The Estonian Language Institute (Eesti Keele Instituut) is inviting applications for funding for educational projects that help preserve Estonian language and culture abroad. Applications close on 2 August 2026.
Good ideas deserve a chance to grow. Sometimes all they need is a little encouragement… and occasionally a few thousand euros. If you have been dreaming about expanding an Estonian school, running a playgroup, organising a camp, supporting teachers, or bringing a new cultural project to life, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
What kinds of projects are supported?
Funding is available for projects that help children and young people maintain their connection with Estonian language and culture, for example:
- regular Estonian language and culture classes (minimum four months)
- teacher training and methodological support
- Estonian language and culture camps for children and young people abroad
- camps in Estonia for children of Estonian heritage living abroad.
Projects must be submitted by registered legal entities such as schools, kindergartens, cultural organisations and community associations that provide Estonian language or cultural education.
Projects must take place between 1 August and 31 December 2026.
How much funding is available?
Depending on the project, organisations can apply for:
- up to €7,000 for educational programs running 9–12 months
- up to €4,000 for programs running 4–6 months
- up to €2,000 for one-off projects such as camps, teacher training or educational publications.
Projects require at least 20 per cent co-funding, either through your own contribution or other funding sources.
How to apply?
Applications close on 2 August 2026.
Applications should include the completed application form and project budget (in euros).
Email your application to haridusprojekt@eki.ee and use your project name as the subject line.
More information, application forms and funding guidelines are available on the Estonian Language Institute website.
Australian success stories
This year’s first funding round saw almost €98,000 awarded to Estonian educational projects around the world. Australian organisations were also represented, including:
- Gold Coast Estonian Society — €5,200 for its school and playgroup
- Brisbane Estonian Society — €4,000
- Estonian Society of Sydney — €3,350 for Sydney Mudilasring and preschool activities
- Estonian Society of Sydney — €1,372 for Newy EestLASTE Kultuuriring
- Estonian Society in Melbourne — €1,049 for its playgroup.
It’s wonderful to see Australian Estonian organisations successfully securing support for local initiatives. If you’ve been considering a new project or expanding one that’s already bringing children together — perhaps this is your sign to put pen to paper.
After all, today’s language class, playgroup or culture camp might become tomorrow’s lifelong connection to Estonia.
Read more
Funding information and application forms (in Estonian)
Application guidelines (in Estonian)
Previous funding recipients (in Estonian)
