Applications are now open for a grant program supporting Estonian community initiatives abroad: Eesti väliskogukondade omaalgatusprojektide toetus 2026. Applications close 3 March 2026, with an online info session on 17 February for anyone who wants guidance before applying.
The purpose of the program is to strengthen Estonian communities abroad and their connection with Estonia. It supports activities that help keep Estonian identity alive overseas, strengthen Estonia’s positive reputation internationally, and increase awareness in Estonia of what diaspora communities are doing.
A key priority for this funding round is youth-focused work and projects that involve young people.
Grant information
📅 Applications close: 3 March 2026, 11.59 pm (Estonian time)
💶 Grant amount: up to €5,000 per application (total pool €100,000)
🎯 Priority: youth-related activities and youth involvement
📩 Apply: taotlus[at]integratsioon.ee (subject line: “Taotlusvoor omaalgatusprojektid”)
💻 Info session: 17 February 2026, 4.00 pm (Estonian time)
ℹ️ More info: Integratsiooni Sihtasutus (Integration Foundation)
What kinds of projects can be supported
Funding can be used for community-led initiatives such as:
- cultural and heritage projects, events, seminars and festivals (especially youth-related) — including business, science and other thematic initiatives
- cooperation projects that strengthen a sense of belonging and connections between Estonia and diaspora communities
- learning days and continuing education activities
- participation in major Estonian cultural events
- activities that raise awareness in Estonia about diaspora initiatives
Projects that have already finished before the application is submitted are not eligible.
Funding available
The total budget for the round is €100,000, and the maximum grant is €5,000 per project.
Each applicant can submit up to two applications. (In some cases, a peak/umbrella organisation in the host country may submit up to three applications.)
Who can apply
Applications are open to:
- private legal entities registered in Estonia
- sole traders registered in Estonia
- private legal entities registered in another country under that country’s rules.
Applicants also need to meet standard eligibility requirements (for example, not being in bankruptcy or liquidation, and having no overdue obligations to the grant administrator).
How to apply
Application round: 4 February 2026 to 3 March 2026 (Estonian time).
For Australian readers, that means:
Deadline: Tuesday, 3 March 2026, 11.59 pm Estonian time (4 March 2026, 08.59 am Sydney/Melbourne time)
Info session: 17 February 2026, 4.00 pm (18 February 2026, 1.00 am Sydney/Melbourne time)
To apply, submit a digitally signed application (or signed and scanned) by email to taotlus[at]integratsioon.ee, using the subject line “Taotlusvoor omaalgatusprojektid”.
This round is administered by Integratsiooni Sihtasutus and financed by Estonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Information session (optional but useful)
An online information session will be held via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 17 February 2026 at 4.00 pm (Estonian time) (Adelaide 18 February 2026, 0.30 am | Brisbane midnight | Perth 17 February, 10.00 pm | Sydney/Melbourne 18 February, 1.00 am).
Registration is required by 16 February.
To register, email:
Kaire Cocker — kaire.cocker[at]integratsioon.ee
Raili Pihlamägi — raili.pihlamagi[at]integratsioon.ee
If needed, it’s also possible to arrange individual consultation (email Kaire or Raili).
Forms
Taotlusvooru juhend (PDF) (Application guidelines)
Taotlusvorm (Excel) (Application form)
More information
Read more here or contacts below.
Kaire Cocker
Head of diaspora services, Integration Foundation
Tel: +372 5364 4172
kaire.cocker[at]integratsioon.ee
Raili Pihlamägi
Coordinator, Integration Foundation
Tel: +372 5624 0439
raili.pihlamagi[at]integratsioon.ee
