Western Balkans Program for Civil Society Organisations 2025

The PeaceNexus Foundation invites applications for its Western Balkans Program, offering civil society organizations tailored support to strengthen conflict sensitivity, organizational development, and collaboration. Selected partners receive hands-on guidance, small grants of €15,000–€40,000, and access to leadership and peer-learning opportunities to enhance peacebuilding efforts.

Program Overview

The PeaceNexus Foundation’s Western Balkans Program aims to strengthen the capacities and collaboration of organizations to reduce violence and build peace. The program provides tailored accompaniment focused on either conflict sensitivity or organizational development, depending on the needs and priorities of each organization.

Key Features of the Program

• Tailored Accompaniment: Two PeaceNexus staff members provide hands-on guidance, expertise, and reflection throughout the partnership.

• Non-Financial Support: Continuous dialogue and learning to strengthen internal processes, adapt strategies, and achieve organizational or conflict-sensitivity goals.

• Small Grants: Funding ranges from €15,000 to €40,000 per year to cover facilitation, consultant fees, meetings, and capacity development. Up to 20% of the grant may cover overhead costs.

• Learning and Leadership Development: Access to peer-learning spaces, leadership activities, and on-demand coaching to enhance strategic thinking, resilience, and organizational leadership.

• Extended Engagement: Each phase lasts 12–18 months, with most organizations supported for two phases to ensure sustained impact.

Who is Eligible?

• Civil society organizations, foundations, multilateral or intergovernmental organizations, and networks.

• Operational presence in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, or Serbia.

• Direct responsibility for managing applications and the support process.

• Compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act.

• Organizations that already contribute to social cohesion or demonstrate a clear intention to do so in the near future.

Why It Matters

This program supports long-term peacebuilding and organizational development in the Western Balkans. By strengthening conflict sensitivity, organizational capacity, and collaboration, participating organizations can:

• Improve internal governance and strategic planning.

• Increase impact in peacebuilding and violence reduction initiatives.

• Build sustainable networks and partnerships across the region.

How to Apply

1. Ensure your organization meets eligibility criteria.

2. Prepare organizational documents and evidence of contribution to social cohesion.

3. Submit a completed application directly managed by the organization.

4. Confirm compliance with all legal requirements, including the USA PATRIOT Act.

Tips for Applicants

• Clearly outline your organization’s conflict sensitivity or development needs.

• Demonstrate past or planned contributions to social cohesion.

• Highlight your organizational structure, geographic reach, and capacity to implement learning.

• Ensure budget plans align with allowable grant use (external expertise, process costs, max 20% overhead).

FAQ

1. What types of organizations can apply? Civil society organizations, foundations, multilateral or intergovernmental organizations, and networks operating in the eligible Western Balkans countries.
2. What is the grant amount? Grants range from €15,000 to €40,000 per year, based on the organization’s scale and reach.
3. Can the grant be used for core project funding? No, funding is for process-related costs; up to 20% can cover overhead.
4. How long is the program support? Each phase lasts 12–18 months; most organizations are supported for two phases.
5. Is prior peacebuilding experience required? Organizations should either contribute to social cohesion or have a clear plan to do so.
6. What kind of support is provided? Hands-on accompaniment by two PeaceNexus staff members, peer-learning, leadership coaching, and grants.
7. Which countries are eligible? Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

Conclusion

The PeaceNexus Foundation Western Balkans Program offers civil society organizations a unique opportunity to strengthen peacebuilding capacities through tailored accompaniment, small grants, and leadership development. By participating, organizations can enhance their impact on social cohesion, conflict sensitivity, and collaborative initiatives, contributing to a more peaceful and resilient Western Balkans region.