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Social Economy Gateway

EU funding programmes

EU funding programmes

EU funding opportunities for the social economy

Find funding that is suitable for you

In this section you will find information about EU funding programmes for the social economy. Click here for broader information about EU funding.

The information about EU funding programmes of particular relevance for the social economy that is featured here is based on the work of Euclid Network (EN) - The European Social Enterprise Network. Their European Funding Toolkit, co-financed by the European Commission, serves as the basis for the content presented in this section. EN also contributed to reviewing the adjustments made for this website. For a downloadable PDF providing in-depth guidance on EU funding applicable to the social economy, access EN's European Funding Toolkit here.

European Funding Toolkit (direct link)

Information about non-financial support will be added to the resources section of this website later this year.

Social Services helpdesk

Social economy organisations working in the field of social services may be interested in the Social Services Helpdesk

More information about the helpdesk

Direct link:

Social Services Helpdesk

How does EU funding work?

In general, EU funding is managed through three different approaches:

  • Shared management (around 70% of EU funding programmes): responsibility for running a given programme is shared jointly between the European Commission and national authorities in EU countries.
  • Direct management: EU funding is managed directly by EU institutions.
  • Indirect management (10% of the overall EU budget): the funding programmes are partly or fully implemented by third parties, such as national authorities or international organisations. Funding takes the form of subsidies, which you apply for at national level.

More information

Infographic about the budget available: Multiannual financial framework 2021-2027 and Next Generation EU

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EU funding programmes (19)

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Asylum, Migration and Integration fund

The Asylum, Migration and Integration fund aims to further boost national capacities and improve procedures for migration management,

Information type
Funding Programme
Topics
InclusionMigration
Location of entity/project to fund
All EU Member StatesThird countries

Citizens, Equality, Rights & Values (CERV)

The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme (CERV) aims to protect and promote European Union rights and values as enshrined in the EU Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Information type
Funding Programme
Topics
EqualityGovernanceRule of law/rightsSocial inclusion
Location of entity/project to fund
All EU Member StatesEEA & NorwayThird countries

Digital Europe (DIGITAL)

The Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) is an EU funding programme focused on bringing digital technology to businesses, citizens, and public administrations.

Information type
Funding Programme
Topics
Business skillsDigital skillsDigitalisation
Location of entity/project to fund
All EU Member States

Erasmus+

Erasmus+ fund supports education, training, youth, and sport initiatives in the EU.

Information type
Funding Programme
Topics
Business skillsCircular economyCultureDigital skillsEmploymentEntrepreneurshipGreen transitionInclusionJob creationMigrationResearchSector specific skillsSkillsSocial inclusionSustainability
Location of entity/project to fund
All EU Member StatesEEA & NorwayThird countries

European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) seeks to strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion in the EU by correcting imbalances between its regions.

Information type
Funding Programme
Topics
CompetitivenessDigitalisationEmploymentEntrepreneurshipEqualityGovernanceGreen transitionInclusionJob creationPoverty reductionResearchSector specific skills
Location of entity/project to fund
All EU Member States

European Social Economy Missions (SMP-COSME-2023-RESILIENCE)

Are you interested in support for developing innovative and sustainable business practices to boost rural growth and competitiveness? This call may be interesting for you...

Information type
Call for proposals
Topics
Circular economyCompetitivenessCross border cooperationGreen transitionSocial InnovationSustainabilityTerritorial development
Location of entity/project to fund
All EU Member StatesEEA & NorwayBosnia and Herzegovina.IcelandKosovoMontenegroNorth MacedoniaNorwaySerbiaTurkeyUkraine

European Social Fund+

The ESF+ focuses on employment, education, and skills as well as social inclusion.

Information type
Funding Programme
Topics
Digital skillsDigitalisationEmploymentEqualityFinanceInclusionJob creationPoverty reductionSector specific skillsSkillsSocial inclusionSocial Innovation
Location of entity/project to fund
All EU Member StatesEEA & NorwayThird countries

European Solidarity Corps

The European Solidarity Corps is an EU funding programme for young people wishing to engage in solidarity activities in a variety of areas.

Information type
Funding Programme
Topics
Cross border cooperationInclusionSector specific skillsSkills
Location of entity/project to fund
All EU Member StatesThird countries