Overseas Koreans Agency Opens Applications for 2026 Community Support Grants

South Korea's Overseas Koreans Agency has begun accepting applications for its 2026 support program benefiting Korean community organizations operating under the jurisdiction of Korean diplomatic missions overseas. The program is designed to fund projects and events these groups plan to carry out between August and December of 2026.

The application window opened July 16 and runs through August 3, with submissions accepted exclusively online. The agency emphasized that applicants must complete the process by the deadline based on Korea Standard Time, since no late entries will be accepted once the system closes.

Organizations are also barred from making any edits or additions to their applications after the portal shuts down, meaning groups seeking funding must ensure their submissions are complete and accurate before the cutoff. The agency urged applicant groups to strictly observe the deadline.

Applications must be filed through the Overseas Koreans portal at korean.net. Before submitting, organizations are advised to thoroughly review the official 2026 guidelines, which outline eligible project categories, funding details, and instructions for filling out the application form.

Eligible projects span a range of fields pursued by overseas Korean associations, including cultural programs, educational initiatives, next-generation development efforts, and activities aimed at strengthening community cohesion. Specific funding categories and application procedures are detailed in the official guide.

Questions about the online application system can be directed to korean_master@korean.net, with responses available between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Korea time. Inquiries about individual project categories should also be addressed using the official guidelines document. The Korean Consulate General in Los Angeles notified the community of the program through a public notice on July 22.