Deadline Date: February 28, 2026
The Western Balkans Fund (WBF) offers a unique opportunity for civil society organizations (CSOs) to expand their initiatives through the Matching Grants Scheme, fostering regional and international cooperation across the WB6 region.
The Matching Grants Scheme focuses on three key priority areas: Cultural Cooperation, Education and Scientific Exchange, and Sustainable Development. The scheme aims to strengthen regional collaboration, amplify voices of civil society, and foster mutual understanding across borders. It is designed to support projects that contribute to the WBF’s strategic goals, promoting shared values and dialogue among the six Western Balkan countries. Grants of up to €10,000 are available under the scheme, which can cover up to 50% of the total eligible project costs. The remaining 50% must come from co-funding, sourced from other donors. Projects must last between two to four months, and the activities must occur within the WB6 region. Importantly, at least two partners from different WBF Contracting Parties are required for each project.
The WBF Matching Grants Scheme is open to civil society organizations, public bodies, educational institutions, media associations, business or cultural institutions, and NGOs within the WB6 region. It encourages regional partnerships and aims to elevate local projects into regional and international collaborations. The scheme’s primary objective is to ensure that initiatives align with the WBF’s mission to promote cooperation and mutual understanding. Applicants must complete the application form available on the WBF website, which provides detailed guidelines. There are no specific deadlines for applications, but the WBF encourages early submissions to allow adequate processing time. Applications are evaluated quarterly, with results announced after each season.
Eligible applicants must be legal, non-profit entities based in the WB6 region, with a demonstrated ability to manage donor-funded or regional projects. Applicants must also secure co-funding for the remaining 50% of the project cost. It is important that the project has not been funded or previously rejected by the Western Balkans Fund.
For more information, visit Western Balkans Fund.
