Latvia: €179K Funding for Diaspora NGOs & Community Projects

Latvia’s Society Integration Foundation Funds 14 Diaspora Projects

February 6, 2026 – Riga – The Society Integration Foundation (SIF) of Latvia has awarded grants to 14 projects designed to support Latvian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working with the diaspora, the SIF announced.

The initiatives, totaling EUR 179,120 in funding, aim to strengthen ties between Latvians living abroad and their homeland, preserve Latvian national identity, and encourage self-organization within the diaspora community. The maximum funding allocated to any single project was EUR 15,000.

The SIF provides support to associations, foundations, and public organizations registered outside of Latvia. Beneficiaries of this funding round include the Latvian Community in Athens, Daugavas Vanagi organizations in both Germany and Great Britain, the Latvian Association in France, and the Latvian National Association in Canada.

Further support will be directed towards the 2×2 Foundation, the European Latvian Youth Association, the European Latvian Association, and the World Federation of Free Latvians. The Latvian Community Association in the United Kingdom, the Latvian Diaspora in Brazil, and several associations focused on digital outreach and economic ties will also receive funding.

Specifically, grants will be provided to Latviesi.com, an online platform connecting Latvians globally, as well as to organizations focused on economic cooperation and investment in Latvia. The Latvians in the World – Museum and Research Center is also among the recipients.

The Society Integration Foundation is described as the largest supporter of NGOs in Latvia, annually providing over €1 million in financial support through various calls for project proposals, according to information published on the SIF website. These calls aim to strengthen civil society and promote democratic development within the country.

Latvia has a significant diaspora, with over 420,000 Latvians estimated to live abroad. The government enacted the Diaspora Law in 2018 to address the challenges and opportunities presented by emigration, focusing on cultural preservation, civic engagement, economic collaboration, and encouraging remigration. Initiatives like family gatherings and youth seminars have been implemented to engage different segments of the diaspora.

In 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs allocated €158,938 through the “Diasporas Atbalsta Projekti,” or “Diaspora Support Projects,” to initiatives reinforcing national identity, supporting the Latvian language and culture, encouraging remigration, and promoting economic collaboration.

The SIF also offers co-financing programs to encourage Latvian organizations to participate in projects funded by foreign sources, furthering the integration of society and the development of civil society. Additional programs focus on supporting family-friendly initiatives and promoting cohesion among different ethnic groups within Latvia.