The European Union has launched a Call for Proposals for allocation of operational grants to civil society organisations’ networks in the enlargement countries. The programme’s purpose is to achieve: “A more dynamic civil society actively participating in public debate on democracy, human rights, social inclusion and the rule of law and with capacity to influence policy and decision making processes”.

This Call for Proposal aims to achieve this by promoting networking and formation of Umbrella organisations, networks and other CSOs serving all enlargement countries, representing the interests of the member CSOs at a regional level, by providing them with an operating grant. It does not concern organizations that have concluded a Framework Partnership Agreement with DG Enlargement for the period 2012 – 2016.

Organisations that wish to apply must be active at a regional level (have activities and members in at least four IPA Beneficiaries). National CSOs are not targeted by this programme. The purpose of an operating grant is to provide financial support towards the functioning of a body in its core activities – over a period that is equivalent to its accounting year – in order to carry out a set of activities.

The operating grants will be awarded to existing organisations and associations of CSOs who already are active in the Western Balkans and Turkey.

Full information available at Call for Proposals: Civil Society Facility, Operating Grants to IPA CSO Associations – Support to regional thematic associations