Call for Projects: MKCF Innovative Regional Project

Deadline: 10-Apr-2026

The Mekong–Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF) has launched its 10th Call for Regional Project Proposals for the 2026 funding cycle, inviting eligible institutions from the Mekong region and South Korea to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs). Grants range from USD 300,000 to USD 1,000,000 for projects lasting 2 to 3 years that deliver regional impact, cross-border cooperation, and measurable results.

What is the Mekong–Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF)?

The Mekong–Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF) is a regional funding mechanism under the Mekong–ROK cooperation framework.

It supports:

• Regional collaboration

• Sustainable development

• People-centered partnerships

• Stronger cooperation between:

  • Cambodia

  • Laos

  • Myanmar

  • Vietnam

  • Thailand

  • South Korea

The fund is focused on projects that solve shared regional challenges and create long-term benefits across the Mekong subregion.

Grant Amount and Duration

Funding Available

Selected projects can receive:

• USD 300,000 to USD 1,000,000 per project

Project Duration

• 2 to 3 years

Priority Sectors

Projects must align with the Mekong–ROK Plan of Action priority sectors:

• Culture and tourism

• Human resources development

• Agriculture and rural development

• Infrastructure

• Information and communication technology (ICT)

• Environment

• Non-traditional security challenges

Additional Note

• Cross-sectoral and integrated approaches are encouraged if they increase regional value and collaboration.

What Kind of Projects Are Preferred?

For the 10th call, MKCF is prioritizing innovative regional initiatives that:

• Address shared development challenges

• Respond to cross-border or regional issues

• Strengthen Mekong–ROK cooperation

• Deliver clear and measurable results

• Show sustainable impact

• Demonstrate potential for scaling up and replication

Even if a project is implemented in one or more Mekong countries, it must clearly show regional relevance and benefits for both the Mekong subregion and the Republic of Korea.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Government agencies

• Autonomous organizations

• Academic institutions

• Training institutions

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

• International organizations, including UN agencies

Applicants should be based in or connected to the Mekong region or South Korea.

Why This Fund Matters

The MKCF is important because it supports large-scale regional cooperation projects, not just country-level activities.

It is especially valuable for institutions that can design projects with:

• Cross-border relevance

• Regional partnerships

• Policy or systems-level impact

• Innovation and scalability

• Stronger Mekong–ROK collaboration

Collaboration and Partnership Opportunities

The fund encourages:

• Triangular partnerships

• Multi-partner collaboration

• Engagement with other development partners

These partnerships are encouraged when they help:

• Foster innovation

• Mobilize additional resources

• Improve long-term sustainability

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Make sure your institution falls into an eligible category such as:

• Government body

• NGO

• University

• International organization

Step 2: Align with a Priority Sector

Choose a project concept linked to one or more of the official sectors under the Mekong–ROK Plan of Action.

Step 3: Build a Regional Case

Clearly explain:

• The regional problem

• Why it matters across borders

• How the project benefits multiple Mekong countries and/or South Korea

Step 4: Demonstrate Impact

Your EOI should show:

• Expected outcomes

• Measurable results

• Sustainability

• Replication or scale-up potential

Step 5: Consider Partnerships

If possible, include:

• Regional co-implementers

• Development partners

• Technical institutions

• South Korea–Mekong collaboration elements

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common issues:

• Submitting a project with only local or national impact

• Failing to show regional relevance

• Not linking the proposal to a priority sector

• Weak results framework or unclear outcomes

• No explanation of sustainability or scale-up potential

• Limited Mekong–ROK collaboration

FAQs

1. How much funding is available under the MKCF 10th Call?

Projects can receive between USD 300,000 and USD 1,000,000.

2. How long can projects run?

Projects can have an implementation period of 2 to 3 years.

3. What is the first application stage?

Eligible institutions are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

4. Can a project be implemented in only one Mekong country?

Yes, but it must still show clear regional relevance and benefits beyond a single country.

5. Which sectors are eligible?

Eligible sectors include culture and tourism, human resources development, agriculture and rural development, infrastructure, ICT, environment, and non-traditional security challenges.

6. Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include government agencies, autonomous bodies, academic and training institutions, NGOs, and international organizations including UN agencies.

Conclusion

The Mekong–Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund 2026 is a major opportunity for institutions developing regional, cross-border, and scalable projects across the Mekong subregion and South Korea.

With grants of USD 300,000 to USD 1 million, the fund is ideal for organisations that can deliver innovation, measurable impact, and stronger Mekong–ROK cooperation.

For more information, visit Mekong Institute.