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Photo by Atdhe Mulla courtesy of Kosovo 2.0.
Kosovo 2.0 works to strengthen the practice of journalism in Kosovo.
Western Balkans
Goal: Advance a peaceful, democratic, and European Western Balkans
The countries of the Western Balkans are still in the process of transformation to truly democratic societies where institutions of governance are transparent, accountable, and responsive, and citizens are empowered and assertive. Some reforms have been achieved, civil society is active, and citizens are more engaged, but many challenges remain. The obstacles reflect the legacy of conflict and unresolved tensions between countries and communities that must be addressed to realize justice, equality, and peace for all people in the region.
Strategies
- Supporting efforts to improve transparency and accountability in governance.
- Strengthening constituencies for reconciliation and enduring peace.
- Advancing sustainable development, climate action, and healthy environment.
- Read the Full Guidelines
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The Rockefeller Brothers Fund (RBF) supports efforts of civil society groups, governmental institutions, and other partners to strengthen democratic practice, advance reconciliation and durable peace, enable sustainable development, address climate change, and promote a European future for the Western Balkans. The Fund values the richness of the region’s ethnic, gender, age, cultural, and racial diversity and promotes pluralistic and inclusive societies. It supports efforts at the regional, national, and local levels, including grassroots engagement and movement building.
The RBF has been engaged in grantmaking in the Western Balkans since 2001, building on 20 years of prior experience in Central and Eastern Europe. The Fund’s work is predicated on the belief that long-term peace and prosperity in Europe can only be achieved with successful post-communist and post-conflict transformations of the countries of the Balkans. Situated physically and politically between global powers, the region will continue to play a significant role in global affairs and security for many years to come.
The Fund focuses on Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The interdependence among these countries, the common challenges they face, and the potential they share as a subregion within Europe present a unique opportunity for successful transformation, integration, and long-term peace and prosperity.
RBF grantmaking in the Western Balkans aims to nurture healthy democratic processes, support regional initiatives to debunk persistent myths and prejudices, and encourage the development of a vibrant civil society in the region. In today’s unstable world, such progress in the Balkans is important for the region, for Europe, and to improve the prospects for global peace.
The Fund prioritizes support for organizations in the Western Balkans.
Program Team
Program Director
Program Associate
What We Fund
The Western Balkans program maintains long-term funding partnerships, leaving minimal resources available for unsolicited grant applicants. Most grantee organizations are based in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Serbia; organizations based elsewhere are unlikely to receive funding through this program. By law, the RBF cannot provide funds earmarked for lobbying—including, but not limited to, the drafting of model legislation or advocacy concerning a specific legislative proposal—in the United States or internationally. We do not fund scholarship or fellowship programs, and by law cannot make grants to individuals. Read more about What We Fund.