Kosovo 2.0, along with the partners in Reporting Diversity Network 2.0, has opened a call for project applications aiming to counter hate speech and improve representation of diversity.

The call is opened as part of the Reporting Diversity Network 2.0 project and is established with the objective to effectively influence media representation of ethnicity, religion and gender in the Western Balkans. RDN 2.0 aims to activate the role of civil society in countering the narratives of division and replacing them with much needed positive discourse contributing to the value of good neighbouring relations and respect for social diversity.

The overall objective of the call for proposals is to increase the effectiveness of CSOs in interacting with media in order to reduce perpetuation of stereotypes and negative images of the others. 

The specific objectives of the call for proposals are: 

1. To strengthen the position of local CSOs in safeguarding their beneficiaries’ rights in the media; 
2. To provide opportunities for local CSOs to influence public perceptions; 
3. To increase the number and quality of messages conveyed to the audience; 
4. To improve the visibility and media presence of women and minority rights’ issues; 
5. To raise awareness and contribute to positive perceptions of others, tolerance and inclusion in the region.

Types of actions that are eligible for funding (the list is open and might include other project activities as long as they contribute to the above-mentioned objectives): 

•  Advocacy and awareness-raising campaigns; 
•  Production of media content; 
•  Creation of campaigns countering hateful narratives in the public sphere; 
•  Creation of specific web-portals enabling citizens’ inputs, access to information and public debate; 
•  Consultations, roundtables and meetings with local stakeholders; 
•  Facilitating policy dialogue with stakeholders (e.g. political parties, local officials, expert community, media). 

All activities must take place in Kosovo.

The project timeframe is of maximum six months. 

The overall budget for the programme is 27,500 EUR. As envisaged by the programme, Kosovo 2.0 will support 5 projects. Each project can apply for between 3,000 EUR and 8,000 EUR.

CSOs responding to this call must meet the following criteria:

• that they are registered with the Department for the Registration of Nongovernmental Organizations of the Ministry of Public Administration and that they have settled all legal obligations;
• have experience in the field of representation of diversity and/or hate speech;
• be directly responsible for the project preparation and management;
• that their bank account is not blocked;
• that they are not beneficiaries of the funds of the European Commission Civil Society Facility and Media Programme 2018-2019, budget lines: BGUE-B2018-22.020401 and BGUE-B2019-22.020401;

Organizations can submit only one project proposal under this Program as an applicant or as a partner.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of civil society organisations, such as grassroot organisations, members of the larger-scale networks acting nationally or regionally, or media established as CSOs.

Partnership with local media will be considered as an advantage.

A one-day training regarding the rules and procedures for the implementation of EU grants will be organized for selected grant recipients. The training will cover topics such as project management, visibility rules, and financial reporting.

In addition, selected CSOs will be provided with mentoring support to assist them in conducting creative media campaigns to raise public awareness as well as in managing project activities.

The deadline for the submission of applications is February 21, by 17:00.

Please submit your applications, including application form, budget, proof of registration and tax verification at: <[email protected]>

If you have additional questions please contact <[email protected]> by February 7.

Feature image: Reporting Diversity Network 2.0 (RDN 2.0)

This program is realized as part of the regional project “Reporting Diversity Network 2.0”, with the financial support of the European Union, Balkan Trust for Democracy, a project of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Belgrade.