UNDP Czech Challenge Fund 2026

Applications are now open for the UNDP Czech Challenge Fund 2026, an initiative supporting innovative solutions that address development challenges and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. The programme is implemented through the Czech UNDP Partnership for Sustainable Development Goals, which connects Czech expertise and innovative solutions with development priorities in partner countries.

The 2026 Challenge Fund is focused on Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, and the Republic of Moldova. It provides financial support for organisations seeking to test and implement practical innovations with potential for wider application, sustainability, and scale. The initiative is designed to help turn innovative ideas into practical solutions that can create measurable development impact.

Selected applicants can receive funding of up to US$40,000 to test and implement their proposed solutions. Projects may run for up to 12 months, with funding supporting areas such as project personnel and experts, smaller equipment and software, workshops and training, and project related travel. Applicants are required to provide at least 20% cofunding, which may include non financial contributions.

About the Opportunity

The Czech UNDP Partnership for Sustainable Development Goals is a cooperation framework through which the Czech Republic and UNDP share expertise, knowledge, and innovative approaches with partner countries. The partnership has supported development initiatives across Europe and Central Asia and includes expertise sharing, challenge funding, and knowledge management.

The Challenge Fund component invites innovative solutions from Czech organisations and other eligible applicants to respond to specific development challenges in partner countries. The 2026 call focuses on Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, and Moldova.

Projects should offer practical and innovative approaches to development challenges while demonstrating potential for broader use. Local partnerships are an important element of the programme because they help applicants adapt solutions to local realities and strengthen their sustainability and scalability.

Opportunity Benefits

• Funding of up to US$40,000

• Support for projects lasting up to 12 months

• Funding for project personnel and experts

• Support for smaller equipment and software

• Funding for workshops and training activities

• Support for eligible project related travel

• Opportunity to test innovative solutions in a real development context

• Potential to develop solutions with wider application and scalability

• Access to collaboration opportunities with local partners

• Opportunity to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals

Target Countries

The 2026 Challenge Fund focuses on three partner countries:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Georgia

• Republic of Moldova

Applicants should ensure that their proposed solution addresses a relevant development challenge in one of these countries and is suitable for implementation within the local context.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants include organisations and institutions such as:

• Private sector organisations

• Public sector organisations

• Nongovernmental organisations

• Universities

• Government institutions

• Research centres

Applicants must also meet the following requirements:

• Propose an innovative solution addressing a development challenge in one of the target countries

• Demonstrate the practical value and potential wider application of the proposed solution

• Engage local partners to support implementation and adaptation to local conditions

• Provide at least 20% cofunding for the proposed project

• Submit the application using the required application form

• Provide a budget that complies with the requirements of the call

• Submit a budget sheet signed by an authorised representative of the applicant organisation

• Follow the required submission arrangements

• Submit the complete application before the deadline

The official UNDP announcement notes that the 20% cofunding requirement may be provided in non financial form.

Required Application Materials

Applicants should prepare the following as part of their submission:

• Completed application form

• Project proposal describing the proposed innovative solution

• Project budget

• Signed budget sheet

• Information demonstrating compliance with the call requirements

• Details of the proposed local partnership arrangements

• Any other information required by the official call documentation

The application must be complete and submitted using the required procedure. Applications that do not comply with the prescribed format, budget requirements, or submission arrangements may not be accepted.

Selection Considerations

The Challenge Fund is designed for practical and innovative solutions that respond to development challenges in the three target countries. Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed solution can work in the local context and contribute to meaningful development outcomes.

Particular attention should be given to:

• Relevance to a development challenge

• Innovation and practical applicability

• Suitability for local conditions

• Potential for sustainability

• Potential for wider application and scalability

• Strength of local partnerships

• Feasibility of the proposed implementation

• Appropriate use of the requested funding

How to Apply

1. Review the official UNDP Czech Challenge Fund 2026 call and confirm that your organisation and proposed project meet the eligibility requirements.
2. Identify a development challenge in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, or the Republic of Moldova that your organisation can address through an innovative and practical solution.
3. Develop a project proposal explaining the problem, proposed solution, implementation approach, local partnership, expected results, sustainability, and potential for wider application.
4. Prepare a project budget that follows the requirements of the call and accounts for the required 20% cofunding.
5. Complete the official application form and attach the signed budget sheet and other required documents.
6. Register or access your organisation's profile through the UNDP Quantum Supplier Portal.
7. Search for the negotiation using reference number UNDP IRH 00317 if required.
8. Submit the completed application through the designated UNDP system before the deadline.
9. Ensure that the complete submission is made no later than October 20, 2026.

The Czech UNDP Partnership also provides opportunities for applicants to consult with its team for additional information and support while preparing applications.