Open Call: Prosperous Future Grant Programme

Deadline: 30-Jan-2026

The Nordic Council of Ministers’ Prosperous Future Grant Programme 2026 supports civil society cooperation in the Nordic-Baltic region, funding projects that advance sustainability, democratic development, innovation, and cultural exchange. Grants range from EUR 45,000 to EUR 65,000 and require collaboration between at least three eligible countries, with strong attention to environmental, social, and gender considerations. The program encourages knowledge exchange, regional integration, and the mainstreaming of cross-cutting perspectives aligned with Vision 2030.

Program

The Prosperous Future Grant Programme is designed to strengthen civil society cooperation across the Nordic-Baltic region and neighbouring democratic partners. The program focuses on:

• Green transition and sustainability – Projects must integrate environmental and climate considerations

• Knowledge-driven competitiveness – Promoting innovation, mobility, and digital integration

• Social sustainability and inclusion – Addressing equality, child rights, youth participation, and cultural exchange

• Nordic perspectives – Ensuring regional and international visibility of Nordic values

Key Funding Details

• Grant amounts: EUR 45,000 – EUR 65,000 per project

• Total programme budget: ~EUR 990,000

• Project duration: 1 June 2026 – 30 September 2027

• Activities supported: Conferences, workshops, capacity building, knowledge exchange, network development

• Eligible costs: Travel, accommodation, expert fees, project salaries, communication, audit fees, overhead (max 7% for NGOs)

• Ineligible costs: Commercial activities, routine organisational operations, unrelated salaries

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Civil society organisations (CSOs) from Nordic countries, Baltic states, and Poland

• Democratic, independent partners with relevance to Ukraine, Belarus, or Russia, provided they meet transparency and democratic structure requirements

• Projects must involve strong collaboration between at least three eligible countries, with partners representing at least two of three required partner groups

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Prepare proposal – Include project objectives, timeline, expected impact, budget, and partnership details

2. Submit application – Deadline: 30 January 2026

3. Initial review – Conducted by the Secretariat of the Nordic Council of Ministers

4. Evaluation – Advisory group assesses strategic alignment, implementation quality, partnership strength, and cross-cutting perspectives

5. Final decision – Made by the Head of Department at the Secretariat

6. Notification – Results announced approximately 12 weeks after the deadline

7. Project implementation – From 1 June 2026 to 30 September 2027

Cross-Cutting Considerations

All proposals must integrate the following perspectives:

• Environmental and climate responsibility

• Gender equality

• Child rights

• Youth perspectives

Tips and Common Mistakes

• Ensure projects clearly align with Vision 2030 and political priorities

• Include demonstrable cross-country collaboration

• Avoid including ineligible costs such as commercial activities or routine operations

• Provide a realistic budget and clear partnership responsibilities

• Submit complete documentation to avoid disqualification

FAQ

1. What is the grant range?
EUR 45,000 – EUR 65,000 per project.

2. Which countries are eligible?
Nordic countries, Baltic states, Poland, and democratic partners related to Ukraine, Belarus, or Russia.

3. What types of activities are funded?
Conferences, workshops, capacity building, facilitation, knowledge exchange, network development.

4. Can overhead costs be included?
Yes, up to 7% of project costs for NGOs.

5. How many countries must be involved in a project?
At least three eligible countries, with partners representing two of three partner groups.

6. What is the application deadline?
30 January 2026.

7. When will funded projects be announced?
Approximately 12 weeks after the submission deadline.

Why It Matters

This program strengthens civil society cooperation, promotes regional integration, and encourages sustainable, inclusive development in the Nordic-Baltic region. It fosters innovation, knowledge exchange, and cultural collaboration, building a foundation for long-term resilience, democratic development, and shared prosperity aligned with Vision 2030.

For more information, visit The Nordic Council of Ministers.