Call for Proposals: Polish Development Aid Competition 2026 (Poland)

The Polish Development Aid 2026 competition, launched by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, funds international development projects focused on governance, health, education, entrepreneurship, and inequality reduction. It supports NGOs, academic institutions, and non-profits in selected countries with defined geographic priorities and exclusions. Funding ranges across regions including Ukraine, Moldova, Palestine, Lebanon, Kenya, and Tanzania.

What is Polish Development Aid 2026?

The Polish Development Aid 2026 is a competitive funding program designed to support international development projects that align with Poland’s foreign aid priorities. It finances public tasks and development initiatives that improve governance, healthcare access, education, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion.

Core Objectives and Priority Areas

1. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Strengthening governance systems, enhancing crisis management, and improving institutional resilience.

2. Health

Expanding access to healthcare services, rebuilding medical infrastructure, and providing psychological and emergency care.

3. Equal Opportunities – Education

Improving vocational and technical education and promoting inclusive and accessible learning environments.

4. Equal Opportunities – Entrepreneurship and Decent Work

Supporting SMEs, promoting job creation and vocational training, and encouraging women and youth entrepreneurship.

5. Reducing Inequalities

Supporting vulnerable and marginalized groups and expanding access to social services.

Country Allocations and Focus Areas

Ukraine (PLN 14,000,000)

Exclusions: Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Crimea
Focus Areas: Crisis management systems, public administration continuity, medical infrastructure reconstruction, psychological and healthcare access.

Moldova (PLN 4,360,000)

Focus Areas: Education and training systems, local economic development strategies, entrepreneurship and innovation, financial tools for businesses, job creation.

Palestine (PLN 2,000,000)

Exclusion: Gaza Strip
Focus Areas: Employment and entrepreneurship, support for women and youth, social services and rehabilitation, disaster response capacity.

Lebanon (PLN 2,000,000)

Exclusion: Border zone with Israel
Focus Areas: Vocational education systems, gender equality in education, safe and accessible school infrastructure.

Kenya (PLN 3,000,000)

Exclusions: Northern regions, Somalia border areas
Focus Areas: SME development, job creation in agri-food and tourism, vocational training.

Tanzania (PLN 3,000,000)

Exclusions: Border regions with Kenya, DRC, and Cabo Delgado
Focus Areas: Entrepreneurship and SMEs, healthcare system improvement, perinatal and emergency care, infrastructure modernization.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

Organizations must be legally registered in Poland, including:

• NGOs

• Foundations and associations

• Church-affiliated entities

• Non-profit companies

• Local government associations

• Social cooperatives

• Universities

• Research institutes

• Units of the Polish Academy of Sciences

• Chambers of commerce and agricultural chambers

Ineligible Conditions

Employees of the Ministry or foreign missions cannot hold leadership roles in applicant organizations unless officially delegated or working in public/state institutions.

Why This Program Matters

It supports global development cooperation, strengthens international partnerships, and addresses urgent humanitarian and economic challenges. It improves access to healthcare, education, and jobs while empowering women, youth, and vulnerable communities and promoting sustainable economic growth.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Review Guidelines

Study eligibility criteria, thematic priorities, and geographic exclusions.

Step 2: Develop a Project Proposal

Define objectives, target beneficiaries, measurable outcomes, and risk mitigation strategies.

Step 3: Prepare Documents

Include registration proof, financial statements, and a detailed project budget and timeline.

Step 4: Submit Application

Apply through the official submission platform and ensure all documents are complete.

Step 5: Evaluation

Projects are assessed based on relevance, feasibility, sustainability, impact, and cost-effectiveness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Misalignment with priority areas

• Ignoring geographic exclusions

• Weak or unclear project outcomes

• Incomplete documentation

• Overly ambitious or unrealistic budgets

FAQ Section

1. Who can apply for Polish Development Aid 2026?

Eligible applicants include NGOs, universities, research institutions, and non-profit entities registered in Poland.

2. What sectors are funded?

Governance, health, education, entrepreneurship, and inequality reduction.

3. Are there geographic restrictions?

Yes, each country has specific exclusions such as conflict zones or border areas.

4. What is the funding range?

Budgets vary by country, from PLN 2,000,000 to PLN 14,000,000 allocations.

5. Can international organizations apply?

Only if they are legally registered in Poland.

6. What makes a strong proposal?

Clear alignment with priorities, measurable impact, and realistic budgeting.

7. Is co-funding required?

This depends on detailed guidelines issued by the Ministry.

Conclusion

The Polish Development Aid 2026 program offers a significant opportunity for Polish organizations to implement high-impact international development projects. By focusing on governance, health, education, and economic inclusion, the program drives sustainable change across multiple regions. A well-structured, compliant, and impact-driven proposal is key to securing funding.