Czech Ministry of Culture: grants for publishers to translate and publish Czech literature abroad in 2027, up to 70% of book publishing costs, apply by 11 December

The Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic has launched its 2027 Support Programme for Publishing Translations of Czech Literature Abroad. This initiative funds the translation and production of original Czech literary works into other languages, operating in a single unified round for the 2027 calendar year.

Grants cover up to 70% of total book publishing costs, distributing aid across translation, copyright acquisition, design, and printing expenses. Separate support is also available for preparing translated sample extracts to pitch Czech works abroad.

Applications are accepted from 7 October 2026 until the deadline of 11 December 2026. Decisions regarding grant awards are scheduled to be published between April and June 2027.

What is funded

The programme funds non-commercial literary translation projects across two main thematic categories. The primary area covers the publication of translations of complete books or themed magazine issues in which original Czech literature accounts for at least 50% of the content. Eligible genres include prose, poetry, children’s and young adult literature, comics, drama, essays, and related literary forms, with priority given to contemporary writing.

The second thematic area supports the translation of sample extracts measuring 10 to 25 standard pages of text, or 10% to 15% in the case of poetry. This track is aimed at introducing Czech authors to foreign markets and does not require an existing publisher agreement at the time of submission.

Under the complete book category, funding is capped at 70% of total publishing costs. Within this overall ceiling, applicants can request up to 50% of total costs for translation, up to 15% for copyright licensing, and up to 50% for cover design, graphic layout, typesetting, and printing.

Who can apply

The call is open to foreign publishing entities, small and medium-sized enterprises, non-governmental organizations, and individuals providing public cultural services. Applicants must have their registered office or permanent address outside the Czech Republic to use the foreign applicant stream.

Translators and publishers from any country can apply, as there are no restrictions on target languages. The original source text must be written in Czech, unless the original edition of the work or extract was originally published in another language.

Conditions and requirements

Grants are granted strictly for non-commercial projects of public interest. Funding must involve multiple sources, meaning the recipient must secure the remaining publishing costs from other avenues unless the specific nature of the project precludes co-financing.

Beneficiaries must comply with mandatory visibility rules by displaying the official logo of the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic and an acknowledgment statement in the published volume, on project promotional materials, and on websites. In addition, recipients of sample extract grants must agree that their translated texts may be utilized by the Ministry for presenting Czech culture abroad.

Practical tip. Check your production budget carefully to ensure individual cost categories do not breach their specific limits, as translation fees cannot exceed 50% and copyright cannot exceed 15% of the overall publishing budget. Aligning your internal budget sheets directly with the donor’s caps will prevent administrative disqualification.

How to apply

Eligible applicants must submit their completed application packages between 7 October 2026 and 11 December 2026. The programme uses specific forms for complete books, magazine issues, and sample extracts.

Applications should be sent by email to the designated Ministry address or delivered by mail to the postal address specified in the application documentation. Successful grantees must complete final financial settlements and project reporting in accordance with the conditions issued in the official Ministry decision.

Applications are submitted on the donor’s page: mk.gov.cz.