The Investment Fund and the European Union Open Applications for the Al-Quds Small Projects Grant Program

Jerusalem - Afaq News - The Palestinian Investment Fund and the European Union announced the opening of applications for Jerusalem projects and civil society institutions wishing to benefit from the fourth phase of the "Jerusalem Program," a developmental initiative implemented through "Station J" as a responsible Jerusalem partner to oversee implementation, reach beneficiaries, and provide technical and operational support.

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

Based on these results, the fourth phase has been launched to receive new applications and enhance this impact, targeting between 30 to 36 non-profit institutions and between 80 to 100 micro, small, and medium-sized projects in the Jerusalem Governorate, specifically those operating in the sectors of tourism, industry, services, hospitality, information technology, light industries, and vocational 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 institutions.

In this context, Mr. Ahmed Zidan, Director of the Palestine Development Foundation, the community investment arm of the Palestinian Investment Fund, confirmed: "Supporting the city of Jerusalem and its economy is a fundamental pillar in the message of the Palestinian Investment Fund and supporting small and medium enterprises, extending the Fund's vision aimed at empowering sustainable economic development projects." He added, "Our ongoing partnership with the European Union through this program reflects our mutual commitment to providing an economic safety net for Jerusalem institutions and small and medium projects, which are the backbone of the local economy and its sustainability."

Zidan added: "Today we open the application door for this phase, and we invite 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."

On his part, Mr. Mario Giuseppe Farenti, Head of Cooperation at the European Union, said: "The European Union believes that empowering the economic situation in East Jerusalem and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and civil society organizations is a key element in maintaining the social and economic vitality of the city. Opening the application for the fourth phase represents a new practical milestone in our partnership with the Palestinian Investment Fund; to provide financial and technical tools that help entrepreneurs face economic challenges and adopt environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions that enhance their competitiveness."

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

Applications are available through the following link: here