Deadline: 01-May-2026
The Sweden–Latvia Cooperation Fund supports early-stage project ideas and start-up initiatives that strengthen cooperation between Sweden and Latvia. It focuses on youth exchange, social cohesion, creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship through travel, project, and media grants. Funding is available to individuals and organisations residing in Sweden or Latvia for activities completed within one year.
Overview
The Sweden–Latvia Cooperation Fund is a bilateral funding programme designed to support the development of promising ideas and the initial phase of new projects with a clear long-term development perspective.
The fund promotes cooperation between Sweden and Latvia, with a strong emphasis on youth engagement, cross-border exchange, and network building. Supported initiatives aim to strengthen social cohesion, stimulate creativity, encourage innovation, and contribute to the creation of new enterprises and civil society initiatives.
This funding opportunity is particularly relevant for early-stage collaborations that require seed funding to move from concept to implementation.
Key Focus Areas
The fund prioritises projects that contribute to meaningful cooperation between Sweden and Latvia, especially those involving young people.
Core focus areas include:
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Youth exchange and cross-border cooperation
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Network building between individuals and organisations
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Social cohesion and civic engagement
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Creativity and cultural collaboration
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Innovation and entrepreneurship
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Civil society development
Projects should demonstrate a clear link between activities in Sweden and Latvia and show potential for sustainable impact beyond the funding period.
Types of Grants Available
The Sweden–Latvia Cooperation Fund offers three main grant categories, each tailored to different cooperation needs.
Travel Grants
Travel grants support mobility and exchange activities related to cooperation between Sweden and Latvia.
These grants provide:
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Fixed compensation for travel expenses
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Fixed compensation for accommodation
Travel grants can be used for meetings, exploratory visits, or other cooperation-related travel that supports project development.
Project Grants
Project grants support the joint development of new initiatives carried out in both Sweden and Latvia.
Priority is given to projects that:
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Involve young people as key participants or beneficiaries
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Focus on culture, innovation, entrepreneurship, or civil society
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Strengthen long-term cooperation between partners in both countries
Projects must be collaborative in nature and demonstrate shared ownership between Swedish and Latvian partners.
Media Grants
Media grants are intended for journalistic work that presents new or underrepresented perspectives on Sweden or Latvia.
These grants are open to:
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Journalists
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Editorial offices
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Media companies
Media grants provide fixed compensation for travel and accommodation related to the production of articles or media content.
Who Is Eligible?
The fund has broad eligibility criteria to encourage diverse participation.
Eligible applicants include:
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Individuals
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Working groups
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Associations
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Non-profit organisations
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Civil society organisations
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Companies
Applicants do not need to be Swedish or Latvian citizens. However, they must be residents of either Sweden or Latvia at the time of application.
There are no restrictions on sector, provided the proposed activities align with the fund’s objectives.
Funding Rules and Project Duration
Funding can only be requested for activities that start after the application has been submitted.
All supported projects must:
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Begin after application approval
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Be completed within one year from the project start date
The fund does not support:
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Ready-made or fully completed projects
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School trips
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Study visits or academic studies
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Participation in sporting events or exhibitions
Projects should focus on development, cooperation, and exchange rather than attendance-based activities.
Why This Fund Matters
The Sweden–Latvia Cooperation Fund plays a strategic role in strengthening bilateral relations at the grassroots level.
It enables:
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Early-stage collaboration without heavy administrative barriers
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Youth-driven initiatives with cross-border impact
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Innovation and entrepreneurship rooted in cultural and social exchange
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Stronger civil society networks between Sweden and Latvia
By funding ideas at the start-up phase, the fund helps transform concepts into sustainable partnerships.
How It Works: Step-by-Step
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Develop a project idea with a clear Sweden–Latvia cooperation component
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Select the most appropriate grant type: travel, project, or media
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Ensure all planned activities take place after the application is submitted
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Prepare a clear description of objectives, activities, and expected outcomes
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Submit the application while residing in Sweden or Latvia
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Implement the project and complete all activities within one year
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying for funding for activities that have already taken place
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Submitting ready-made or fully developed projects
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Proposing school trips, study visits, or academic research
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Requesting funding for event participation without a development or cooperation component
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Failing to clearly demonstrate collaboration between Sweden and Latvia
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Swedish or Latvian citizenship required?
No. Citizenship is not required, but applicants must reside in Sweden or Latvia.
Can individuals apply, or only organisations?
Both individuals and organisations can apply, including working groups and companies.
Can I apply for more than one type of grant?
Yes, depending on the nature of your activities, but each application must clearly match the selected grant type.
How long can a funded project run?
All projects must be completed within one year from the start date.
Are academic studies or research projects eligible?
No. The fund does not support studies, research projects, or study visits.
What types of youth projects are prioritised?
Projects involving youth cooperation in culture, innovation, entrepreneurship, and civil society are strongly prioritised.
Can funding cover activities in only one country?
No. Projects must demonstrate cooperation or exchange between Sweden and Latvia.
Conclusion
The Sweden–Latvia Cooperation Fund is a flexible and accessible funding opportunity for individuals and organisations seeking to launch new cross-border initiatives. By supporting early-stage ideas, youth exchange, and collaborative development, the fund strengthens social, cultural, and innovative ties between Sweden and Latvia.
Applicants with a clear cooperation focus, strong development perspective, and realistic implementation plan are well positioned to benefit from this programme.
For more information, visit Sweden–Latvia Cooperation Fund.
