Open Call for Applications and FAQ

Context

Numerous organizations across the Balkans are working quietly and persistently to maintain, build and strengthen channels of trust, cooperation and dialogue despite persistent political polarization, instability and divisive environment. European Fund for the Balkans established the Common Ground Program to support these long, patient efforts of bridging divides and helping people stay connected across differences.

This call offers core organizational support of up to €20,000, awarded for a 12-month period. It’s intended to help organizations maintain or strengthen what already works: their people, their structure, their programs, and their ability to stay present in communities. The goal isn’t to create new projects, but to ensure that what you’ve built continues to have a lasting impact.

 

What this grant funds

Funding can be used for essentials that keep your organization stable and effective, such as (the following list is non-exhaustive):

• Building networks and partnerships across divides;
• Improving inclusion, equity, and safeguarding practices;
• Retaining or upskilling staff who are key to your mission;
• Strengthening governance, strategy, or financial systems;
• Updating tools, communications, or digital systems that help you stay resilient.

 

Who can apply

You can apply if you are:

• A non-profit organization with a provable track record in bridging divides within and across communities, which must submit three concrete examples from the last 18-24 months showcasing its contribution to trust-building, dialogue, social cohesion, and/or cooperation across divides.
• Legally registered, non-profit organization based and operating in one of the eligible countries—Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia;
• An unregistered grass-roots local initiative, informal group, and similar actors: You can apply through a coalition with an established, legally registered CSO that acts as the lead organization (the lead organization must submit the application and provide a signed Memorandum of Understanding defining partner roles and financial flows);

 

What this opportunity is not

This is not a project-specific grant. The CGP’s Core Programmatic Support Grant does not fund new standalone projects and/or initiatives. Instead, it focuses on the work that keeps your organization steady and credible—by supporting the work that’s often hardest to fund but most essential to achieve long-term impact.

 

Grant details

• Maximum amount: up to € 20,000;
• Duration: 12 months
• Disbursement: 80% upon signing the contract, 20% after submission and approval of a progress report (financial and narrative).
• At the end of the grant period, you will be required to submit a final narrative and financial report. The relevant reporting templates will be provided separately.

 

Timeline

• Call opens: November 17, 2025;
• Deadline: December 19, 2025 (5 PM CET);

 

How applications will be assessed

Submissions are evaluated across four areas:

1. Strategic fit with CGP’s objectives (30%);
2. Dialogue and bridge-building practice (35%);
3. Feasibility of the scope and proportionality of the proposed budget (25%);
4. Resilience and ethics (10%).

 

How to apply

The full application form—including instructions and the requested documents—can be found here: https://www.balkanfund.org/download/CGP-Application-Form-2025.pdf

Send your application form and application documents to [email protected] by 17:00 CET on December 19, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. The receipt of your application will be confirmed within 72 hours of submission.

If you have questions or concerns, please write to [email protected] with the subject line ‘Core Programmatic Support Grant 2026’.

 

About Common Ground Program

Common Ground Program is a regional initiative of the European Fund for the Balkans. It supports civil society organizations working to strengthen dialogue, solidarity, cooperation, and social cohesion across the Balkans. CGP helps local actors stay responsive, ensuring that civic space remains open, sustainable, inclusive, and democratic.

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FAQ | Core Programmatic Support Grants 2026

1) What is this grant?

Core programmatic support grant—up to €20,000 for 12 months—to maintain or strengthen an organization’s or a coalition’s ongoing programmatic and strategic work that bridges divides (expanding trust, dialogue, social cohesion).

2) Who is eligible?

Registered, non-profit CSOs headquartered and operating in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, or Serbia. Unregistered groups may apply only through a coalition led by a registered CSO (see Q5).

3) How much and for how long?

Amount: up to €20,000. Duration: 12 months. Disbursement:  80% at contract signing and 20% after submission and approval of the progress report (narrative and financial). At the end of the grant period, submission of the final financial report is required. The relevant reporting templates will be provided separately.

4) What can the grant pay for?

Core needs tied to your mission: 1) Staff (salaries essential to delivery); 2) Administration (rent, utilities, software, equipment); 3) Activities (consultants, training, translation/design/policy, travel/logistics, workshops/venues); 4) Contingency (up to 5%).

5) Can coalitions apply?

Yes. A registered lead CSO submits one application for the coalition and uploads the signed MoU(s) that define roles, responsibilities, and financial allocations. The lead holds legal/financial responsibility.

6) What evidence of past work is required?

Three examples from the last 18–24 months showing contributions to trust, dialogue, social cohesion, and/or cooperation across divides, with links/uploads. Explain the change achieved, who benefited, and the relevant external factors.

7) What due diligence documents are required?

Financial sustainability: 2-year financial forecast/summary (confirmed and forecasted income; planned fundraising; non-financial resources);

Debt-free proof: documents by tax authorities or applicable institution in your country confirming that the debt of your organization is less than 1.5 times the amount of cash your organization holds on hand (e.g. balance sheet, tax authorities confirmation);

Financial reports for the last two years;

Registration and statute; board (if applicable) and key staff list;

For coalitions: signed MoU(s) (single PDF with all MoUs).

8) What budget format is required?

Submit in Euro (€) using the CGP budget template in the application form (01 Staff / 02 Administration / 03 Activities / 04 Contingency). Keep lines and justifications concise and tied to core goals. Coalitions: one PDF from the lead, including separate partner sections.

9) Are staff salaries and overheads eligible?

Yes—when they are critical to mission delivery. Administration is allowed (no preset indirect-cost cap beyond prudent, well-justified budgeting). Contingency capped at 5%.

10) Can we include equipment or software?

Yes, under 02 Administration (Subscriptions, Licenses, Equipment) when directly tied to core programmatic/organizational resilience (brief justification required).

11) Can previously supported organizations apply?

Yes—prior EFB support does not preclude applying. Show fresh, concrete contributions and how core support will sustain and strengthen them.

12) How many applications per lead organization?

One application per lead organization.

13) What language should we use?

Kindly apply in English (the EFB's working language). Evidence materials can be in local languages, in which case they must be accompanied by an English description that provides context.

14) What is the 2026 timeline?

Call opens: November 17, 2025, Deadline for Applications: December 19, 2025, at 5:00 PM (CET); Selection announcement: early 2026.

15) How will we be notified about successful application submission and whether we were selected for the grant?

You will receive an email within 72 hours of submission of your application confirming your submission. Outcome notifications follow the final selection of grantees.

16) What reporting is required?

A progress report (financial and narrative) before disbursement of the final 20% of the grant; at the end of the grant period, you will be required to submit a final narrative and financial report. The relevant reporting templates will be provided separately. EFB may request a brief narrative reflection/learning note proportionate to the grant (more details about this in contracting).

17) Can funds be passed to partners or used for re-granting?

In coalitions, budgeted transfers to partners are aligned with the MoU(s); the lead remains responsible for compliance. Additional checks may apply for larger pass-throughs (you will be advised at contracting).

18) Where do we ask questions?

E-mail us at: [email protected] (subject: Core Programmatic Support Grant 2026).

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