The Civil Society Foundation (KÜSK) will open a call for applications from 5 September 2025, within which Estonian non-profit organizations will be supported in international cooperation. 140,000 euros have been allocated, and applications will be accepted until the budget is exhausted or until the end of 2025.

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What is this grant and who is it for

The aim of this measure is to strengthen the cooperation capacity of Estonian non-profit organizations with foreign countries, promote the flow of knowledge and experience, and increase the visibility of Estonian civil society at the international level.

Non-profit organizations or foundations that:

• are not under the dominant influence of a company, political party, trade union, or any of them;
• operate in the public interest (not for a narrow circle of persons);
• have been registered for at least one year;
• the publicly visible website or social media channel must have information in Estonian about the organization's goals and activities and a reference to ethical principles;
• must not have experienced support from KÜSK's international umbrella organizations in the previous year.

The support is divided into three areas:

1. Travel support – the opportunity to participate in international events, invite a foreign expert to an event or training in Estonia.

2. Participation in international foreign projects – Estonian NGOs can participate in projects with partners outside Estonia.

3. Organization of events of international umbrella organizations in Estonia – large-scale events that bring together NGOs from abroad are supported.

Through the support, it is hoped that Estonian NGOs will develop a wider network, competence for implementing international projects and stronger international recognition.

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Application process and conditions

Applications are submitted in the Application Processing Information System (TMS), using the valid application and budget forms of the KÜSK.

The procedural process includes two stages: first, the formal requirements and the applicant's compliance are checked, then a substantive review is carried out.

The decision is made within 30 calendar days from the date of submission of the application.

If the application cannot be approved, it may be partially approved or rejected on the grounds (e.g. non-compliance with the requirements, budget shortage).

After the decision, an agreement is concluded with the approved applicant, which sets out more detailed conditions, reporting and payment of the grant.

The grant recipient must report on the activities carried out and the use of costs. If violations are discovered, the KÜSK may demand partial or full recovery of the grant.

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The explanatory memorandum to the State Gazette regulation emphasizes that this support program is a strategic investment in the development of Estonian NGOs: it supports the exchange of knowledge, the creation of networks and Estonia's position in the international arena.

NGO support organizations invite interested parties to plan early and explore participation opportunities, as the competition is open and while funds last.

The Pärnu County news notes that the competition for travel grants is expected to be 30,000 euros per year, and the total volume of grants for international projects and major events is at least 85,000 euros, which will be distributed in the order in which applications are received.