Call for Civil Society Organizations/Non-Governmental Organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Deadline: 08-Oct-2026

The ReLOaD3 programme is inviting civil society organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina to submit project proposals that address community development priorities and strengthen cooperation with local government in the city of Gradiška. Grants range from 5,000 KM to 50,000 KM, depending on the project category and duration.

About the ReLOaD3 Programme

The Regional Programme for Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3) is funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP. The programme aims to strengthen cooperation between civil society organizations and local governments across the Western Balkans. Through stronger partnerships and sustainable dialogue, ReLOaD3 seeks to improve local services and support initiatives that respond to the needs and priorities of communities. In the city of Gradiška, the current call supports projects that are aligned with local government development goals identified through consultations with citizens and civil society representatives. What Is the Focus of the Call? The call supports civil society projects that contribute to community development and address identified local priorities in Gradiška. Projects should strengthen cooperation between civil society organizations and local government while contributing to meaningful benefits for local communities. Eligible Thematic Areas Applicants can submit projects addressing one or more of the identified thematic priorities. Cultural Development Projects can support cultural development and promote diverse forms of culture and arts. Activities may contribute to greater access to cultural and artistic opportunities within the community. Sports and Recreation Projects can focus on improving sports and recreational opportunities for people from different population groups. The aim is to encourage broader participation in sports and recreational activities. Youth Volunteerism Projects can promote youth volunteerism and interaction. Initiatives in this area can encourage young people to become more actively involved in community activities and develop stronger connections with other members of the community. Social Inclusion Projects can support social inclusion for: - Persons with disabilities. - Persons with developmental challenges. The focus is on improving participation and inclusion within the community. Environmental Protection Civil society organizations can propose projects addressing environmental protection and local environmental priorities. Citizen Participation Projects can strengthen citizen participation in: - Decision-making processes. - Community development. - Local civic engagement. These initiatives can help create stronger connections between citizens, civil society organizations, and local government. How Much Funding Is Available? Funding is available through three project categories, known as LOTs.

- LOT 1: 5,000–15,000 KM for projects lasting 4–12 months.

- LOT 2: 15,000–25,000 KM for projects lasting 6–12 months.

- LOT 3: 25,000–50,000 KM for projects lasting 6–12 months.

Based on the approximate conversion provided, 1 KM is approximately $0.56 USD, meaning the grants range from approximately $2,800 to $27,900 USD per project. Applicants should select the LOT that corresponds to the scale and duration of their proposed project. Project Duration The permitted project duration depends on the selected LOT. LOT 1 Projects must last between 4 and 12 months. LOT 2 Projects must last between 6 and 12 months. LOT 3 Projects must last between 6 and 12 months. Applicants should ensure that their proposed activities can realistically be completed within the applicable timeframe. Who Can Apply? The call is open to formally registered civil society organizations and NGOs in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Eligible applicants include:

- Associations. - Foundations. - Other formally registered civil society organizations operating in accordance with national legal regulations. Organizations should review the Guidelines for Applicants to confirm all eligibility and funding requirements before submitting a proposal. Mandatory Registration Document Applicants must provide an extract from the civil society organization register as a mandatory application document. This document is required to demonstrate the organization’s formal registration status. Applicants should ensure that the required registration documentation and any other supporting documents are included with the application. Alignment With Local Development Priorities A key feature of the call is its focus on local development priorities in Gradiška. The supported projects should align with development goals identified through public consultations involving: - Citizens. - Civil society representatives. - Local government. This approach is intended to ensure that funded projects respond to genuine community needs and contribute to local development. Strengthening Civil Society and Local Government Cooperation ReLOaD3 places strong emphasis on cooperation between civil society organizations and local governments.

The programme aims to promote:

- Sustainable dialogue. - Stronger partnerships. - Greater citizen participation. - Better local services. - Community-focused development. Projects should therefore demonstrate how civil society organizations can contribute to addressing local priorities in cooperation with local government. How to Prepare a Strong Project Proposal Applicants should ensure that their project clearly responds to one or more of the identified thematic areas.

A strong proposal should:

- Clearly identify the community need being addressed. - Explain how the project aligns with Gradiška’s development priorities. - Describe the proposed activities. - Demonstrate benefits for the local community. - Explain how the project will strengthen cooperation with local government or community stakeholders. - Select the appropriate funding LOT. - Provide a realistic project duration. - Include the required regist