The Western Balkans Fund (WBF) has launched the second edition of the Empowering Regional Cooperation – ERC call, aimed at regional projects jointly implemented by organisations from at least four Contracting Parties of the Fund. The call supports larger regional initiatives that contribute to cooperation among civil society organisations, the European integration process, trust-building, reconciliation and good-neighbourly relations in the Western Balkans.
The ERC grant scheme is co-financed by the European Union through the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance – IPA III, under the Civil Society and Media Programme for the Western Balkans and Türkiye, and by the Western Balkans Fund.
Who can apply?
The call is open to non-profit legal entities established in one of the Western Balkans Fund’s Contracting Parties.
The following organisations may participate as lead applicants or project partners:
• civil society organisations;
• business associations, including associations of enterprises, agricultural and tourism associations, and chambers of commerce;
• media associations and organisations working in the fields of media, journalism and freedom of expression;
• educational associations, including associations of cultural institutions and sports associations.
The lead applicant must have experience in implementing donor-funded regional projects within the last three years. Organisations without such experience may participate as project partners, but cannot apply as lead applicants.
For-profit companies, political parties, organisations primarily or exclusively engaged in political or religious activities, as well as central and local government authorities, are not eligible to apply as lead applicants or project partners.
Public institutions, ministries, museums, universities and other public institutions may participate as associated institutions, outside the formal partnership and subject to the conditions specified in the call.
Regional partnership is mandatory.
Funding
Grant and co-financing
- Grants of €20,000 to €25,000 per project
- WBF covers up to 80% of total eligible costs
- At least 20% co-financing; contributions in kind are not eligible
- Projects run for 6 to 10 months, reporting included
More information can be found at the following link.
