From December 5th to 7th, 2025, the comprehensive capacity-building training “Developing Efficient Project Proposals” for the Barabar Grassroot Network (BGN) was successfully completed, significantly enhancing the skills of grassroots actors across Kosovo. Designed to strengthen project development, management, and fundraising capacities, the program focused on helping participants efficiently translate local needs into well-structured project proposals and secure the financial support necessary to implement them. These competencies are essential for building a resilient and effective civic sector that can respond to community challenges with sustainable, impactful solutions.
Organized by Integra and the Center for Affirmative Social Actions (CASA) under The BIG Project – Barabar Initiative (Going) Grassroot, supported by the European Union in Kosovo, the training gathered CSOs, women activists, and artists from across the BGN network. Over three intensive days, participants engaged in hands-on learning sessions covering community needs and problem analysis, defining project objectives, understanding the logical framework approach, and budgeting essentials for small-scale initiatives. They also learned about project implementation in accordance with EU rules and procedures, as well as key principles of effective fundraising, further strengthening their ability to design and deliver impactful grassroots actions. Participants then worked in groups to prepare project concepts, work plans, and draft budgets, applying new tools and knowledge directly into practice.
The collaborative energy, creativity, and commitment shown by participants highlighted the importance of such targeted capacity-building efforts. By developing stronger competencies in planning, managing, and financing grassroots initiatives, the BGN network is now better equipped to design and implement community-driven projects that lead to positive societal change.
The conclusion of this training also marks the end of Phase 2 of The BIG project, the capacity-building phase. With this milestone achieved, the project will now transition into Phase 3, which focuses on the practical application of the knowledge and skills gained. This next phase includes the creation and implementation of local actions through sub-granting schemes, as well as the active participation of BGN members in policymaking processes at the central level. As the program moves forward, BGN members stand ready to apply their strengthened capacities to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
