The Response Hub: Social Urgency Grants

The Response Hub: Social Urgency Grants is sponsored by European Fund for the Balkans. Designed for moments of high-stakes transition or crisis, these grants support rapid interventions in response to sudden social, political, or environmental developments in the Western Balkans.

Designed for moments of high-stakes transition or crisis. Support rapid interventions in response to sudden social, political, or environmental developments. Max Budget Up to EUR 7,000 Review time Within 72 business hours 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.

### 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.

These are the direct costs necessary for the implementation of the proposed activities. All costs must be reasonable, justified, and occur within the project period. Here is a list are some of the eligible costs: * **Human Resources**- Gross salaries, honoraria, and consultancy fees for project staff, experts, or community mobilizers.

* **Logistics & Events**- Rental of venues, catering for participants, interpretation services, and printing of materials. * **Equipment**- Purchase of technical tools (laptops, cameras, microphones, etc.) only if they are essential to the specific project goals (e.g., an Innovation Grant for a media pilot). * **Travel & Networking**- Economy-class travel, local transport, modest accommodation, and per diems for activists or experts.

* **Direct Activity Materials**- Small supplies, tools for environmental actions, or materials for street performances/protests. * **Fiscal Host Fee**- Up to 7% of the direct project subtotal to cover the administrative overhead of a partner organization. The following costs cannot be covered by Response Hub funds.

* **Retroactive Costs**- Any expenses incurred before the grant agreement is signed or after the project deadline. * **Debt & Interest**- Payment of interest on loans, debt service charges, or late payment penalties (e.g., late fees on utility bills). * **Currency Exchange Losses**- Financial losses caused by the fluctuation of local currencies against the Euro.

* **Fines & Legal Penalties**- Payment of court fines, traffic tickets, or legal penalties resulting from illegal activities or protests (even if the protest was the core activity). * **Re-granting**- Using the funds to provide grants or cash prizes to third parties. * **Alcohol & Luxury Items**- Expenditure on alcohol, tobacco, or luxury entertainment.

* **Capital Investments (Real Estate)**- Purchase of land, buildings, or major construction/renovation of office spaces. * **Political Party Funding**- Any direct or indirect contribution to a political party or the campaign of an individual candidate for office. * **Religious Proselytizing**- Activities intended to promote a specific religion or religious doctrine.

* **Double Funding**- Costs that are already covered by another donor or project. * **Individual Profit**- Any cost that results in a direct financial profit for the members of the initiative rather than the social mission. * **Conflict of Interest**- Costs that are envisioned for organizations, companies and individuals linked with the applicant in terms of membership, ownership or kinship.

**Notice:** "The EFB reserves the right to request proof of purchase (receipts/invoices) for all eligible costs and may ask for the removal of any cost deemed unnecessary or ineligible during the budget negotiation phase." ### The "Rapid" Review Process **Rolling Deadline:** Applications are welcome year-round and reviewed as they arrive. **Language:** We accept applications in English.

You are welcome to write in your local language and use an online tool for translation. **Decision:** Decisions are made by an Independent Selection Committee. Applications for this open call are reviewed within 72 business hours.

* **1. Applicant Profile & Values Fit (15%)**Ensures mission alignment with EFB principles. High scores for non-discriminatory track records, solidarity, environmental responsibility, and inclusive decision-making.

We want your "DNA" to match the democratic future we aim to build. * **2. Relevance & Urgency (25%)**Evaluates the understanding of the specific challenge and why it requires immediate intervention.

We look for a decisive "window of opportunity" and a deep connection between the action and local crisis. Waiting must not be an option. * **3.

Visibility & Citizen Engagement (20%)**Strategy for mobilizing the community and fighting apathy. Your initiative should turn passive observers into active participants through creative, physical, or strategic online engagement. * **4.

Consistency & Action Logic (20%)**Assess whether the plan is realistic and budget justified. We look for a logical "If/Then" connection between activities and results, a feasible timeline, and efficient resource use. * **5.

Result & Impact (20%)**Tangible change created (e.g., blocking an unjust law, testing a new tool). We value the "multiplier effect"—actions that inspire others and how EFB serves as a strategic partner beyond financial support. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed in the order received until all available funding has been allocated or until September 3, 2026, whichever comes first.