Author: anja

The National Resource Centre for Civil Society in Albania conducted an assessment to identify capacity-building needs for CSOs in the country. The assessment, based on an online survey completed by 113 organizations from all regions of the country, focused on areas such as organizational management, financial sustainability, policy-making participation, European integration, transparency, media collaboration, and private sector engagement. The findings aim to shape future capacity-building programs and benefit organizations, donors, and institutions supporting the development of the civil society sector in Albania. The survey was conducted from December 2023 to January 2024. Read more here. Source: National Resource Center for…

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CIVICUS is actively involved in the Digital Democracy Initiative (DDI), aiming to strengthen civil society and democracy in the digital era through two main streams: empowering local civil society in the Global South to utilize digital tools for inclusive democracy and defending civil society by advocating for rights-focused policies and improved security measures. CIVICUS and Global Focus collaborate within DDI to enable and amplify action for civic space and inclusive democracy. Their work includes enhancing support infrastructure for pro-democratic civil society, strengthening local organizations’ digital capacities, and facilitating knowledge-sharing among diverse civil society groups. By providing grants, tools, and technical…

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While the European Commission’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans offers substantial financial aid and aims to incentivize reforms, it faces criticism on several fronts. Observers have dismissed it as offering easy money with loose accession conditionality, raising concerns about its effectiveness. Furthermore, the plan lacks a direct connection to the formal accession process, potentially undermining its impact. Critics argue that without aligning Growth Plan achievements with accession criteria, it may be perceived as a substitute rather than a complement to the accession process, reducing incentives for countries to pursue EU membership. Rectifying these flaws, such as by linking plan…

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The philanthropic narrative increasingly emphasizes unrestricted funding, but data reveals a stark reality: only 20% of funding is truly flexible. Restricted funding poses challenges for both grant makers and grantees, hindering their ability to drive real social change. Grassroots movements suffer as competition rises, collaboration wanes, and administrative burdens soar. Donors must relinquish rigid control and trust grantees to lead. This shift toward flexible funding requires a concerted effort from the philanthropic community to prioritize trust-based relationships and empower grassroots movements. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for fostering a thriving ecosystem where human rights and social justice can flourish. Read…

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Target group: Youth aged 14-24 from ethnically diverse communities in BiH, CSOs, educators, athletes, artists, government representatives, marginalized groups, media organizations, and the public. Aim: Foster multicultural cooperation and dialogue, promote intercommunity exchange, collaboration, and joint projects, create positive change contributing to a multicultural, peaceful, and stable BiH, and increase tolerance and cooperation between ethnically and geographically diverse communities. Amount: maximum 50,000 USD Duration: N/A Deadline: 29 March Link to more information (Mreza Mira)

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Target group: Investigative journalists and newsrooms/freelancers eligible for funding and support from all 27 EU member states and the following non-EU countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Ukraine. Aim: To support cross-border investigative journalism projects by providing grants to journalistic teams, including newsrooms and freelance journalists, enabling collaboration across borders to conduct ambitious investigations on topics of cross-border relevance through two schemes: Investigation Support Scheme and Freelancer Support Scheme. Amount: up to 50,000 EUR for newsrooms and up to 20,000 EUR for freelance journalists. Duration: six months (Freelancer Support Scheme) while for…

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Target group: Young cultural practitioners and youth oriented CSOs in the field of culture Aim: To support youth cultural activism and foster creative solutions for social and political issues in the Western Balkans. It seeks to provide opportunities for young individuals in the cultural and creative sectors, promote cultural cooperation within the region, and recognize cultural practitioners contributing to peacebuilding through Peace Champion awards. Amount: 3,000 – 6,000 EUR (depending on the LOT) Duration: 2-6 months (different LOTs) Deadline: 11 April Link to more information (Western Balkans Youth Cultural Fund)

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Target group: CSOs, journalists, researchers, and vulnerable/marginalized groups in North Macedonia. Aim: To promote and protect human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy, and the rule of law in North Macedonia. Specific objectives include advancing rule of law and democratic institutions, protecting and empowering individuals, and safeguarding fundamental freedoms. Amount: between 90,000 and 150,000 EUR, covering 60% to 90% of the total eligible costs of the action Duration: between 18 to 30 months Deadline: 22 April Link to more information (European Commission)

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Target group: Potential young social entrepreneurs in the Western Balkans Countries: Western Balkans Short Description: The WISEs4Youth conference explores EU support policies for youth social entrepreneurship in the Western Balkans, featuring outcomes, tools, and policy recommendations, along with young participants’ experiences. Open to the public, it blends in-person and Zoom attendance, highlighting regional initiatives and fostering collaboration. Duration: one day – 19 March Link to more information (Partners Albania)

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