Deadline: 15-Sep-2026
The Small Project Regional Grants support civil society organisations in the Karlovy Vary and Pilsen regions of the Czech Republic to strengthen democracy, human rights, and community engagement. Grants range from €2,000 to €5,000 for 6-month projects, with no co-financing required. The programme prioritises inclusion, civic participation, and support for disadvantaged groups through local civil society action.
What are Small Project Regional Grants?
The Small Project Regional Grants are part of the EEA Civil Society Fund and are designed to strengthen local civil society organisations (CSOs) in specific regions of the Czech Republic.
They aim to:
- Strengthen democratic values and rule of law
- Improve human rights protection and equality
- Support civic participation at the local level
- Build resilient and capable civil society organisations
- Address regional social challenges through community action
The programme is specifically focused on the Karlovy Vary and Pilsen Regions.
Key Objectives of the Programme
Democracy and Civic Participation
- Strengthen democratic values and institutions
- Increase CSO participation in public decision-making
- Encourage active civic engagement
Human Rights and Social Inclusion
- Promote human rights protection
- Support anti-discrimination initiatives
- Strengthen social justice and equality
Gender Equality and Inclusion
- Support LGBTIQ+ rights
- Promote sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)
- Advance gender equality initiatives
Media Literacy and Information Integrity
- Improve access to reliable information
- Strengthen media literacy skills
- Counter misinformation and polarization
Environmental and Climate Action
- Support environmental protection
- Promote climate action initiatives
- Encourage just green transition activities
Organisational Development
- Strengthen CSO internal capacity
- Improve sustainability and operational effectiveness
- Build stronger local organisational structures
Funding Details
- Total programme budget: €51,558
- Grant size: €2,000–€5,000 per project
- Project duration: 6 months
- Co-financing: Not required
- Geographic scope: Karlovy Vary and Pilsen Regions (Czech Republic)
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must meet ALL conditions:
Legal Status
- Non-profit civil society organisations registered in the Czech Republic
Registration Requirement
- At least 1 year of registration history
Eligible Organisation Types
- Associations
- Registered institutes
- Public benefit corporations
- Foundations and endowment funds
- Interest associations of legal entities
- Religious organisation-linked legal entities aligned with programme values
Geographic Requirement
- Must be based in Karlovy Vary or Pilsen Regions
Priority Beneficiary Groups
Projects targeting the following groups are prioritised:
- Roma communities
- LGBTQI+ individuals
- Migrants
- People at risk of violence
- Other disadvantaged or marginalized communities
What the Programme Supports
Eligible projects may include:
- Civic engagement and participation initiatives
- Human rights awareness campaigns
- Anti-discrimination and inclusion projects
- Media literacy and information integrity programs
- Environmental and climate awareness activities
- Local community-building initiatives
- Capacity-building for CSOs
- Cooperation between CSOs and informal community groups
Why This Programme Matters
This funding is important because it:
- Strengthens democracy at the local level
- Supports vulnerable and underrepresented communities
- Improves trust in civic institutions
- Builds capacity of small civil society organisations
- Encourages grassroots participation in public life
- Addresses regional inequality and social exclusion
It plays a key role in supporting civil society in underserved regions.
How the Programme Works (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Identify Local Need
- Select a community issue in Karlovy Vary or Pilsen
- Define target group and problem
Step 2: Design Project
Include:
- Objectives aligned with democracy or human rights
- Clear activities and timeline
- Target beneficiaries
- Expected outcomes
Step 3: Check Eligibility
- Confirm CSO legal status in Czech Republic
- Ensure at least 1 year of registration
- Confirm regional eligibility
Step 4: Submit Application
- Apply with full project proposal
- Include organisational and financial details
Step 5: Evaluation Process
Applications are assessed based on:
- Relevance to programme priorities
- Impact on local community
- Strengthening of civil society capacity
- Inclusion of disadvantaged groups
- Feasibility within 6-month duration
Step 6: Implementation
- Selected organisations receive €2,000–€5,000
- Projects are implemented over 6 months
- Reporting and accountability required
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying outside eligible regions
- Weak alignment with democracy or human rights goals
- Unclear or unrealistic 6-month plan
- Missing organisational eligibility requirements
- Lack of focus on priority groups
- Poorly defined outcomes or impact
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus on local, community-driven impact
- Clearly define target disadvantaged groups
- Keep project scope realistic for 6 months
- Strengthen link to democracy and civic engagement
- Include clear and measurable outcomes
- Highlight collaboration with community actors
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the grant amount?
Between €2,000 and €5,000 per project.
2. Do applicants need co-financing?
No, co-financing is not required.
3. Who can apply?
Registered non-profit civil society organisations in the Czech Republic.
4. What is the project duration?
6 months.
5. Which regions are eligible?
Karlovy Vary and Pilsen Regions only.
6. What are the main focus areas?
Democracy, human rights, inclusion, environment, and organisational development.
7. Who are priority beneficiaries?
Roma communities, LGBTQI+ people, migrants, and other vulnerable groups.
Conclusion
The Small Project Regional Grants programme strengthens civil society in the Karlovy Vary and Pilsen regions by funding small-scale, high-impact projects focused on democracy, human rights, and inclusion. With €2,000–€5,000 in accessible funding and no co-financing requirement, it enables local organisations to address community challenges, support vulnerable groups, and build stronger, more resilient democratic societies.
For more information, visit EEA Civil Society Fund.
