The Open Competition step by step
- Familiarise yourself with the rules of the competition: read the rules and the purpose of the competition before you start submitting your application. Make sure that your project fits into the framework of activities for dialogue and understanding between Poles and the nations of Eastern Europe.
- Register in the application generator: register on the platform otwartykonkurs.mieroszewski.pl and create an account. The application generator is the only tool for creating and submitting applications.
- Preparation of documents. Fill in the application form, taking into account:
- project implementation schedule,
- project budget (with a minimum 20% own contribution),
- justification of the project implementation,
- other required attachments, such as registration documents. - Submission of the application. The application can be submitted in two forms:
- paper: deliver the signed document in person, by courier or post to the Centre's address,
- electronic: using an electronic signature (qualified, trusted or personal) by sending to ePUAP or the competition e-mail address otwartykonkurs@mieroszewski.pl. - Formal evaluation: your application will be formally evaluated. Formal deficiencies will need to be corrected within 7 days of the call, otherwise the application will be left unprocessed.
- Substantive evaluation: applications that meet the formal requirements will go to the evaluation committee. At this stage, the committee awards points for the quality of the project and recommends funding or not.
- Decision by the Director of the Centre: the Director of the Centre takes the final decision on whether or not to award funding. If accepted, the applicant is informed of the amount awarded.
- Signing of contract: the applicant and the Centre sign a contract specifying the terms and conditions of the project and how the grant will be accounted for.
- Project implementation: start implementing the project according to the schedule and budget. Funds can only be used for eligible costs as described in the competition regulations.
- Reporting: submit a technical and financial report at the end of the project, including documentation of the expenses incurred and objectives achieved.
- Accounting for the project: the Centre verifies the report. If necessary, you may be asked for additional clarifications or documents. Once the report is accepted, the process is considered complete.
For more information, please see the FAQs and the documents.
International cooperation
In the Open Competition, we are interested in projects that involve cooperation between Poland and other Eastern European countries. Such initiatives contribute to the strengthening of international relations and cultural, educational and scientific cooperation. Bilateral projects enable the exchange of experience and knowledge, contributing to a better understanding of common history, culture and current political challenges. Supporting this kind of cooperation is key to building lasting ties between nations and developing joint activities in Central and Eastern Europe.
Grant funds can be used to implement a wide variety of projects. The grant can be used to fund the organisation of conferences, workshops, debates, cultural meetings, exhibitions, as well as small, non-commercial publishing projects. Support can cover national and international travel costs, accommodation, meals for participants, speakers‘ fees, coordinators’ salaries and administrative and promotional costs. Interdisciplinary projects that bring together different areas of knowledge can also be supported.