Croatia launches public call for diaspora funding

Croatia has allocated €1.8 million this year for programmes and projects run by Croatian diaspora organisations in Europe and overseas, the same amount as last year.

A public call has been launched by the Central State Office for Croats Abroad, with a deadline of 20 May for applications from associations, foundations, institutions, religious communities and other organisations, CE Report quotes HINA.

Applicants may submit projects aimed at developing Croatian diaspora organisations, as well as initiatives in culture, education and science, sport, tourism and other areas of interest for preserving national identity and strengthening ties between Croats abroad and those in the homeland.

Each organisation may submit up to two applications. The minimum grant per project is €1,000, while the maximum is set at €50,000.

The support programme for Croatian diaspora communities, operating in 29 countries, has been run by the office since 2012. Funding has increased over time, rising from €750,000 six years ago to €1.8 million this year.

Last year, 126 diaspora organisations received state financial support for their projects.

An estimated 3.2 million Croatian emigrants and their descendants live outside Croatia worldwide.

foto Miho Dobrašin