Belgrade, 13 July 2026 - Within the Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3), 21 civil society organization projects have been selected to receive financial support of the European Union and partner local governments. The supported initiatives will be implemented in Aranđelovac, Vranje, Vrnjačka Banja, Ćuprija, and Šabac, and will focus on improving citizens’ quality of life, social inclusion, education, environmental protection, sustainable development, youth activism, and strengthening local communities. 

In Aranđelovac, selected initiatives will contribute to improving the accessibility of facilities for persons with disabilities, enhancing support for families of children with disabilities, promoting inclusive tourism and cultural heritage, and empowering young people from vulnerable groups. 

In Vranje, funding will be provided for initiatives aimed at preventing student dropout from the education system, fostering youth entrepreneurship and local activism, applying innovative methods of working with children through music and breathing techniques, and improving the position of children with autism and their families. 

In Vrnjačka Banja, support will be given to initiatives focused on improving youth mental health, applying artificial intelligence in education, enhancing accessibility for persons with disabilities, developing young people’s knowledge of the gaming industry and entrepreneurship, and promoting sustainable development through research into the use of renewable energy sources. 

In Ćuprija, projects will be implemented to encourage citizen-led noise monitoring and public health protection, support the digital transformation in education, preserve cultural and historical heritage, and promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities and individuals living with chronic fatigue syndrome. 

In Šabac, supported initiatives will focus on strengthening community resilience and supporting persons with disabilities in crisis situations, improving the quality of life of people living with multiple sclerosis, promoting responsible pet ownership and addressing the issue of stray dogs, as well as encouraging sustainable tourism and environmental protection. 

More information about the selected initiatives can be found HERE.

All initiatives were selected through a Public Call for Civil Society Organizations launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) within the ReLOaD3 project.

ReLOaD3 is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by UNDP.