Open Call for Development Cooperation Projects

The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Bogotá has launched an open call for development cooperation projects for 2027 in Panama, Costa Rica, and accredited Caribbean countries. The call supports local entities working to help eradicate poverty in line with the UN 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals. The application submission deadline is 30 October 2026 (Friday). Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: Embassy of the Czech Republic in Bogotá (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic)

- Opportunity name: Open call for Development Cooperation Projects 2027

- Geographic coverage (where projects must be implemented): - Panama - Costa Rica - Accredited Caribbean countries (as applicable)

- Eligible applicants (local entities): NGOs, associations, local educational, social and health institutions, etc. (see eligibility details below)

- Funding amount (Czech Republic contribution): CZK 250,000–CZK 500,000 per project (includes a 5% exchange-rate reserve) - Exchange-rate reserve details: 5% reserve included in the contribution; maximum grant amount in practice is CZK 476,190.48 with reserve CZK 23,809.52 (total CZK 500,000) - Support costs cap: Project support costs (e.g., salaries and per diems for project manager/administrative staff, insurance and vaccination costs, translation, bank charges, publicity, etc.) must not exceed 8% of the Czech Republic’s contribution

- Project implementation window: Selected projects implemented between March and October 2027

- Latest completion date for activities: 31 October 2027

- Deadline for submissions: Friday, 30 October 2026 (applications received after this date will not be considered)

- Language and format: English; submitted using the attached application form (signed and submitted electronically, signed and scanned)

- How applicants are contacted: The Embassy will contact only selected applicants before 31 January 2027

About the Opportunity

This call finances development cooperation projects intended to support local entities—such as NGOs, associations, and local educational, social, and health institutions—in their efforts to eradicate poverty. Projects should align with the UN 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals. Applicants should review the Czech Republic’s International Development Cooperation strategic framework and thematic priorities via the Embassy’s referenced information page: www.mzv.gov.cz/aid. Funding and Benefits

- Grant size: The financial contribution for a project ranges between CZK 250,000 and CZK 500,000.

- Exchange-rate reserve: The contribution includes a reserve for exchange rate fluctuations corresponding to 5%.

- Maximum grant amount in practice: CZK 476,190.48

- Exchange-rate reserve: CZK 23,809.52

- Total contribution example/maximum: CZK 500,000

- Use of reserve: The exchange-rate reserve may be used exclusively to cover duly justified exchange-rate differences.

- Support cost limitation: Support costs (mainly salaries and per diems of the project manager and administrative staff, plus insurance and vaccination costs, translation expenses, bank charges, publicity expenses, etc.) must not exceed 8% of the Czech Republic’s contribution. - Overhead restriction: Project funds may not be used to cover the implementing entity’s overhead expenses (examples provided include office rent, utilities, accounting services, internet, etc.). The requested project amount must be provided in both CZK and USD, based on the current exchange rate (as determined at application). Who Is Eligible? The Embassy will accept proposals only from entities that meet the following conditions: - Applicant type: Local entities such as NGOs, associations, local educational institutions, social institutions, health institutions, etc. (as described in the source).

- Registration location requirement: Only project proposals from entities duly registered in:

- Panama, or - Costa Rica, or - an accredited Caribbean country (as applicable), will be accepted.

- Legal representation authorization: Applicants must provide documentation confirming that the legal representative is authorized to act on behalf of the entity.

- Submission requirement by legal entity: The application must be made using the attached form, in English, and submitted electronically as specified.

If a project is awarded, the Embassy notes that the selected applicant must be prepared for full administrative project management, including technical and financial reporting, adherence to the timeline and budget structure, and communication with the Embassy. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas

- Primary objective: Support activities that contribute to eradicating poverty.

- Policy alignment: Projects should be in line with the UN 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals.

- Additional consideration during selection: The source states that, during the selection process, the Embassy will also consider whether the project intends to incorporate Czech technologies or tools. - Thematic priorities: Not specified in detail in the provided text. Applicants are directed to the strategic framework and thematic priorities information at www.mzv.gov.cz/aid. Why This Opportunity Matters This call is designed for local organizations in Panama, Costa Rica, and accredited Caribbean countries that want to implement poverty-reduction-focused development cooperation projects with Czech Republic support. The funding structure includes an exchange-rate reserve and clear limits on certain cost categories, which can help applicants plan realistic project budgets and timelines for implementation between March and October 2027. How to Apply - Download and complete the attached application form (English).

- Attachment referenced in the source: Small_Scale_Project_Identification_Form_USD.xlsx (Form_MLP_2027).

- Prepare supporting documentation, including: - A document proving the entity’s registration with the relevant authority. - A document confirming the legal representative’s authorization to act for the e