As part of the EU4Dialogue – Phase II project, a series of regional training workshops is being organized to strengthen the capacities of local civil society organizations to develop high-quality project proposals and successfully participate in the newly launched Call for Proposals.

Funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the project supports locally led initiatives that contribute to conflict transformation by improving living conditions, strengthening human security, promoting social cohesion, and increasing the resilience of conflict-affected border communities in Armenia.

The capacity-building programme is implemented by Corner Business Platform and is designed to equip potential applicants with the practical knowledge and skills needed to prepare competitive, results-oriented grant applications.

To date, five regional workshops have been conducted in Shirak, Tavush, Ararat, Vayots Dzor, and Gegharkunik, bringing together 83 participants representing approximately 75 civil society organizations. Three additional workshops will be held in Armavir and Syunik, complemented by a dedicated online questions-and-answers session.

The workshops combine theoretical knowledge with practical exercises and interactive group work. Participants are introduced to the objectives of the EU4Dialogue Phase II project and the grant programme, while also strengthening their skills in project design, needs and problem analysis, logical framework development, budgeting, sustainability planning, and proposal writing.

Special attention is given to conflict sensitivity, the "Do No Harm" approach, inclusive participation, gender equality, community engagement, and social cohesion. Working in multidisciplinary groups, participants develop project concepts, receive technical feedback from experts, and learn how to transform community needs into practical and impactful interventions.

Beyond the workshops themselves, participating organizations receive access to individual coaching and mentoring, enabling them to further refine their project concepts, improve proposal quality, and strengthen their applications before submission.

Participant feedback highlights the practical value of the programme.

"The training provided a clear understanding of how to transform an idea into a well-developed project proposal. The topics were highly practical, and the trainers delivered the material in an engaging and professional manner through interactive exercises and real-life examples. The knowledge gained will be extremely valuable in our future work," noted Lusik Aghababyan, Director of the Tavush Foundation.

Gevorg Margaryan, President of the Ararat Youth Initiatives Center NGO, emphasized that the training helped participants better understand the programme objectives, the application requirements, and the practical tools needed to prepare strong proposals. He particularly appreciated the trainers' professional approach and the opportunity to receive detailed answers to participants' questions.

The training programme forms an important part of the EU4Dialogue Phase II support package, ensuring that local organizations are not only informed about funding opportunities but are also equipped with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to design sustainable, community-driven initiatives that respond to local priorities and contribute to long-term peacebuilding and resilience.

The Call for Proposals supports grassroots initiatives in Armenia's priority border communities of Ararat, Armavir (Margara), Gegharkunik, Shirak (Akhurik), Syunik, Tavush, and Vayots Dzor, with grants ranging from USD 23,000 to USD 90,000. Through this initiative, the European Union and UNDP continue to empower local civil society as a key partner in promoting inclusive development, human security, and sustainable peace.