Deadline: 01-Jun-2026
The Visegrad+ Grant Programme funds international collaborative projects that strengthen democratization, development, and regional cooperation between Visegrad countries and partners in the Eastern Partnership and Western Balkans. It supports initiatives in areas such as culture, education, innovation, media freedom, public policy, environment, and social development. Grants typically range from €25,000 to €35,000 and can cover up to 100% of eligible project costs.
What is the Visegrad+ Grant Programme?
The Visegrad+ Grant Programme is a regional funding scheme designed to support cross-border cooperation projects between the Visegrad Group and partner countries in the Eastern Partnership and Western Balkans.
It aims to promote:
- Democratic development
- Regional cooperation
- Institutional capacity building
- Cultural and social integration
- Sustainable development
Core Objectives
- Strengthen cooperation between V4 countries and neighboring regions
- Support democratization and civic participation
- Encourage innovation and knowledge exchange
- Promote cultural and social cohesion
- Improve regional development and governance systems
Thematic Areas of Support
1. Culture and Common Identity
- Joint artistic and cultural creation
- Cultural heritage preservation and reflection
- Cooperation between local cultural actors
- Strengthening shared regional identity
2. Education and Capacity Building
- Institutional cooperation and networking
- Academic mobility and exchanges
- Skills development and training programmes
3. Innovation, Research, and Entrepreneurship
- Scientific collaboration
- Business networking and startup support
- Policy innovation and applied research solutions
4. Democratic Values and Media
- Civic participation and engagement
- Media literacy and critical thinking
- Transparency and access to information
- Independent media support
5. Public Policy and Institutional Cooperation
- Expert policy collaboration
- Governance and institutional development
- Cross-border policy dialogue
6. Regional Development, Environment, and Tourism
- Climate action and environmental sustainability
- Sustainable tourism initiatives
- Local and regional development projects
- Green innovation and infrastructure
7. Social Development
- Social inclusion and equality
- Minority empowerment
- Public health and wellbeing
- Intergenerational dialogue
- Social care system improvement
Geographic Focus
Projects must involve cooperation between:
- Visegrad countries
- Czech Republic
- Hungary
- Poland
- Slovakia
- Eastern Partnership countries or Western Balkans countries
Partnership Requirements
Standard Structure
- At least 3 Visegrad countries
- At least 1 Eastern Partnership or Western Balkans partner
Special Case (e.g., Ukraine)
- May allow 2 Visegrad partners + eligible regional partner structure adjustments
Key Requirement
- The project must demonstrate real cooperation and local impact, not symbolic participation
Eligible Applicants
- Any non-governmental legal entity
- Applicants from any country
- Must meet partnership and thematic requirements
Project Duration
- Maximum duration: 18 months
Funding Details
- Covers up to 100% of eligible costs
- Up to 15% allowed for overhead costs
- Typical grant size: €25,000 – €35,000
How the Programme Works
1. Application Submission
Applicants submit a project proposal aligned with one thematic area.
2. Eligibility Check
Proposals are reviewed for:
- Correct partnership structure
- Geographic compliance
- Thematic alignment
3. Evaluation Process
Projects are assessed based on:
- Regional cooperation quality
- Innovation and relevance
- Development impact
- Feasibility and sustainability
4. Funding Decision
Selected projects receive full or partial funding support.
5. Implementation
- Projects run for up to 18 months
- Partners collaborate across regions
- Activities are implemented locally
6. Reporting
- Progress and final reports required
- Impact and outcomes must be demonstrated
What Makes a Strong Application
- Strong multi-country partnership structure
- Clear alignment with one thematic area
- Strong local impact in target regions
- Practical and realistic implementation plan
- Clear benefits for Eastern Partnership or Western Balkans communities
- Evidence of collaboration, not symbolic participation
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak or incomplete partnership structure
- Projects not clearly linked to eligible regions
- Overly broad or unfocused proposals
- Lack of real cooperation between partners
- No clear local impact or outcomes
- Misalignment with thematic priorities
Why This Programme Matters
- Strengthens democratic development in neighboring regions
- Builds long-term regional cooperation networks
- Supports civil society and institutional growth
- Promotes cultural exchange and shared identity
- Encourages innovation and sustainable development
- Enhances social inclusion and governance systems
FAQ
1. What is the Visegrad+ Grant Programme?
It is a funding programme supporting cooperation projects between Visegrad countries and Eastern Partnership or Western Balkans regions.
2. Who can apply?
Any non-governmental legal entity that meets partnership and eligibility requirements.
3. How much funding is available?
Between €25,000 and €35,000, covering up to 100% of eligible costs.
4. What is the project duration?
Up to 18 months.
5. What regions must be involved?
At least Visegrad countries plus Eastern Partnership or Western Balkans partners.
6. What areas are funded?
Culture, education, innovation, media, policy, environment, and social development.
7. Is symbolic partnership enough?
No, real collaboration and measurable impact are required.
For more information, visit International Visegrad Fund.