EU4Culture II — support for Belarusian cultural organisations in exile: a two-stage grant of up to €69,000
When a cultural organisation becomes a meeting place for artists, curators, musicians, publishers and creative communities, it gradually grows into something greater than an organiser of individual projects. It becomes a space for dialogue, collaboration and new ideas, helping culture continue to develop even in the most challenging circumstances. These are exactly the kinds of organisations that Goethe-Institut aims to support through EU4Culture II, a programme funded by the European Union. The new open call is designed for Belarusian cultural organisations in exile that already bring together professional communities or are ready to take on a broader role in strengthening the Belarusian cultural sector beyond the country’s borders. The programme not only provides funding but also helps organisations strengthen their institutional capacity, develop a long-term strategy, expand international partnerships and turn strong ideas into sustainable initiatives.
What makes this programme unique
Unlike most grant programmes, EU4Culture II does not begin with a finished project. Instead, organisations are first invited to define their Value Proposition — to understand the role they play within the cultural ecosystem, the challenges they help address and the value they bring to their communities. This approach reflects the philosophy of Goethe-Institut and EU4Culture II: sustainable change begins with strong organisations. Rather than funding only individual activities, the programme invests in strengthening organisations themselves, their professional expertise and their capacity to create long-term cultural projects.
How the programme works
The competition consists of two stages. During the first stage, selected organisations receive up to €9,000 to develop their Value Proposition, prepare a development strategy and work with international experts. The aim is to help organisations define their role within the cultural ecosystem and create a realistic roadmap for future development. The strongest projects will then be invited to the second stage, where they can receive up to €60,000 to implement the strategy they have developed. The total amount of available funding therefore reaches up to €69,000.
Who can apply
Applications are open to Belarusian cultural and creative organisations in exile registered in European Union or Eastern Partnership countries. Eligible applicants include cultural networks, associations, platforms, creative hubs, clusters, alliances, umbrella organisations, human rights initiatives and other non-profit organisations working within the cultural and creative sectors.
What participants receive
Financial support is only one part of the programme. Successful applicants in the first stage receive:
— up to €9,000 to develop their Value Proposition and organisational development strategy;
— mentoring and consultations with international experts;
— capacity-building support;
— international networking opportunities and assistance in building new partnerships;
— the opportunity to advance to the second stage and apply for up to €60,000 in implementation funding.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted in English only through the Goethe Application Portal (GAP). During the first stage, applicants are not required to develop a full project. Instead, they are asked to prepare a Value Proposition that demonstrates the role their organisation plays within the Belarusian cultural ecosystem and the practical value it can bring to the cultural community. Applicants are expected to explain:
— who their solution is intended for (artists, publishers, cultural organisations, a specific sector or professional community);
— what problem it addresses;
— what practical solution they propose (a service, platform, support model, educational programme, cooperation mechanism, advocacy initiative, etc.);
— what long-term benefits the solution will bring to the Belarusian cultural ecosystem.
The quality of the Value Proposition will be the main selection criterion during the first stage of the competition.
Why this programme deserves your attention
Unlike most grant programmes, EU4Culture II offers organisations several complementary development opportunities:
— time and resources to rethink their long-term strategy;
— expert guidance throughout the preparation process;
— support for strengthening organisational capacity;
— access to an international professional network;
— funding not only for ideas, but also for their implementation.
The combination of these elements makes the programme one of the most valuable opportunities currently available to Belarusian cultural organisations working in an international context.
The deadline for applications is 20 July 2026.
Questions for the organisers can be sent by 9 July 2026 via email to eu4culture@goethe.de.
On 8 July 2026, a free online information session will be held for potential participants, during which the organisers will provide details about the competition and answer questions regarding the preparation of applications.
