Applications are open for the UNDP Czech Challenge Fund 2026 (Czech-UNDP Partnership for SDGs / CUP) - grants of roughly US$20,000 - US$40,000 (up to 12 months) to transfer Czech know-how and innovative SDG solutions to partner countries.
For 2026, eligible target countries are Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, and Georgia. Deadline: 20 October 2026. Apply via the UNDP Quantum supplier portal (negotiation reference UNDP-IRH-00317). Co-funding of at least 20% (in-kind OK) is required.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official Czech Challenge Fund / CUP pages and call materials. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - UNDP Czech Challenge Fund 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Czech Challenge Fund: Innovations / Solutions for SDGs |
| Host | UNDP - Czech-UNDP Partnership for SDGs (CUP) |
| Grant | Approx. US$20,000 - US$40,000 for up to 12 months |
| Co-funding | At least 20% of total project cost (in-kind allowed) |
| 2026 countries | Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Georgia |
| Deadline | 20 October 2026 |
| Portal | UNDP Quantum - search UNDP-IRH-00317 |
| Contact | cup.applications@undp.org |
About the Fund
The Challenge Fund uses an innovation-challenge instrument to leverage Czech expertise and introduce new methods, ideas, or products. Projects are implemented with local partners for viability, sustainability, and locally identified challenges. Over 100 CF projects have been supported since 2018.
Who Can Apply
- Private sector, public sector, NGOs, universities, state institutions, or research centres
- If the lead applicant is registered outside the target country, engage a local partner (documented via Letter of Intent, contract, or MoU)
- Local partners may be private entities, NGOs, universities, state institutions, or research centres aligned with the project topic
What Funding Covers
- Project staff salaries
- Consultancy (technology, design, business, development, etc.)
- Small equipment and supplies (e.g. software, stationery)
- Training and workshop expenses
- Travel costs clearly related to implementation
Selected projects may also receive reference letters for future tenders and access to UNDP networks for scale-up/replication after successful completion.
Innovation & Project Rules
- Address a development challenge in an eligible 2026 priority country
- Inclusive - benefit target communities and SDGs, not only the applicant
- Demonstrate capacity and resources to deliver on time
- Innovation broadly defined: new approaches/products/services; new to the country; or a model new to a target group
- Potential for financial, social, and environmental sustainability and scale-up; feasible studies may also be considered
Evaluation Criteria
- Degree of innovation (with risk consideration)
- Development impact and project quality / intervention logic
- Potential for scale-up and replication
- Long-term sustainability
- Value for money and cost-effectiveness
- Availability of co-funding (above 20% preferred)
How to Apply
- Read the official overview at undp.cz/czech-challenge-fund and the live UNDP procurement notice.
- Register on the UNDP Quantum Supplier Portal if needed.
- Search for negotiation UNDP-IRH-00317, complete the form in full, attach a conforming budget signed by an authorised person, and submit by 20 October 2026.
- Questions: cup.applications@undp.org.
Applications are accepted only if submitted on the correct form, complete, with a conforming signed budget, meeting call arrangements, and received by the deadline.
Official Links
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FAQs - UNDP Czech Challenge Fund 2026
When is the deadline?
20 October 2026.
How much funding is available?
Estimated grants of US$20,000 - US$40,000 for up to 12 months, plus at least 20% co-funding from the applicant.
Which countries are eligible in 2026?
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, and Georgia only for this year’s call.
Where do I apply?
Through the UNDP Quantum portal, negotiation reference UNDP-IRH-00317.
