The International Visegrad Fund has opened its third grant call for 2026, offering funding through the Visegrad Grants, Visegrad+ Grants and Strategic Grants programmes. Applications for the current call are open from 1 September until 1 October 2026.
The programmes support international cooperation among civil society organisations, nonprofit organisations, public institutions, municipalities, education and research institutions and other eligible organisations working through cross-border partnerships.
For organisations outside the Visegrad region, including Indian NGOs, the programme can be relevant where they are participating in an eligible international partnership. However, the Visegrad Fund has specific partnership and geographic requirements, so organisations should carefully check the eligibility conditions before applying.
About the International Visegrad Fund
The International Visegrad Fund was established by the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, the four countries of the Visegrad Group (V4).
The Fund supports regional cooperation and international partnerships in areas including culture, education, social development, research and innovation, democratic values, public policy, environment and regional development.
International Visegrad Fund Grants 2026
The current call includes three grant programmes:
- Visegrad Grants
- Visegrad+ Grants
- Strategic Grants
Visegrad Grants 2026
Visegrad Grants support regional partnerships involving organisations from the Visegrad countries.
Projects must normally involve active cooperation between organisations from at least three Visegrad countries. Bilateral cross-border projects involving organisations from two neighbouring Visegrad countries can also qualify where the project meets the Fund’s specific cross-border conditions.
Projects can run for a maximum of 18 months.
Typical Visegrad Grants are in the range of €25,000 to €35,000. Grants can cover up to 100% of the project budget, including up to 15% for overhead costs.
Visegrad+ Grants 2026
Visegrad+ Grants support projects contributing to democratic and transformational processes in selected countries of the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership region.
Eligible regions include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, as well as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.
Projects generally require cooperation between V4 organisations and organisations from the eligible Western Balkans or Eastern Partnership countries.
Visegrad+ projects can run for a maximum of 18 months, with grants covering up to 100% of the project budget and a maximum of 15% for overhead costs.
Strategic Grants 2026
Strategic Grants support larger collaborative projects addressing the annual strategic priorities of the Visegrad Group.
For the 2026 programme, the strategic priorities include:
V4@35: Generation Future
Projects strengthening links and cooperation among societies of the Visegrad countries, with particular emphasis on young people, academic mobility, joint educational platforms and discussions about the future of the Visegrad region.
Smart & Sustainable Cities in the V4 Region
Projects promoting cooperation among local governments, civil society, startups and academia to develop innovative approaches to energy efficiency, transportation, water resources, emissions reduction and environmental protection.
Facilitating Research and Development Cooperation in the Region
Projects promoting regional research and development cooperation, innovation, knowledge sharing, technological development and intellectual property management.
Strategic Grants normally run for 12 to 36 months and typically provide €35,000 to €45,000. Funding can cover up to 100% of eligible project costs, including up to 15% for overheads.
Focus Areas
Visegrad and Visegrad+ projects must address an objective within one of the Fund’s seven focus areas:
- Culture and Common Identity
- Education and Capacity Building
- Innovation, R&D and Entrepreneurship
- Democratic Values and the Media
- Public Policy and Institutional Partnership
- Regional Development, Environment and Tourism
- Social Development
Who Can Apply?
The International Visegrad Fund works primarily through partnerships rather than individual organisations applying for standalone project funding.
Non-governmental legal entities from countries outside the Visegrad region can participate in eligible projects, subject to the partnership requirements of the particular grant programme.
For Visegrad Grants, the project must normally involve organisations from at least three Visegrad countries.
For Visegrad+ Grants, projects require the specified combination of Visegrad and eligible Western Balkans or Eastern Partnership organisations.
Therefore, Indian NGOs should not assume that they can submit a standalone application from India. An Indian organisation interested in the programme should first determine whether it can participate as an eligible international partner within a qualifying consortium.
Grant Amount
Visegrad Grants: typically €25,000–€35,000
Visegrad+ Grants: typically €25,000–€35,000
Strategic Grants: typically €35,000–€45,000
The Fund can cover up to 100% of the project budget, subject to the programme rules. Up to 15% of the requested grant may be allocated to overhead costs.
Project Duration
Visegrad Grants: maximum 18 months
Visegrad+ Grants: maximum 18 months
Strategic Grants: 12–36 months
Important Dates
Call opens: 1 September 2026
Consultation deadline: 17 September 2026
Application deadline: 1 October 2026
Deadline time: 12:00 noon CET
Results announcement: 21 December 2026
How to Apply
Applications are submitted electronically through the MyVisegrad online application system.
Applicants should:
- Review the relevant Visegrad Fund grant guidelines.
- Determine which grant programme best matches the proposed project.
- Confirm that the required international partnership structure is in place.
- Create an account or log in to the MyVisegrad application system.
- Complete all required sections of the application.
- Submit the completed application before the deadline.
Organisations seeking guidance can also arrange a consultation with a Visegrad Fund project manager. Consultations for this call must be booked by 17 September 2026.
Official Website
International Visegrad Fund:
https://www.visegradfund.org/
Application Portal: https://my.visegradfund.org/
Important Note for Indian NGOs
The International Visegrad Fund is an international partnership funding programme, but it is not a general grant programme open to Indian NGOs applying independently from India.
Indian NGOs, research organisations and other eligible nonprofit entities may find opportunities to participate where they can meet the Fund’s partnership requirements and contribute to an eligible international project.
Organisations should therefore check the latest official guidelines and partnership rules before preparing an application.
Why This Opportunity May Be Relevant to NGOs
The Visegrad Fund can be useful for organisations working on international cooperation, education, youth development, social inclusion, research, innovation, democratic participation, environmental issues, cultural cooperation and regional development.
For NGOs seeking international funding opportunities, building genuine partnerships with eligible organisations in the Visegrad region can provide a route to participate in collaborative projects supported by the Fund.
Conclusion: The International Visegrad Fund Grants 2026 call provides funding for collaborative international projects through Visegrad Grants, Visegrad+ Grants and Strategic Grants.
The current application window is open from 1 September to 1 October 2026. Because the programmes have specific partnership and geographic requirements, prospective applicants should carefully review the official guidelines before applying.
Disclaimer:NGOportal only disseminates information about grants, funding opportunities, RFPs, EOIs and other opportunities for NGOs and development organisations. We do not guarantee funding, eligibility, partnership or selection. Applicants should always verify the latest eligibility criteria, deadlines and application requirements with the concerned funding organisation before applying.