Civica Mobilitas partnership action grants awarded

The Civica Mobilitas Grants Selection Committee evaluated the submitted applications and awarded nine grants that will be implemented by a total of 30 organizations (the list of applicants and their partners is provided at the end of the text).

Through this call, Civica Mobilitas responds to the socio-economic and energy crisis in the country. These crises have led to a significant increase in polarization in society due to various factors. Although the Government provides financial support for economically vulnerable groups, the public education system, healthcare system, and public enterprises, state funding and overall support for civil society organizations remain minimal or non-existent. Therefore, these actions support civil society organizations that will work on issues related to polarization, the financial crisis (budget deficit), and the energy crisis.

The projects will include activities aimed at depolarizing public discourse, a prerequisite for constructive dialogue to build healthy and accountable institutions; assessing anti-crisis measures for vulnerable citizen groups and the most affected companies; and improving access to healthcare services for socially vulnerable citizens. Some projects will assess the energy efficiency of public/municipal buildings in four target municipalities (Berovo, Pehčevo, Debar, and Struga) and propose evidence-based measures and solutions. Budget spending by the state and municipalities, affected by the economic crisis (inflation, stagnation, and energy crisis), will also be monitored for its impact on citizens. Additionally, activities will focus on preventing and protecting against discrimination, promoting social inclusion, and ensuring equality.

The supported actions will be implemented at the national level. Grantees are from seven regions: Skopje, Eastern, Southwestern, Pelagonia, Northeastern, Polog, and Vardar regions.

The call, which was open until November 11, 2022, received 75 applications from a total of 229 civil society organizations. Of these, 66 met the administrative criteria and were forwarded to the Committee.

Awarded Organizations and Their Projects:

Institute of Social and Human Sciences, Skopje in collaboration with the Institute for Media and Analytics IMA Skopje, the Balkan Institute for Regional Cooperation BIRC Tetovo, and Life with Challenges Bitola with the project “From Depolarization to Democratic, Stable, and Inclusive Institutions: Civil Society Contribution.”
Finance Think – Institute for Economic Research and Policy, Skopje in collaboration with the Association for Rural Development Local Action Group Agro Leader Krivogaštani and Rural Coalition Kičevo with the project “Monitoring, Evaluation, and Proposals for Anti-Crisis Measures in a Tight Budget Environment.”
Association for Democratic Initiatives Gostivar in collaboration with Equal Development Solutions Skopje and NGO Pulse of Democracy Kumanovo with the project “Contributing to Public Debate and Mitigating the Economic Crisis Effects.”
Association of Medical Specialists ZLS Skopje in collaboration with Preventus Association for Health Prevention and Social Protection Skopje and European Medical Student Association of Macedonia with the project “You Matter Too!”
Initiative for Social Change – InSok Skopje in collaboration with the Center for Social Integration and Personal Development Skopje and Integra Nau Skopje with the project “Civil Society Coalition – Forum of Small Communities in the Republic of North Macedonia.”
Regional Center for Forestry and Rural Development Skopje in collaboration with Institute for Green Policy and Development Berovo, Natura Struga, and the Center for Sustainable Community Development Debar with the project “Management for Energy-Efficient Municipalities.”
Center for Civic Communications CGC Skopje in collaboration with Association of Tax Advisors of Macedonia Skopje and Center for Active Citizens Aktivo Veles with the project “Effects of the Financial and Energy Crisis on Policies and Citizens.”
Coalition for Sexual and Health Rights of Marginalized Communities MARGINI Skopje in collaboration with Helsinki Committee for Human Rights Skopje, Local Action Group Vardar Leader Gradsko, and Macedonian Young Lawyers Association MYLA Skopje with the project “Visible, United, and Vocal – Action for Equality and Non-Discrimination through Participation and Multisectoral Collaboration.”
Forum – Center for Strategic Research and Documentation Skopje in collaboration with Impetus – Center for Internet, Development, and Good Governance Skopje and Center for European Development and Integration Bitola with the project “Youth Activism Against Corruption.”