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 support is intended for the set-up of a new standardized social protection service that is currently not being provided, expanding the reach of existing social protection services to a higher number of beneficiaries, or piloting innovative social protection services. Project proposals developed on the basis of conducted vulnerable group needs assessments relative to COVID-19 impact consequences and projects establishing inter-municipal cooperation and an intersectoral approach will be awarded additional points.
 
The Public Call will remain open until 26 February 2021 and 96 towns and municipalities from Šumadija, Western, Southern and Eastern Serbia from the 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th 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.

The support is intended for enhanced implementation of participation policies and practices for citizens living in substandard Roma settlements, through improving access to health care services and better sanitary conditions, supporting children in education, professional orientation training for people under 30, improved safety at work, support to the recovery of living conditions and income generation, as well as raising awareness on COVID-19 and encouraging changes in behaviour.

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.

More information on conditions, ways to apply and info session dates for both public calls can be found at the Swiss PRO Programme website.