Visegrad+ Grants 2026: Up to €35,000 for Democracy Projects in Eastern Europe

Are you working on projects that promote democracy and change in Eastern Europe or the Balkans? The Visegrad+ Grants 2026 offer a chance to get funding up to €35,000 for such efforts. These grants come from the Visegrad Fund and target key regions facing big challenges.

This program helps groups build ties and make real impacts. It focuses on countries in the Western Balkans, like Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. It also covers Eastern Partnership nations, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine.

What the Visegrad+ Grants 2026 Support

The grants back projects that push forward democracy and positive change. They aim to connect people and organizations across borders. For example, ideas might include training programs, community events, or research that strengthens local ties.

Projects need to fit into one of seven main focus areas set by the fund. While details on those areas come from the official guidelines, the core goal stays the same: real progress in tough regions. This setup ensures every grant leads to clear benefits for communities.

Funding Amounts and Coverage

These grants can cover up to 100% of your project budget. The maximum for overhead costs, like admin fees, sits at 15% of the total request. Most awards range from €25,000 to €35,000, which gives solid support without limits on creativity.

Keep projects to a maximum of 18 months. This timeline allows time for planning, running activities, and seeing results. Budgets must stay practical and tied to the work planned.

Who Can Apply: Partnership Rules

To qualify, your project needs partners from specific places. The Visegrad Group, or V4, includes Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. At least three V4 countries must join with one from the Eastern Partnership or Western Balkans. That makes the basic setup 3 V4 + 1 EaP/WB6.

If your group comes from an EaP or WB6 country, the rules shift a bit. You can use two V4 partners plus another from EaP or WB6, for 2 V4 + 2 EaP/WB6. Ukraine has a special option right now: one Ukrainian group with two V4 partners, no extra EaP/WB6 needed (1 UA + 2 V4).

Projects must happen in EaP or WB regions. Or they need strong effects on local people there. Active roles for all partners matter most.

Key Project Requirements

Every project links to the fund’s goals. It must show clear steps for change, like better governance or stronger societies. Teams need to prove how their work helps target areas.

Focus on real teamwork. Partners share tasks and resources. This builds trust and long-term links beyond the grant.

How to Apply for Visegrad+ Grants 2026

Start by checking the full rules on the Visegrad Fund site. Prepare your application with a strong budget, timeline, and partner details. Log in to the online system to submit.

The final deadline is June 1, 2026, at 12:00 PM. Expect results on August 25, 2026, at 12:00 PM. Use the apply link at my.visegradfund.org to get started.

For full details, visit the Visegrad+ Grants page. Act soon to build your team and plan your project.

Frequently Asked Questions