Under the “Act Locally” program, grants are awarded through open grant competitions at the local level organized once a year by the network of Act Locally Centers, that includes associations and foundations  operating in villages and towns with up to 50,000 residents and operating across areas ranging from four rural communes or municipalities to several counties. Currently, the ALC Network consists of 77 organizations, covering 656 municipalities in Poland.

The “Act Locally” program offers support to active local communities whose members define their own needs and undertake joint actions, and thus contribute to building social capital. In 2026, initiatives may be undertaken in one of the following thematic tracks: Young People Act Locally – projects in which youth leaders take the initiative; Act Locally and Ecologically – projects addressing climate change and environmental protection; and a track promoting community dialogue and cohesion – with a particular focus on building local social resilience.

The “Act Locally” program supports initiatives that:

• Mobilize local communities around activities that serve the common good.
• Contribute to solving local problems or meeting residents’ needs.
• Have clearly defined goals, well-planned activities, and measurable results.
• Engage local resources, such as volunteer groups, local government involvement, or collaboration with local businesses.

As part of the program, Act Locally Centers announce local grant competitions in selected rural communes or municipalities. Prior to submitting an application, we recommend:

• Checking whether the municipality in question is covered by the program.
• Familiarize yourself with the program rules and application requirements.
• Contact your local Act Locally Center for additional information and support.

In 2026, 70 Act Locally Centers will announce grant competitions. To be eligible for a grant, the project must be implemented in one of the rural communes or municipalities covered by the program.

Detailed information on deadlines and application guidelines will be published by the Act Locally Centers in their call for proposals – on their websites and in social media.

“Act Locally” is a program of Polish-American Freedom Foundation, managed by the Academy for the Development of Philanthropy in Poland in cooperation with the network of Act Locally Centers. Over the past 25 years, the program has supported more than 17,000 local projects. More than 6 million participants were involved in their implementation, including approximately 270,000 volunteers.