The Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans
The Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans (ReLOaD) is financed by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It builds on the good practices of the Reinforcement of Local Democracy (LOD) project, another initiative financed by EU, which also represents the replication model in Western Balkans.
As a regional initiative, ReLOaD and now it’s second phase ReLOaD2 is implemented in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of North Macedonia, Kosovo*, Montenegro and Serbia.
The project’s overall objective is to strengthen participatory democracies and the EU integration process in the Western Balkans by empowering civil society to actively take part in decision making and by stimulating an enabling legal and financial environment for civil society. Specific objective of the project is to strengthen partnerships between local governments and civil society in the Western Balkans.
ReLOaD2 will improve cooperation between local governments and CSOs, while strengthening capacities of all relevant stakeholders to engage more productively in such partnerships. It will work on introducing and sustaining a transparent, development-oriented and project-based approach to funding of CSOs by local government budgets that contributes to realization of local priorities in line with development strategies.
As a regional project, ReLOaD2 will offer this platform for networking between participating Western Balkans countries/territories for purposes of sharing experiences and lessons learned in providing better services to citizens.
Similar Initiatives
What is the ReLOaD project?
The ReLOaD project aims to strengthen partnerships between local governments and civil society in the Western Balkans by scaling-up a successful model of transparent and project-based funding of CSOs from local government budgets towards greater civic engagement in decision-making and improvement of local service delivery.
Which are the partner local governments for each country and territories?
For the first year of the project (2017/2018) the partner local governments are:
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Banja Luka, Bijeljina, Bratunac, Brod, Centar Sarajevo, Gradacac, Jablanica, Kakanj, Maglaj, Modrica, Pale, Rudo, Sokolac, Stari Grad Sarajevo, Tešanj, Teslic, Travnik, Trebinje, Tuzla, Vitez, Vogosca.
Kosovo*: Istog/k, Kamenicë/a, Lipjan/Lipljan, Viti/Vitina, Zveçan/Zvecan.
North Macedonia: Gostivar, Kavardaci, Kumanovo, Resen, Strumica.
Montenegro: Kotor, Podgorica, Nišic, Pljevlja, Tivat.
Albania: Dibër, Durres, Elbasani, Korha, Lezha, Librazhidi, Permeti, Perrenjas, Roskovec, Shkoder, Tirana, Tropo.
Serbia: , Dimitrovgrad, Kragujevac, Kursumlija, Paracin, Sabac.
Which organizations are eligible?
The public call is open to all CSOs formally and legally established in the region, in accordance with valid legal regulations. In order to apply, the applicants must be a legal non-profitable entity. Nonetheless, each call has specific modification of this genera rule under eligibility criteria (registration in that particular local government, necessity to have local partner and similar…)
Our project idea does not directly address all four thematic areas. May I still apply?
Funds will be allocated to those project proposals addressing one or more priorities that meet the quality criteria listed in the Evaluation Table and other listed conditions of this public call. All projects must be implemented exclusively in the territory of the Municipalities we implement the project and for the benefit of its population.
How do I apply?
Each partner Local Government publishes the call in line with rules and with standardized set of the documents among which the following are the key documents below. Please note that the full set of the documents is wider and consult the requirements of the call you are interested in once it is published.
Project proposal (Word format – Annex 1),
Budget breakdown (Excel format – Annex 2),
Logical framework matrix (Word format – Annex 3),
Activity and visibility plan (Excel format – Annex 4),
Can I meet with project staff if I need help, before submitting my application?
ReLOaD project provides constant support to CSO thorough several events and interactive meetings on the public calls with potential applicants out of which most convenient are Open Days which are held in the local governments where the project is being implemented. In these meetings, potential applicants are informed in detail about the call, application process, criteria etc.
Can organizations located out of the municipalities involved in the project apply for the grant?
CSOs functioning outside the Implementing Municipalities are encouraged to apply although in some specific cases it could be restricted or the partnership with local CSOs could be demanded. Please consult requirements of the call you are interested in.
When are the deadlines to submit applications?
Please check our interactive calendar in the homepage for the up-coming deadlines and events.
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