Open call: Grants for Social Enterprises and Organizations, Cooperatives, Entrepreneurs, and Companies with Positive Social Impact
BELGRADE, 25 August 2026 – Social enterprises and organizations, cooperatives, entrepreneurs, and companies with positive social impact in Serbia canapply for business development grants ranging from EUR 15,000 to EUR 22,500.
The call for proposals was published by Smart kolektiv, and applications are open until 30 September 2026 at 17:00. The call is implemented under the project “Invest for Change”, which is funded by the European Union and implemented by Impact Europe in partnership with Smart kolektiv and partners from the Western Balkans. This call is part of an innovative blended finance mechanism that Smart kolektiv is developing in partnership with the Sidro Foundation, within the Smart Impact Fund, with the aim of enabling social enterprises and other entities with social or environmental impact to access more diverse, innovative, and sustainable sources of financing.
EUR 160,000 has been allocated for the first cycle of the call, while the grant scheme as a whole plans to support up to 16 entities across two cycles, with a total of EUR 300,000.
The call is intended for entities with the potential to grow, develop, and increase their positive impact on society or the environment. Applications are particularly encouraged from entities that contribute to the employment of young people, women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable and underrepresented groups, as well as those developing sustainable and environmentally responsible solutions.
In addition to funding, all selected grant beneficiaries will receive tailored non-financial support, which may include mentoring, training, and other forms of support in line with their development needs.
Entities registered in Serbia that achieve measurable social and/or environmental impact may apply for the call, including entities with registered social entrepreneurship status, associations, foundations and endowments, cooperatives, entrepreneurs who keep business records (books), general partnerships, limited partnerships, and limited liability companies that meet the call’s requirements.
Achieving positive social or environmental impact is one of the key requirements of the call and must be an integral part of the applicant’s core business model, rather than merely a separate corporate social responsibility activity. Applicants must demonstrate that this impact is genuine and measurable.
Funds are awarded for development plans lasting up to 9 months, aimed at improving business operations and increasing positive impact on society or the environment, as well as promoting sustainable employment.
The deadline for submitting applications is 30 September 2026 at 17:00 CEST.
Detailed information on the application requirements, call documentation, the online information session, and further questions is available on the Smart kolektiv website.
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Views and opinions expressed are those of the Smart kolektiv only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor European Commission can be held responsible for them.
For more information about Smart kolektiv, visit www.smartkolektiv.org. For more information about the European Union, visit www.europa.rs.
