The Investment Fund and the European Union open applications for Jerusalem Program grants for small projects

Jerusalem - Ofoq News - The Palestine Investment Fund and the European Union announced the opening of applications for Jerusalemite projects and civil society institutions wishing to benefit from the grants of the fourth phase of the “Jerusalem Programme,” the development initiative that is being implemented through “Jerusalem Station J” as a Jerusalemite partner responsible for following up on implementation, reaching beneficiaries, and providing technical and operational support.

The launch of this phase and the opening of applications for it comes as a culmination and fruit of the tangible successes and accumulated experience achieved by the previous phases of the program, which were implemented between 2014 and 2026. It has succeeded in providing direct support to about 135 economic establishments and civil society organizations. The impact of the previous stages was not limited to financial financing, which amounted to approximately 5.6 million euros in direct grants, but also extended to stimulating additional investments worth approximately 4.6 million euros, in addition to their role in providing and maintaining more than 800 sustainable job opportunities in various vital sectors.

Based on these results, the fourth phase was launched to receive new applications and enhance this impact. The fourth phase targets between 30 to 36 non-profit institutions and between 80 to 100 micro, small and medium enterprises in the Jerusalem Governorate, specifically those operating in the sectors of tourism, industry, services, hospitality, information technology, light industries and professional workshops. The program provides participatory grants ranging from 10,000 to 60,000 euros for economic projects, and from 10,000 to 50,000 euros for civil society organizations.

In this context, Mr. Ahmed Zidan, Director of the Palestine Development Foundation, the Palestine Investment Fund’s community investment arm, stressed: “Supporting the city of Jerusalem and its economy constitutes a fundamental pillar of the Palestine Investment Fund’s mission and supporting small and medium enterprises and an extension of the Fund’s vision aimed at enabling sustainable economic development projects.” He added, “Our continued partnership with the European Union through this program reflects our joint commitment to providing an economic safety net for Jerusalemite institutions and small and medium enterprises, which are the backbone of the local economy and the pillar of its continuity.”

Zidane added: “Today we open applications for this stage, and we call on all entrepreneurs and project owners to seize this opportunity to build on previous successes, achieve sustainability and innovation, and create real and sustainable job opportunities for youth and women in the city.”

For his part, Mr. Mario Giuseppe Farinetti, Head of the European Union Cooperation Department, said: “The European Union believes that empowering the economic situation in East Jerusalem and supporting small and medium enterprises and civil society organizations is an essential element for maintaining the social and economic vitality of the city. Opening the door for applications for the fourth phase constitutes a new practical milestone in our journey in partnership with the Palestine Investment Fund to provide financing and technical tools that help entrepreneurs confront economic challenges and adopt environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions that enhance their competitiveness.”

It is noteworthy that the program gives priority to projects with high growth potential, and those that adopt environmentally friendly practices, or are led by women, youth, and people with disabilities, with application being made available through the program’s digital platforms starting today, Wednesday, 9/30/2026, according to precise criteria for eligibility and transparency.

Applications are available via the following link: here