Deadline: 26-Jun-2026
The Small Grants Programme 2026 in Montenegro provides funding of up to €10,000 for short-term development projects aligned with Slovakia’s international development priorities. The program supports sectors such as education, health, governance, agriculture, infrastructure, and environment, integrating cross-cutting themes like climate change and gender equality. Eligible applicants include NGOs, non-commercial entities, and local or regional self-government units in Montenegro.
The Slovak Agency for International Development Cooperation, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Podgorica, has launched the Small Grants Call for Proposals 2026. The programme aims to support impactful development initiatives in Montenegro with short-term funding of up to €10,000 per project, implemented over 6 to 12 months.
Programme Objectives
The programme focuses on results-driven projects across priority sectors:
- Infrastructure & Sustainable Resource Use: Promote climate-resilient infrastructure, water and waste management, and resource efficiency.
- Food Safety & Agriculture: Support sustainable agricultural practices, innovation, and food security.
- Market Environment & Entrepreneurship: Encourage innovation, job creation, and economic development.
- Good Health: Improve healthcare access, especially for mothers and children, and promote preventive care and awareness.
- Quality Education: Enhance learning opportunities, professional skills, and institutional capacity.
- Good Governance & Civil Society: Strengthen democratic institutions, public participation, and institutional capacities.
Cross-Cutting Themes:
- Environment & Climate Change: Address climate mitigation, biodiversity, and sustainable resource management.
- Gender Equality: Promote equal opportunities, reduce discrimination, and empower women socially and economically.
Who is Eligible?
- Non-commercial legal entities
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Local or regional self-government units legally registered in Montenegro
Applicants must propose projects aligned with one or more priority sectors and integrate cross-cutting themes into their activities.
Funding Details
- Maximum Grant: €10,000 per project
- Country Allocation: €10,000 total
- Project Duration: 6–12 months
- Eligible Costs Include:
- Staff salaries and project-related personnel
- Travel expenses and fieldwork
- Training and capacity-building activities
- Operational requirements such as equipment rental and communication
- Administrative costs up to 30% of the grant
- Ineligible Costs Include:
- Debts, interest, or exchange rate losses
- Recoverable taxes and preparatory expenses before contract signing
- Maintenance of existing assets or purchase of land/buildings
- Representation, gifts, or activities not directly linked to project objectives
How to Apply
- Check Eligibility: Confirm that your organization is legally registered in Montenegro and fits the eligible categories.
- Define Project Proposal: Ensure alignment with priority sectors and cross-cutting themes. Include objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and budget.
- Prepare Budget: Include only eligible costs, keeping administrative expenses below 30%.
- Submit Application: Apply through the official Small Grants portal before the deadline.
- Project Review & Selection: Applications will be evaluated based on relevance, impact, feasibility, and integration of cross-cutting themes.
Tips for Applicants
- Clearly demonstrate alignment with Slovakia’s development priorities.
- Integrate environmental sustainability and gender equality throughout the project design.
- Provide a realistic and transparent budget within the eligibility limits.
- Focus on tangible impact and measurable results within 6–12 months.
- Avoid including non-eligible costs in the proposal to prevent disqualification.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Proposing projects unrelated to priority sectors.
- Including ineligible costs such as land, existing asset maintenance, or preparatory expenses.
- Exceeding administrative cost limits.
- Failing to integrate cross-cutting themes.
- Submitting incomplete or unapproved legal documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for the Small Grants Programme?
NGOs, non-commercial legal entities, and local or regional self-government units legally registered in Montenegro. - What is the maximum grant per project?
Up to €10,000 per project. - What is the project duration?
Projects should be implemented within 6–12 months. - Are there themes that must be included?
Yes, projects should integrate cross-cutting themes like environmental sustainability and gender equality. - What costs are eligible for funding?
Staff salaries, travel, training, operational requirements, and administrative costs up to 30%. - Which costs are not eligible?
Debts, interest, land purchase, gifts, preparatory expenses, and activities not directly linked to project objectives. - How will applications be evaluated?
Based on alignment with priority sectors, cross-cutting theme integration, feasibility, and expected impact.
Why This Programme Matters
- Promotes sustainable development in Montenegro aligned with international priorities.
- Supports capacity building and strengthening of local institutions.
- Encourages inclusive, gender-sensitive, and environmentally conscious projects.
- Fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and good governance at the local level.
Conclusion
The Small Grants Programme 2026 in Montenegro provides an excellent opportunity for organizations to implement impactful development projects. By aligning with priority sectors and integrating environment and gender equality, applicants can contribute to sustainable development, institutional strengthening, and long-term societal impact.
For more information, visit Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Podgorica.