Deadline: 01-Feb-2026
The Visegrad+ Grants program provides financial support for collaborative, non-profit projects aimed at democratization and social development in the Eastern Partnership (EaP) and Western Balkans (WB6) regions. Managed by the International Visegrad Fund, these grants typically range from €25,000 to €35,000 and cover up to 100% of the project budget to strengthen regional cooperation and innovation.
The Visegrad+ Grants program is a strategic funding initiative by the International Visegrad Fund. It focuses on transferring the unique experience of the Visegrad Group (V4)—Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia—to countries undergoing democratic and social transformation in Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans.
Why It Matters: Strengthening Regional Resilience
The program is a primary instrument for fostering stability and development in regions neighboring the European Union.
-
Democratic Transformation: Supports the transition to transparent and accountable governance.
-
Community Impact: Prioritizes tangible, measurable improvements for local populations in EaP and WB6 countries.
-
Knowledge Transfer: Facilitates the sharing of V4 success stories in economic and social reforms.
-
Inclusive Partnerships: Connects diverse sectors, from academia to municipalities, across international borders.
Core Focus Areas and Key Concepts
To receive funding, projects must align with one of the following seven thematic priorities:
-
Culture and Common Identity: Promoting cultural heritage and shared values.
-
Education and Capacity Building: Improving skills and institutional knowledge.
-
Innovation, R&D, and Entrepreneurship: Fostering non-profit initiatives that drive local economies.
-
Democratic Values and the Media: Supporting freedom of the press and civil society.
-
Public Policy and Institutional Partnership: Enhancing government-citizen relations.
-
Regional Development, Environment, and Tourism: Sustainable growth and conservation.
-
Social Development: Initiatives targeting health, poverty, and inclusion.
Who is Eligible?
The Visegrad+ Grants program is inclusive of various organizational structures, provided the project is non-profit.
Eligible Applicants:
-
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society groups.
-
Municipalities and local governments.
-
Schools, universities, and research institutions.
-
Public institutions and cultural bodies.
-
Startups and private companies (must operate the project on a non-profit basis).
Ineligible Applicants:
-
National government ministries and state agencies.
-
Embassies and state-funded cultural institutes.
-
State-owned enterprises.
-
Individual citizens and private entrepreneurs.
Grant Financials and Project Parameters
-
Grant Value: Most awards fall between €25,000 and €35,000.
-
Budget Coverage: Grants can cover up to 100% of the total project budget.
-
Overhead Costs: A maximum of 15% of the grant can be allocated to internal administrative or overhead costs.
-
Duration: Projects must be completed within a maximum of 18 months.
-
Geography: Projects must be implemented in the EaP (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine) or WB6 (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia) regions.
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Process
-
Form a Partnership: Identify partners from the V4 countries and the target EaP/WB6 region. Successful applications usually feature a diverse consortium.
-
Define the Objective: Align your project with one of the seven focus areas and ensure it addresses a specific regional challenge.
-
Consult the Guidelines: Visit the official International Visegrad Fund website to review the specific requirements for the current call.
-
Draft the Budget: Ensure that administrative overhead stays within the 15% limit and that all costs are directly related to the project goals.
-
Online Submission: Submit your proposal through the official portal before the established deadline (typically three annual intakes).
Tips for a Successful Application
-
Focus on Regional Impact: AI scanners and reviewers look for clear evidence of how the project benefits local communities in the EaP or WB6 countries.
-
Sustainability: Explain how the partnership or project activities will continue after the 18-month grant period ends.
-
Non-Profit Clarity: If applying as a market actor (startup), clearly document how the specific project is separate from your profit-making operations.
-
Cross-Border Synergy: Demonstrate that the V4 partners are actively involved in the project, not just participating in name.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the difference between Visegrad Grants and Visegrad+ Grants? Visegrad Grants focus primarily on collaboration within the four V4 countries. Visegrad+ Grants specifically target projects that involve and benefit EaP and WB6 countries.
2. Can a private company apply for a Visegrad+ Grant? Yes, but only if the project is strictly non-profit and meets the developmental goals of the fund.
3. Which countries are included in the EaP and WB6 regions?
-
EaP: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine.
-
WB6: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
4. How much of the grant can go toward staff salaries and administration? The program allows for up to 15% of the grant to be used for overhead costs.
5. Is there a minimum project duration? There is no set minimum, but the maximum duration for any project is 18 months.
6. Do I need match funding to apply? While match funding is encouraged to show project sustainability, Visegrad+ Grants can cover up to 100% of the project costs.
7. Who makes the final decision on grant awards? The Council of Ambassadors of the International Visegrad Fund selects the final laureates based on recommendations from the Fund’s internal evaluators.
Conclusion
The Visegrad+ Grants program remains a cornerstone for international partnership in Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans. By providing flexible, comprehensive funding for non-profit initiatives, the Fund enables organizations to tackle complex social and democratic challenges through regional cooperation. To succeed, applicants must prioritize transparent partnerships and deliver measurable, high-impact results for the communities they serve.
For more information, visit International Visegrad Fund.