As part of the Stronger Ys project, YMCA Moldova organized the “EU FUNDING LAB” activity, corresponding to budget line 2.3.2 – Training of other civil society actors. The session took place in the municipality of Ungheni, approximately 110 km from Chișinău, and was hosted by the Ungheni District Youth Center.

The selection of the Ungheni district for this activity was strategically significant. The district comprises approximately 70 localities and is situated on the border between the Republic of Moldova and Romania—and, by extension, the European Union. This location offers civil society organizations and local initiatives significant potential for developing partnerships and leveraging European and cross-border funding opportunities. At the same time, local NGOs—particularly those in rural communities—require enhanced capacity to identify funding opportunities and translate community needs into viable projects.

Young leaders and representatives of civil society organizations from the district were invited to the event. With the support of local expert Tatiana Marian and a facilitator, YMCA Moldova conducted an intensive four-hour training module focused on the entire project cycle. Participants explored methods for identifying and researching community needs, formulating project ideas, developing objectives and activities, and identifying relevant funding opportunities, as well as the fundamentals of project implementation, monitoring, and reporting.

Particular attention was paid to how local organizations can identify and analyze funding opportunities, including European and cross-border programs and grants. The session also addressed aspects of project promotion and communication, the visibility of results, and the importance of building sustainable partnerships. The practical and interactive format enabled participants to discuss their own needs and ideas and link them to potential funding opportunities.

Through EU FUNDING LAB, YMCA Moldova aims to strengthen the capacity of local civil society actors to mobilize resources, develop better-structured projects, and create new opportunities for young people and women in their communities. The experience and approach employed in this initiative were also shared during international discussions in Nairobi as an example of building the capacity of local organizations and connecting them to external funding opportunities.

The EU FUNDING LAB activity was carried out as part of the project “Stronger Ys – Strengthening YMCA/YWCA Movements in Europe, Palestine and Africa,” implemented with the financial support of YWCA-YMCA of Sweden and Sida – the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. This activity was conducted with the financial support of YWCA-YMCA of Sweden and Sida. YWCA-YMCA of Sweden and Sida do not necessarily share the views and interpretations expressed. Responsibility for the content lies entirely with the author.