ReLOaD3 builds upon the success of previous programme phases, which have supported local communities across the Western Balkans since 2017. The programme is implemented by UNDP in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo*, North Macedonia, and Serbia, with financial support from the European Union.

The third phase of the programme commenced on February 1, 2025, and over the next four years, it aims to strengthen partnerships between local self-governments (LSGs) and civil society across the Western Balkans. The programme focuses on developing and expanding a transparent approach to financing non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from local government budgets to address common community needs. More information is available here.

ReLOaD3 invites local self-governments in Montenegro to express their interest in participating in the programme's implementation. Selected clusters of local self-governments will receive technical support to adopt a transparent, development-oriented, and project-based approach to financing NGOs and programmes that address the needs of citizens and youth. This process will contribute to strengthening participatory democracy and EU integration in the Western Balkans while empowering citizens, the NGO sector, and youth to take a more active role in local decision-making processes, fostering a more supportive environment.

Application Submission and Deadlines

Applicants must adhere to the format of the Application Form and submit the required information and necessary documentation accordingly. The form must be completed in the local language. LS clusters are required to submit mandatory and supporting documentation as part of the application package, including the Application Form (Annex 1), Letter of Intent (Annex 3), and supporting documentation. Annexes 1 and 2 must be submitted jointly for all LSs within the cluster—one Application Form and one Letter of Intent, containing data and endorsements from all LSs in the cluster. All documents must be properly completed, signed, and certified in accordance with the requirements of each respective form.

The Application Form and Letter of Intent must be submitted in one (1) original printed version and one electronic version (USB), while supporting documentation is submitted only in electronic form (USB) in a sealed envelope via registered mail, private courier service, or in person to the following address:

United Nations Development Programme in Montenegro - UNDP Montenegro
Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3)
UN Eco Building
Stanka Dragojevića bb
81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Applications must be submitted to UNDP by Tuesday, May 13, 2025, on working days between 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

Application guidelines and additional information are available here.
The Letter of Intent can be downloaded here.
The Application Form can be downloaded here.

Info Days for Public Call Presentation to Local Self-Governments

Information sessions will be organized as follows:

• Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at the UNDP office, Bulevar Ivana Crnojevića 99, Podgorica (next to Ziraat Bank, 4th floor), for local self-government units from the Central region.

• Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at Hotel Berane, Berane, for local self-government units from the Northern region.

• Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at Hotel Splendid, for local self-government units from the Southern region.

For additional information and clarifications, LSGs may contact UNDP Montenegro via email at reloadgrants.me@undp.org, with "ReLOaD3 Programme" as the subject line. Questions can be submitted up to three working days before the application deadline. Responses will be provided in writing within two working days of receipt.

* For UNDP all references to Kosovo shall be understood in the context of the UN Resolution 1244/1999.