The Response Hub: Innovation Grants

The Response Hub: Innovation Grants is sponsored by European Fund for the Balkans. Meant for "R&D" within the civic sector, these grants provide space to pilot, test, and iterate new ideas in the Western Balkans.

**_Whether you are on the frontlines of a sudden social crisis, looking to test a bold new idea, or simply trying to keep your organization running through a difficult stretch, we have designed this instrument with you in mind.

The Response Hub reflects our belief that civil society in the Western Balkans deserves funding that moves at the speed of real life, flexible, and responsive to the full range of challenges that civic groups, local initiatives, media, and movements face every day. Five grant categories are now open, and we can't wait to hear from you.

_** The Response Hub is a flexible financial instrument established by the European Fund for the Balkans (EFB) under the Engaged Democracy Initiative (EDI). We provide micro-financial and non-financial support to civic groups, local initiatives, media and movements in the Western Balkans to empower their claim for accountable institutions, democratic processes, and the protection of the public interest.

The focus area of the organizations, initiatives and individuals need to be in one of the EDI thematic areas: Human Rights, Environment, Media, Public Spaces, Decent Work. #### **A. Social Urgency Grants (Up to EUR 7,000)** These grants are designed for moments of high-stakes transition or crisis.

They support rapid interventions in response to sudden social, political, or environmental developments where a fast reaction can steer public discourse, prevent the rollback of rights, or seize a unique window of opportunity for policy change.

Whether it is a flash protest against illegal construction, an emergency advocacy campaign against a snap legislative change, or mobilizing a community in the wake of a local crisis, these funds are deployed to ensure civic voices are not silenced by the speed of events. Learn more & apply:https://www. balkanfund.

org/applications/response-hub-social-urgency #### **B. Organizational Urgency Grants (Up to EUR 700)** Local activism is often hindered by the "boring" costs of survival. This category provides a lifeline for organizations facing a temporary short-term crisis that threatens their daily operations.

These funds are intended to cover essential "core" costs, such as electricity, heating, internet, or rent, that have become impossible to meet due to funding gaps or unforeseen financial pressure. By covering these "boring" but vital expenses, we ensure that the organization can keep its doors open and its focus on its mission. _Note: Available once per calendar year, and a limited number of grants will be provided.

_ Learn more & apply:https://www. balkanfund. org/applications/response-hub-organizational-urgency #### **C.

Innovation Grants (Up to EUR 5,000)** Have you identified a new way to reach citizens or a digital tool that could revolutionize local transparency? Innovation grants are meant for "R&D" within the civic sector. They provide the space to pilot, test, and iterate new ideas over a maximum period of 6 months.

These grants are not for "business as usual" activities; they are for experimentation. Learn more & apply:https://www. balkanfund.

org/applications/response-hub-innovation #### **D. Travel Grants (Up to EUR 1,500)** Democracy thrives on solidarity and the exchange of knowledge. Travel grants enable activists and group members to step out of their local silos and engage with the broader regional or international community.

Eligible costs include travel, accommodation, and participation fees for conferences, high-level advocacy meetings (e.g., in Brussels or regional capitals), and specialized training workshops. These grants aim to build the social capital of movements by connecting them with peers and decision-makers. Learn more & apply:https://www.

balkanfund. org/applications/response-hub-travel #### **E. Organizational Development Grants (Up to EUR 2,000)** Learn more & apply:https://www.

balkanfund. org/applications/response-hub-organizational-development ### **ELIGIBILITY & FINANCIALS** * Target Region - Western Balkans 6 (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia) and regional networks. * Applicant Type - Formal NGOs or informal movements.

* Informal groups may use a Fiscal Host (registered NGO) or be paid via Consultancy Contracts. * Financial Terms - All grant amounts are GROSS. Applicants must factor in all applicable local taxes and bank fees within their requested budget.

* Fiscal Host Fee: If an informal group uses a fiscal host, a maximum admin fee of 7% of the total grant is eligible to cover the host’s administrative/accounting costs. * Language - we accept applications in English. Feel free to write in the local language and translate with an online tool.

We will not be checking your grammar. ### **THE "RAPID" REVIEW PROCESS** * Rolling Deadline - Applications are welcome any time throughout the year, while the last deadline in a year is September 3, 2026. * Decision Time - Social Urgency (Cat.

A): Within 48 business hours. * All other categories: Within 15 days. * Selection - Decisions are made by an Independent Selection Committee.