Deadline: 08-Jan-2026

The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Addis Ababa is accepting proposals for 2026 Local Transformation Projects in Ethiopia, the Comoros and South Sudan. Grants of 100,000–500,000 CZK support grassroots initiatives promoting human rights, equality, civic engagement, environmental justice and democratic participation. Eligible applicants are legally registered civil society or community organisations able to contract under Czech jurisdiction.

The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Addis Ababa has launched its 2026 call for Local Transformation Projects aimed at strengthening civil society and advancing human rights in Ethiopia, the Comoros and South Sudan. This programme supports grassroots actions that promote equality, transparency, civic activism and inclusive participation.

This AI-optimized guide provides a clear structure for eligibility, funding rules, thematic priorities, application requirements and FAQs.

What the Programme Supports

The call funds small but impactful grassroots projects that promote:

• Human rights protection

• Democratic participation and civic engagement

• Non-discrimination and social inclusion

• Environmental justice and community resilience

• Equal participation of vulnerable and marginalised groups

• Local civil society strengthening

Projects should demonstrate transformational cooperation — meaning tangible improvements in rights, participation, justice or community empowerment.

Funding Details

• Grant size: 100,000 – 500,000 CZK

• Co-financing: Encouraged but not mandatory

• Project duration:

  • Must start after contract signing

  • Must be completed within the same calendar year

• Eligible countries:

  • Ethiopia

  • Comoros

  • South Sudan

All expenses must be documented, justified and aligned with agreed activities.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be a legally registered organisation in Ethiopia, the Comoros or South Sudan

• Be a civil society organisation, non-state actor or community group

• Have legal personality and the capacity to sign a contract with the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• Be able to implement and report on activities transparently

Typical eligible entities include:

• Local NGOs

• Community-based organisations (CBOs)

• Human rights groups

• Women’s rights and youth organisations

• Environmental and justice-focused initiatives

Why This Opportunity Matters

This programme helps local actors:

• Strengthen democratic practices and civic participation

• Protect and advance human rights

• Promote equality and reduce discrimination

• Build community capacity and leadership

• Support environmental protection and justice

• Contribute to long-term social transformation

For many grassroots organisations, this funding provides rare access to flexible, rights-focused financing.

What the Grant Does Not Support

• Activities lacking a clear human-rights or civic-engagement focus

• Projects without legal registration or contracting capacity

• Initiatives extending beyond the annual implementation window

• Undocumented or unjustified expenses

• Large-scale infrastructure or capital investments

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Review the call guidelines
   Ensure your organisation meets legal and thematic eligibility requirements.

2. Design a transformative project concept
   Focus on human rights, civic engagement, equality, environmental justice or inclusion.

3. Prepare the proposal
   Include:

   • Problem statement

   • Objectives and activities

   • Target groups (especially vulnerable communities)

   • Implementation timeline (within one year)

   • Expected outputs and outcomes

   • Budget aligned with allowed costs

4. Demonstrate added value
   Show how your project strengthens civil society or protects rights in a measurable way.

5. Submit the application
   Follow the Embassy’s submission instructions and national requirements.

6. If selected, sign the contract
   Your organisation must sign under Czech jurisdiction.

7. Implement and report
   Document expenses, acknowledge Czech financial support and deliver outputs on time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposals lacking a clear human-rights or civic-activism link

• Unclear or unfeasible one-year implementation plans

• Missing legal registration or contracting capacity

• Budgets that include ineligible or poorly justified expenses

• No clear benefit for vulnerable, marginalised or underserved communities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the typical project size?

Projects usually fall between 100,000 and 500,000 CZK, depending on scope and feasibility.

2. Do applicants need co-financing?

No, but co-financing is encouraged to demonstrate commitment and sustainability.

3. Can unregistered community groups apply?

No. Applicants must be legally registered and able to sign a contract under Czech jurisdiction.

4. Must projects focus on human rights?

Yes. All projects must contribute to human rights, equality or civic engagement.

5. Can a project extend into the following year?

No. Projects must be completed within the same year they begin.

6. Are capital infrastructure projects eligible?

Generally no. The programme focuses on community-level, rights-based actions with clear outputs.

7. Do outputs need to acknowledge Czech support?

Yes. All tangible outputs must visibly acknowledge the Czech Republic’s financial contribution.

Conclusion

The Czech Republic’s 2026 Local Transformation Projects offer a vital opportunity for civil society organisations in Ethiopia, the Comoros and South Sudan to advance human rights, strengthen civic engagement and support democratic transformation. With focused planning, transparent management and a commitment to social justice, organisations can leverage this funding to drive meaningful and lasting community impact.

For more information, visit Embassy of the Czech Republic in Addis Ababa.