, recruitment and services to citizens;
• Gender Equality and women rights;
• Consumer Rights, Health, Safety at work and Occupational Right, and Patients’ Rights;
• Fight against organised crime and Cyber security;
• Cultural Activism and Heritage.

Thematic Areas

The proposed work programmes to be implemented through this call for proposals should lead, but not be limited, towards delivering results against the objectives and the respective thematic areas:

• Strengthened capacities of civil society in promoting a competent, transparent and effective civil society sector that is accountable;
• Increased initiatives for broader civic engagement with a main impact of improved life of citizens;
• Strengthened watchdog, policy monitoring and public advocacy of the civil society organisations for the Government implementation of sectorial policies and legislation, with a focus on those related to the EU key reforms;
• CSOs accountability to target groups:
  • strengthening link between CSOs (including local action groups) and their constituencies/target groups,
  • awareness-raising activities of civil society work,
  • accountability implementation mechanisms (i.e. reporting, consultations, focus groups, promotion of volunteerism).

Funding Information

• The overall indicative amount made available under this call for proposals is EUR 700,000.
• The total amount to be made available during the next 3 years will be for a maximum total of EUR 1.5 million.
• Any grant requested under this call for proposals must fall between the following minimum and maximum amounts:
  • minimum amount: EUR 40,000
  • maximum amount: EUR 70,000
• Any grant requested under this call for proposals must fall between the following minimum and maximum percentages of total eligible costs of the annual work programme:
  • Minimum percentage: 60% of the total eligible costs of the annual work programme.
  • Maximum percentage: 90% of the total eligible costs of the annual work programme.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility of Applicants

• In order to be eligible for a grant, the applicant must:
  • be a legal person
  • be non-profit making
  • be a civil society organisation
  • be established in the Republic of North Macedonia at least two (2) years before this call is launched
  • a body pursuing an aim of general Union interest, that is an entity representing non-profit bodies active in North Macedonia and promoting principles and policies consistent with the objectives of the Treaties; or a body having an objective forming part of, and supporting, a Union policy
  • be an organisation whose aims and objectives declared in its statute or other official document establishing the organisation are focussed in the relevant priority area of this call
  • have a minimum of  two years of experience in North Macedonia in the relevant priority area of the call
  • be directly responsible for the preparation and management of the work programme with the co-applicant(s) and affiliated entity(ies), not acting as an intermediary.

Co-applicant(s)

No co-applicants under this call.

Affiliated Entities

There will be no affiliated entities for the purpose of Framework Partnership Agreement.

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3jd1FSY