The Impact Fund supports high-impact, outcome-focused projects that contribute to UK strategic objectives and strengthen cooperation between the United Kingdom and Croatia, as well as wider South-East Europe where relevant.

Thematic priorities

Proposals must align with one of the thematic areas below. Given finite resources, the Embassy expects to fund a limited number of high-quality proposals demonstrating strong strategic fit, clear impact and value for money.

A. Resilient and inclusive societies

Priority will be given to projects that:

• empower women and girls, including initiatives increasing female civic participation, leadership and equality. With a particular focus on women active in politics, business, media and civic activism

• strengthen media professionalism, counter disinformation and support fact-based public discourse

• promote national minority rights, inter-community understanding and constructive cross-border regional cooperation

Proposals should clearly articulate expected change, rationale and how impact will be measured and sustained.

B. Innovation and clean energy

Priority will be given to projects that:

• support the clean energy transition and strengthen energy security

• advance R&D-driven technology innovation with clear policy relevance or technical applicability

• develop or scale solutions in battery storage and related enabling technologies

• strengthen hydrogen-related engagement and practical cooperation

• scale up UK–Croatian technological cooperation, particularly in AI and digitalisation

Proposals should clearly articulate expected change, rationale and how impact will be measured and sustained. Broad public awareness or general capacity-building activities are unlikely to be prioritised.

Eligibility

Applications are invited from civil society organisations, research institutions, think tanks, academic institutions and other not-for-profit organisations.

Projects must take place primarily in Croatia and demonstrate clear relevance to the thematic priorities

Funding and duration

Indicative maximum bid value: EUR 11,500. Funding is subject to final allocation confirmation. Proposals must demonstrate value for money.

Projects are expected to be short-term and delivered over approximately 6 months. Substantive activity must complete by end‑2026 or no later than mid‑January 2027. All financial and contractual closure must be completed by end‑February 2027. There is no expectation of continued funding beyond the approved project period.

Assessment criteria

Bids will be assessed on strategic alignment, clarity of outcomes, deliverability, value for money, risk mitigation, and policy‑lead ownership with clear leadership and subject-matter responsibility within the implementing organisation or its partners.

Governance

All proposals will be considered under the authority of the British Embassy Zagreb Projects Board, in line with Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and His Majesty’s Government (HMG) governance, compliance and risk management requirements.

Application process

Applications must be submitted using the online application form .

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Successful bidders will be notified at the beginning of June 2026.