PeaceNexus (PN) is inviting civil society organisations in the Western Balkans to apply for tailored organisational strengthening support aimed at bridging ethnic divides, fostering trust, and supporting responsible approaches to dealing with the past.
This call is designed for organisations that are navigating increasing pressure, uncertainty, and hostility, and are ready to adapt internally to remain impactful while contributing to sustainable peace and social cohesion in the region.
Geographic Focus
Applicants must work in one or more of the following countries:
- Albania
- Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Croatia
- Kosovo
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Serbia
Applications from Serbia are particularly encouraged.
Why This Call?
Civil society actors across the Western Balkans have long been central to promoting peaceful, democratic change. Today, many organisations face:
- Heightened political and social pressure
- Shrinking civic space and hostility toward social change
- Increasing challenges in addressing ethnic divisions and contested pasts
PeaceNexus aims to support brave, forward-looking organisations at this critical moment by offering breathing space, strategic accompaniment, and resources to strengthen internal capacities and sustain long-term impact.
Types of Support Available
PeaceNexus offers process-oriented support, not project or core funding, through two complementary pathways:
1. Organisational Development (OD) Support
For organisations whose primary mission focuses on:
- Peacebuilding, reconciliation, and dealing with the past
- Transforming societal divisions
- Strengthening internal structures, leadership, and strategy
2. Conflict Sensitivity (CS) Support
For organisations that:
- Do not primarily work on reconciliation
- Want to integrate conflict-sensitive approaches into their broader mandate
- Aim to bridge divides and build interethnic trust through their existing work
In both pathways, PeaceNexus works in partnership with selected organisations to address internal challenges that limit effectiveness and long-term sustainability.
What Does the Support Include?
Non-Financial Support
- Close accompaniment by two PeaceNexus staff members
- Ongoing access to OD and conflict sensitivity expertise
- Tailored guidance, reflection, and strategic support throughout the partnership
- Sounding-board support and adaptive learning as contexts evolve
Financial Support
- Small grants of CHF 15,000–40,000 per year
- Funds may be used for:
- External expertise and consultants
- Facilitation and meeting costs
- Capacity development and organisational processes
- Up to 20% of the grant may cover overhead costs
- Grant size depends on organisational size and geographic reach (larger grants for regional entities)
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be a civil society organisation, foundation, network, or intergovernmental/multilateral organisation
- Operate in at least one eligible Western Balkan country
- Already contribute to social cohesion, or intend to do so in the near future
- Be ready to lead and invest time in an internal strengthening process
- Confirm that their activities do not violate the USA PATRIOT Act (18 U.S.C. §2339B)
Application Process
The application consists of two parts:
- Organisational Profile Form
- Expression of Interest (Word document) aligned with the chosen support area (OD or CS)
Before applying, applicants must:
- Carefully read the Overview of the Call
- Review the relevant concept note:
- Organisational Development (OD)
- Conflict Sensitivity (CS)
- Download and develop the appropriate Expression of Interest with their team
Applications are submitted via the “Apply to the Western Balkans Call” page on the PeaceNexus website.
Deadline
8 February 2026 23:59 CET
Why Apply?
This opportunity is ideal for organisations that want to:
- Strengthen internal resilience and adaptability
- Navigate complex political and social environments
- Build trust across divides and contribute to lasting peace
- Receive hands-on, tailored support, not just funding
If your organisation is ready to invest in internal change to sustain external impact, this PeaceNexus call offers a rare and meaningful opportunity.
For more information: Click Here