Grants available for Project Implementation in the Republic of Serbia

Deadline: 30-Jun-21

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria through the Embassy / Consulate General of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Republic of Serbia announces a procedure for the acceptance and selection of proposals for projects to be implemented with a grant through the Official Development Assistance of the Republic of Bulgaria, with an initial implementation period in 2022.

Objectives 

• Assisting in the processes of democratic reforms, protection of human and minority rights, strengthening the rule of law, civil society, market economy, etc., including in the context of support for European integration;
• Encouraging and supporting the building of Serbia’s administrative capacity to achieve democratic reform processes and respect for human and minority rights, especially with regard to institutions that do not currently have sufficient experience and staff capacity for relevant functions and activities;
• Support for freedom of expression and the media through the promotion of quality, independent and social journalism.

Priority Areas

Priority Areas for Project Implementation on the territory of the Republic of Serbia:

• Guaranteeing the rights of national minorities by effectively implementing human rights standards and improving access to justice, strengthening the human rights culture of local administrations and national councils of national minorities;
• Strengthening democratic values and reforming the public sector according to European standards;
• Increasing administrative capacity in order to strengthen the rule of law, democratic governance and the promotion of civil society and civic activism of young people and their empowerment in public policy management;
• Support for small and medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurship, with special attention to creating new opportunities for young people from underdeveloped regions;
• Sustainable management of natural resources, nature protection and mitigation of the effects of climate change.

Funding Information

• Minimal amount of the project is 5 000 BGN (about 2 500 euro).
• Recommended maximum amount of the project is:
  • for projects with main purpose to deliver goods and /or services – up to 70 000 BGN (about 35 800 euro);
  • for projects with main purpose to carry out repairs and /or construction activities – up to 140 000 BGN (about 71 600 euro).
• Co-financing of project activities provided by the applicant will be considered an advantage in the evaluation, selection and approval of the projects.
• Project proposals must contain an indicative start date for the implementation of the project after March 1, 2022 and no later than November 30, 2022.
• Projects must be completed no later than December 31, 2024.

Outputs/Results 

• affirmation of Bulgaria’s reputation and international prestige;
• improving socio-economic development and good governance;
• deepening the interaction between institutions at central, regional and local level, etc .;
• visible progress in safeguarding the rights of national minorities through the effective implementation of human rights standards and strengthening the human rights culture of local administrations and national councils of national minorities;
• support for freedom of speech and the media by promoting quality, independent and citizen journalism;
• strengthening the administrative capacity for democratic reform and strengthening the rule of law, promoting good governance;
• raising the awareness and civic activity of young people and their empowerment in public policy management;
• creating better conditions and increasing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurship, with special attention to creating new opportunities for young people;
• better quality and healthier environment and sustainable management of natural resources.

Target Groups

• Primary and secondary budget spenders – legal entities of the Republic of Serbia;
• International and local non-governmental organizations;
• Municipalities and their associations;
• Educational, health and social institutions;
• International humanitarian organisations;
• Other organizations and associations that have no political goals and involvement.

For more information, visit https://www.mfa.bg/en/embassies/serbiagc/news/29558