Introduction
The Sweden-Latvia Cooperation Fund is an independent philanthropic foundation established in 2019 to promote and deepen bilateral relations between Sweden and Latvia. The Fund provides grant support for collaborative projects, travel, and media initiatives that enhance cultural exchange, knowledge sharing, youth networking, innovation, and cooperation between the two countries.
History and Background
The idea for the Sweden-Latvia Cooperation Fund stemmed from a 2018 initiative by the Swedish Government, presented by then Foreign Affairs Minister Margot Wallström, to celebrate the centenaries of the Baltic states and strengthen ties with Sweden. The Fund was formally established in 2019, with contributions from both Sweden and Latvia, including an initial capital donation from the Swedish Government.
The Fund operates under Swedish law, with its capital generating interest used to finance grants promoting cooperation and mutual understanding between Sweden and Latvia.
Mission and Purpose
The core mission of the Sweden-Latvia Cooperation Fund is to:
- Strengthen, broaden, and renew social, cultural, educational, and economic connections between Sweden and Latvia
- Support bilateral exchange and knowledge sharing
- Encourage networking among youth, organisations, and innovators
- Promote understanding of Swedish and Latvian language and culture in each country
The Fund places particular emphasis on activities that are future-oriented, such as youth collaboration, innovation, and creative partnerships that build long-lasting bilateral engagement.
Governance and Structure
The Sweden-Latvia Cooperation Fund is governed by a board of eight members, with equal representation from Sweden and Latvia. The board oversees strategy, approves grants, and seeks to expand cooperation with new partners, including representatives from business, media, civil society, and educational sectors.
Funding and Grant Types
The Fund provides several types of grants and financial support to strengthen cooperation:
Project Grants
- Support joint initiatives that involve partners from both Sweden and Latvia
- Typically fund activities such as cultural exchange, innovation collaboration, educational partnerships, and youth engagement
- Grants can be up to SEK 50,000 (~€5,000) for eligible projects
Travel Grants
- Provide fixed compensation for travel and accommodation associated with cooperation activities
- Available year-round to support mobility between Sweden and Latvia
Media Grants
- Support journalists, media organisations, and content creators producing work that introduces new perspectives on Sweden-Latvia relations or shared topics of interest
- Includes fixed compensation for travel and production costs
Eligibility and Application
- Individuals, associations, organisations, companies, and working groups with activities planned between Sweden and Latvia can apply
- Applicants must reside in either Sweden or Latvia and demonstrate a partnership with entities in the other country
- Projects must start after funding approval and be completed within one year
- Applications are submitted online, and grants are tax-free where applicable
Major Programs and Initiatives
Funding Rounds
The Fund typically announces annual calls for project applications, with deadlines such as May 1, 2026 for the next round of grants.
Special Grants
In addition to standard grant categories, the Fund has awarded special grants targeting initiatives such as language promotion — for example, supporting Nordic language teaching in Latvian schools to strengthen curriculum development ahead of 2026 education reforms.
Strategic Partnerships
The Fund also supports multi-year initiatives. For instance, it granted SEK 50,000 annually over three years to the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga to boost entrepreneurial collaboration and student exchange.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
The Sweden-Latvia Cooperation Fund has backed a variety of projects that reflect its mission to foster bilateral ties. Grants have supported activities such as:
- Cultural exchange and artistic collaborations
- Educational programmes and seminars
- Networking events and youth engagement
- Media stories that deepen mutual understanding
By enabling direct cooperation between Swedish and Latvian partners, the Fund contributes to sustainable people-to-people links, innovative partnerships, and shared cultural and educational growth.
Conclusion
The Sweden-Latvia Cooperation Fund plays a unique role in enhancing bilateral engagement between Sweden and Latvia by supporting collaborative projects, travel, and media work that build cultural, educational, and economic connections. With a focus on youth, innovation, and mutual understanding, the Fund continues to enrich ties between the two countries and foster long-term cooperation.
For more information, visit here.
