Swiss PRO Programme published two new public calls with the aim of supporting local communities in mitigating the impacts of the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through these two public calls the Swiss Government will support with a total of EUR 435,000 up to 30 projects that increase access to social services for vulnerable social groups and enhance the lives of citizens living in substandard Roma settlements.
Up to 20 local governments will be supported to implement social service provision focused on mitigating the effects of COVID-19. The total value of this call is EUR 312,000 and the projects will have a minimum of 1000 beneficiaries, while implementation will last between 10 and 12 months, with an option of partnering with Social Work Centres.
The Public Call will remain open until 26 February 2021 and 96 towns and municipalities from the regions Šumadija and western Serbia and Southern and eastern Serbia from the II, III and IV development group, currently providing up to three social protection services in the local community, are eligible.
Another 10 local projects will be supported within the public call to support the response to COVID-19 consequences in substandard Roma settlements. The total value of this call is EUR 123,000 and the projects will improve access to rights and fundamental provisions for a minimum of 300 citizens, while the implementation will last between eight and ten months. Local governments will be eligible for application provided they are partnering with civil society organizations, while CSOs can apply individually as well.
This Public Call will also remain open until 26 February 2021 and 57 towns and municipalities from Šumadija, Western, Southern and Eastern Serbia that – according to Mapping of substandard Roma settlements – have at least one informal settlement in their respective territories with a minimum of 100 citizens are eligible, as are civil society organizations with a minimum of two years’ experience, especially in working on improving the status of the Roma minority.
To help all interested representatives of LGs and CSOs to learn all the details of the public call – including the project selection criteria and the eligible costs, the Swiss PRO Programme will organize online informative sessions. More information on conditions, ways to apply and info session dates for both public calls can be found at the Swiss PRO Programme website.