Ministry of Foreign Affairs awards grant to association lacking diaspora experience

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MSZ) awarded nearly 2 million PLN to "Stowarzyszenie Polonia Connect" despite the organization not meeting competition requirements. The association rapidly changed its name and statutes just before the application deadline. "Polonia Connect" received 1.95 million PLN, almost 18% of the total funds for the "Polonia and Poles Abroad 2026" competition. The MSZ claims the organization met criteria, but internal assessments show experience with Polish diaspora was not verified. The association's president, Jakub Gęca, provided recommendation letters from two organizations, but no evidence of prior collaboration with the Polish diaspora was found. The MSZ ultimately approved the grant, despite the organization's lack of relevant experience.