Czech Republic Small-Scale Development Projects 2027: Apply for Up to CZK 500,000 in Development Funding

The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Pretoria has officially opened applications for the Small-Scale Development Projects (SSP) 2027, offering financial support to eligible organisations implementing community-focused development initiatives across nine African countries. Through this annual call for proposals, eligible non-governmental and non-political organisations can apply for a Czech financial contribution ranging from CZK 200,000 to CZK 500,000 to implement projects that respond to local development priorities, particularly initiatives focused on skills development, community development and job creation. The programme forms part of the Development Cooperation of the Czech Republic and is designed to support practical, locally driven projects capable of producing sustainable benefits for communities. Applications are open to eligible organisations in Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa. The deadline for submission of complete proposals is 15 September 2026.

About the Czech Republic Small-Scale Development Projects 2027

The Small-Scale Project, commonly referred to as SSP, is one of the instruments used within the Development Cooperation framework of the Czech Republic. The programme provides an opportunity for locally established organisations to propose relatively small but targeted development projects that can contribute meaningfully to communities. Potential implementers submit their applications to the relevant Embassy of the Czech Republic. Proposed projects are identified by the respective Czech embassies and subsequently submitted for approval by the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. For the 2027 funding round administered by the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Pretoria, the programme covers all countries accredited to the Embassy.

These are

Angola

Botswana

Eswatini

Madagascar

Mauritius

Mozambique

Lesotho

Namibia

South Africa

The intention is not simply to provide short-term financial assistance. Proposed projects should contribute to local communities through development activities that correspond with the national development priorities of the country in which the project will be implemented.

How Much Funding Is Available?

Successful projects may receive a financial contribution from the Czech Republic ranging from: CZK 200,000 to CZK 500,000 per project. Applicants should develop realistic project budgets that demonstrate how the requested funding will be used to achieve clear development objectives. The Embassy also states that co-financing from other sources is desirable, although the level of such co-financing is at the discretion of the applicant. This means organisations that have access to their own resources or additional funding partners may incorporate those resources into the proposed project. Applicants should, however, pay careful attention to the financial conditions of the programme, including restrictions on administrative expenses and personnel-related expenditure.

Priority Areas for Small-Scale Projects 2027

Projects submitted under the programme should align with the relevant development priorities of the country where implementation will take place.

Particular emphasis is being placed on projects addressing

Skills development

Community development

Job creation

Local development priorities

Sustainable community impact

Applicants should therefore demonstrate a clear connection between their proposed activities and the needs of the communities they intend to support. Projects should not be designed solely around short-term activities. Sustainability is an important requirement of the programme.

Sustainability Is a Key Requirement

One of the most important conditions of the Czech Republic Small-Scale Development Projects programme is sustainability. According to the Embassy, a project must be capable of continuing without further financial support from the Czech Republic. Applicants should therefore consider what will happen after the funding period ends. A strong proposal should explain how the benefits, activities, skills, infrastructure or other outcomes created through the project will continue after Czech financial assistance has concluded. Depending on the nature of the project, sustainability could involve strengthening the capacity of a local organisation, providing communities with skills they can continue using, establishing income-generating activities, developing systems that can operate independently or creating assets that provide benefits beyond the project period. The precise sustainability model will depend on the proposed project, but applicants should make this an important part of their project planning.

Who Can Implement an SSP Project?

The programme is intended for organisations rather than individual applicants. The implementer must be a non-governmental and non-political organisation with legal personality in the country where the project will be implemented. This is particularly important because applicants are required to submit documentation proving their legal status. The organisation must also be eligible to enter into a contract with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic (MFA CZ). The resulting agreement establishes the jurisdiction of Czech laws and courts. Applicants should carefully consider this requirement before submitting a proposal, as successful organisations will be entering into a formal contractual relationship.

Eligible Countries for the 2027 Call

The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Pretoria is accepting applications relating to projects in the following countries:

Angola

Botswana

Eswatini

Madagascar

Mauritius

Mozambique

Lesotho

Namibia

South Africa

Applicants should ensure that their organisation has the required legal personality in the country where the proposed project will be implemented.

Project Implementation Period

The anticipated implementation period for successful projects is

March to October 2027. However, implementation cannot begin simply because an applicant has been selected. Projects may commence only after the relevant contract has been signed. Successful applicants are expected to sign a contract with the Embassy of the Czech Republic during the first quarter of 2027. Furthermore, the project must be fully implemented and all funds properly accounted for by: 15 October 2027. Organisations developing their implementation schedules should therefore ensure that all proposed activities, procurement, programme delivery and financial accounting can realistically be completed within the permitted timeframe.

Important Financial and Implementation Conditions

Applicants should carefully review the programme’s financial and implementation requirements before preparing a budget.

• Administrative Costs Cannot Be Funded

Administrative costs incurred by the implementing organisation cannot be covered by the SSP funding. Applicants should therefore structure their budgets carefully and distinguish eligible project expenditure from general organisational administrative expenses.

• Personnel and Expert-Related Costs Are Limited

Costs associated with experts should be kept as low as possible.

This includes

Salaries or professional fees

Allowances

Accommodation

Travel costs

Insurance, where applicable

Vaccination expenses, where applicable

Collectively, these expenses must not exceed 25% of the project’s total costs. Applicants should carefully calculate this proportion before submitting their budget.

• The CZK Funding Amount Is Binding

The total amount of funding provided in Czech koruna (CZK) is binding when funds are converted into another currency. Organisations working with local currencies should therefore be mindful of exchange rates and potential currency fluctuations when preparing and subsequently implementing their budgets.

• Projects Must Be Sustainable

The project must be designed so that it can continue delivering benefits without requiring additional financial support from the Czech Republic after the funding period.

• Czech Aid Visibility Requirements Apply

Tangible assets obtained or developed through the project must carry the Czech Aid logo. Where a project produces intangible assets, the financial support provided through the Czech Republic Development Cooperation must be acknowledged. Successful organisations should therefore incorporate appropriate donor visibility and acknowledgement into project implementation.

• Full Terms Will Be Established by Contract

The complete terms and conditions governing successful projects will be detailed in the contract between the successful implementer and the relevant Czech authorities.

Required Application Documents

Applications must be submitted in English. To be considered, applicants need to prepare a complete proposal containing all required documents.

• SSP Identification Form

Applicants must provide two copies of the completed SSP Identification Form 2026.

The two copies must be submitted in different formats

One copy must be completed, stamped, signed and scanned as a PDF file. The second copy must be saved and submitted in its original XLSX spreadsheet format. Applicants should ensure that the information contained in both versions is consistent.

• Proof of Legal Status

Applicants must provide a copy of an official document proving the organisation’s legal status. This requirement demonstrates that the applicant is a legally recognised entity and satisfies the requirement to have legal personality in the country where implementation will take place.

• Authorisation of the Project Manager

Applicants must provide a document confirming that the designated contact person or project manager has been authorised to act on behalf of the institution.

The project manager must be authorised to

Represent the institution in relation to the project

Sign the Identification Form

Oversee the project

Implement the project

Organisations should ensure that the authorisation documentation clearly establishes these responsibilities.

• Identification Document or Passport

A copy of the ID document or passport of the designated project manager must be included with the application.

• Evidence of Previous Development Project Experience

Applicants must provide at least three reference letters or other documentation demonstrating previous implementation of similar development projects. This requirement means organisations should be prepared to demonstrate relevant experience rather than simply proposing a project without evidence of previous implementation capacity. Applicants should select references or documentation that clearly demonstrate their ability to manage development activities similar to the project they are proposing.

How to Apply for the Czech Republic Small-Scale Projects 2027

Organisations interested in applying should follow the application process carefully.

Step 1: Confirm Organisational Eligibility

Before investing significant time in developing a proposal, confirm that your organisation:

Is non-governmental

Is non-political

Has legal personality in the country of project implementation

Operates in one of the nine eligible countries

Can enter into the required contractual arrangement

Has previous experience implementing similar development projects

Step 2: Develop the Project Concept

Identify a development challenge relevant to the community where the project will be implemented. The proposal should align with national development priorities and preferably demonstrate a strong connection with the programme’s emphasis on:

Skills

Community development

Employment and job creation

Step 3: Develop a Sustainable Project Model

Applicants should explain how the project will create benefits beyond the funding period. Consider what structures, skills, resources, partnerships or activities will remain after October 2027.

Step 4: Prepare a Realistic Budget

Develop the budget within the available Czech contribution of CZK 200,000 to CZK 500,000. Remember that administrative costs cannot be funded and expert-related salaries, fees, allowances, accommodation, travel, insurance and vaccination expenses should be minimised and collectively must not exceed 25% of total project costs. Co-financing from other sources may also be incorporated and is considered desirable.

Step 5: Complete the SSP Identification Form

Complete the required SSP Identification Form carefully.

Prepare

One stamped and signed PDF version

One XLSX version

Applicants should review both copies before submission to make sure the information is accurate and consistent.

Step 6: Gather Supporting Documents

Prepare

Proof of the organisation’s legal status

Proof of authorisation for the project manager

Project manager’s ID or passport copy

At least three reference letters or documents demonstrating previous implementation of similar development projects

Step 7: Submit the Complete Application

All required documents must be submitted electronically to

[email protected]

The email subject line should follow the format

SSP 2027: [Name of the Implementer]

Applicants should make sure their submission is complete before sending it.

Application Deadline

The deadline to submit complete proposals is

15 September 2026

Applicants should aim to submit before the deadline where possible to allow sufficient time to check that all required documentation has been attached and submitted in the correct formats. Incomplete proposals may not satisfy the requirements for consideration.

What Happens After Applications Are Submitted?

The Small-Scale Projects are identified by the respective Czech embassies based on applications submitted by potential implementers. Projects are subsequently subject to approval by the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. Successful applicants under the Pretoria Embassy’s 2027 call are expected to enter into a contract with the Embassy during the first quarter of 2027. Implementation can commence only after the contract has been signed. Successful organisations will then have the March–October 2027 implementation period to deliver their approved activities, with projects and funding required to be fully accounted for by 15 October 2027.

Why Organisations Should Consider the SSP 2027 Opportunity

The Small-Scale Development Projects programme provides eligible African organisations with an opportunity to obtain international development funding for targeted initiatives at the local level. The programme may be particularly relevant for established organisations that already have experience delivering community development initiatives and have identified practical interventions capable of producing sustainable outcomes. The funding can help eligible organisations develop projects centred on areas such as skills development, community advancement and employment creation while contributing to national development priorities. The requirement for sustainability also encourages organisations to design interventions whose impact can extend beyond the immediate funding period.

Important Dates at a Glance

Applicants should keep the following dates and periods in mind

Call published: 28 August 2026

Call updated: 1 September 2026

Application deadline: 15 September 2026

Contract signing for successful applicants: First quarter of 2027

Project implementation period: March–October 2027

Final implementation and accounting deadline: 15 October 2027

Important Advice Before Submitting

Applicants should carefully review every requirement before sending their proposal.

In particular, organisations should ensure that

The application is completed in English. The organisation has legal personality in the project country. The organisation is non-governmental and non-political. The proposed project addresses relevant national development priorities. The proposal clearly demonstrates sustainability. The requested Czech contribution falls between CZK 200,000 and CZK 500,000. Administrative expenses are not included as funded costs. Relevant expert and personnel-related expenses remain within the 25% limit. The SSP Identification Form is provided in both required formats. The signed version contains the necessary stamp and signature. All required supporting documents are attached. At least three references or supporting documents showing previous similar development project experience are provided. The correct email subject format is used. The complete application is submitted by 15 September 2026.

Conclusion

The Czech Republic Small-Scale Development Projects 2027 call offers established local organisations across nine African countries an opportunity to secure CZK 200,000 to CZK 500,000 for targeted community development initiatives. Administered through the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Pretoria as part of the Czech Republic’s development cooperation activities, the programme is particularly focused on projects that respond to national and local development priorities, with emphasis on skills development, community development and job creation. Successful proposals will need to go beyond identifying an immediate community need. Applicants must demonstrate appropriate legal status, previous development project experience, realistic financial planning and, importantly, the ability of the proposed initiative to remain sustainable without further Czech financial support. Eligible organisations in Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa should begin preparing their documentation as soon as possible because the application window is relatively short. Complete applications must be submitted by 15 September 2026. Interested organisations should consult the official announcement from the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Pretoria and download the required SSP Identification Form before preparing their submission. Visit the OFY website for more Grant Opportunities.