Deadline: 20-Jun-25
The Community Development Fund is announcing a request for applications for small grants to support civil society organizations promoting labor rights, mental health, or other related areas, including organizations that apply similar approaches and have relevant experience advancing human rights and social well-being under the scope of the HumanRightivism Project.
The Human Rightivism Project in Kosovo aims to advance human rights, social justice, and government accountability. Led by the Community Development Fund (CDF) and its Implementing Partners, the project will empower grassroots civil society organizations through grants, enabling them to advocate effectively for vulnerable communities.
Objectives
- This project advances human rights in Kosovo by tackling two intertwined priorities: stronger labor protections and a healthier, stigma-free approach to mental health. On the labor front, it promotes fair practices through rigorous enforcement of existing laws, tripartite dialogue among government, business and unions, and heightened vigilance against discrimination, particularly for marginalized groups and those in the informal economy.
- In parallel, it normalizes open discussion of mental health, expands access to services for vulnerable groups, and promotes innovative supports such as online therapy and peer-led groups, while urging ethical media coverage to dispel stigma.
- Together these efforts aim to build safer workplaces, more inclusive policies and a culture that safeguards both economic and psychological well-being.
- Objectives for Mental Health:
- Expanding access to mental health services for underserved populations, including adolescents, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
- Supporting the establishment or growth of peer-support groups, especially within community-based or institutional settings.
- Promoting alternative and inclusive mental health support models, such as anonymous therapy, art therapy, and rights-based, community-rooted care.
- Raising public awareness on mental health rights, while addressing stigma, misinformation, and discriminatory narratives through campaigns, education, and storytelling.
- Objectives for Labor Rights:
- Promoting awareness and education on labor rights and protections, particularly among informal workers, migrant workers, youth, and other marginalized groups.
- Supporting grassroots organizing and unionization efforts, including legal support, advocacy training, and collective bargaining awareness.
- Enhancing access to legal aid and mechanisms for redress for victims of workplace exploitation, discrimination, or unsafe working conditions.
- Facilitating public campaigns and research initiatives to inform and mobilize around fair labor practices, workplace safety, and social protections.
Priorities
- Regardless of thematic focus, all proposals should aim to integrate the following cross-cutting components:
- Civic Engagement: Promote participation of citizens in local decision-making processes and community representation mechanisms.
- Inter-community Collaboration: Foster cooperation between diverse community groups to enhance inclusion, mutual understanding, and social cohesion.
- Human Rights Education & Monitoring: Promote education, documentation, and fact based advocacy on human rights violations and their consequences.
- Combating Discrimination and Stigma: Address anti-gender and exclusionary narratives through inclusive discourse and media campaigns.
- Evidence-Based Impact: Clearly define anticipated changes in policies, practices, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors.
Funding Information
- Grants of up to 15,000 EUR will be awarded to selected proposals that demonstrate innovation, inclusivity, and measurable impact.
- Duration: All award activities must have a period performance up to 12 months.
Eligibility Criteria
- To meet the minimum eligibility criteria for a grant award, the applicant or its application must:
- Be a civil society organization/institute officially registered in Kosovo.
- Be submitted by the deadline as stated in the RFA
- Not be affiliated with a political party.
Evaluation Criteria
- Applications will be reviewed in terms of responsiveness to the RFA, appropriateness of subject matter, and creativity, according to the evaluation criteria identified below:
- Demonstrates a creative, concrete plan that aligns with RFA objectives
- Proposes measurable activities that can show the results of the grant/project goal
- Realistic budget that reflects the actual cost of implementation
- Ability to be implemented (timetable, realistic budget, and scope of project)
Application Requirements
- Applications must include:
- Cover Page (1 page)
- Technical Approach (3 pages)
- Budget/Cost Summary (1 page)
- Documents required: Copy of organization’s certificate of registration/fiscal number and
- Tax Verification (proving that organization doesn’t have any debt to tax authorities)
For more information, visit CDF.