Call for Proposals: Small Scale Projects (SSP) 2027 – Lebanon

The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Beirut is launching its annual call for proposals for the Small Scale Projects (SSP) for 2027. The program is a form of Czech development cooperation that supports small-scale projects implemented directly by eligible local stakeholders in Lebanon, aligned with national development priorities. The application deadline is 30 October 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Programme name: Small Scale Projects (SSP) 2027

- Funding provider: Embassy of the Czech Republic in Beirut (Czech development cooperation; approved by the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters)

- Type of opportunity: Development cooperation small-scale project grants/financing via an embassy call

- Eligible country (project implementation): Lebanon

- Eligible applicants (implementers): Local legal entities in Lebanon authorized to receive Czech foreign development cooperation funds

- Czech financial contribution per project: 250,000 CZK to maximum 500,000 CZK

- Exchange rate note: USD equivalent is calculated using the exchange rate set by the Czech Embassy in the Identification Form

- Deadline to apply: Friday, 30 October 2026 (electronic or paper submission)

- Expected project start: February 2027

- Latest project implementation date: 31 October 2027

- Return of unused funds: Immediately after project completion, but no later than 25 October 2027

- Final reporting deadline: No later than 15 November 2027 (within one month after project completion, as specified)

About the Opportunity

Small Scale Projects (SSP) are instruments of the development cooperation of the Czech Republic. SSP are identified by the Embassies of the Czech Republic through applications submitted by potential implementers and are approved by the headquarters of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). Through SSP, the Czech Republic supports projects carried out directly by local stakeholders in accordance with the beneficiary country’s national development priorities. Projects must align with the national development strategy. A crucial condition is project sustainability, meaning the project would be able to continue in the future without further financial support. The SSP should also contribute to increasing the visibility of the Czech Republic in Lebanon. The cooperation with Czech subjects during implementation is desirable (for example, purchase of Czech products and use of Czech know-how). Tangible project assets should be marked with the Czech Aid or Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo. For intangible assets, applicants must mention Czech development cooperation financial support. Funding and Benefits - Grant amount (Czech financial contribution): Each project receives between 250,000 CZK and maximum 500,000 CZK.

- USD reference: The USD amount is calculated according to the exchange rate set by the Czech Embassy in an Identification Form.

- CZK amount is binding: The approved financial amount in CZK will be binding for conversion into USD, and the approved CZK amount cannot be changed. Applicants are required to account for this in project and budget planning. - Co-financing: Co-financing from other sources is arbitrary and desirable. If co-funding is used, the applicant is requested to include funds from other donors in the project budget overview in the Identification Form.

- Use of funds: Czech funds must be used for implementing the main project goal and handled effectively.

- Support cost cap: Costs necessary for preparation, management, or administration of the project must not exceed 8% of the project’s total costs.

- Budget transfers: Transfers of funds between items in the approved Identification Form must be justified in writing to the Embassy and described in the Final Report. - Unspent funds: Funds not used for implementation, including any unspent exchange rate reserve, must be returned by the implementer immediately after the project is completed, but no later than 25 October 2027. Who Is Eligible?

Implementers of SSP must be:

- Local subjects with legal status in Lebanon - Authorized to receive funds from Czech foreign development cooperation - Eligible to sign a contract with the MFA Czech Republic (so the contract falls under Czech law and Czech courts jurisdiction)

The implementer cannot be:

- A central body of state administration - A political party or movement - A subject that would make a profit from the funds provided Examples of eligible implementers include: - Educational, health, social, or cultural institutions - Non-governmental non-profit organizations (as examples in the source) - Cooperatives, territorial administrative units, or other publicly beneficial organizations Eligible Activities or Priority Areas

The call specifies that projects should:

- Be aligned with the national development strategy and national development priorities - Include a sustainability component (project can run without further financial support) - Increase the visibility of the Czech Republic in Lebanon The source does not list a separate sectoral thematic list beyond these requirements. Why This Opportunity Matters This call supports local, small-scale development projects in Lebanon that are designed to be sustainable after the Czech contribution ends. It also emphasizes Czech visibility in the beneficiary country, including requirements around marking assets and acknowledging support, which can be important for communication, branding, and compliance with development cooperation standards. The funding is intended to support implementation of a clear main project goal using Czech contribution in a controlled budget structure (including an 8% administrative/support cost ceiling). How to Apply - Complete the SSP Identification Form (proposal form).

- The source states: Do not sign the Identification Form; sign it only when the contract is concluded.

- Prepare required documents, including:

- Completed Identification Form - Copy of the document proving the applicant’s legal status (e.g., foun