Call for Projects: Advancing Social Inclusion and Equal Opportunities in Spain

The “la Caixa” Foundation has launched a call for proposals to fund projects that promote social inclusion, equal opportunities, and improved quality of life for vulnerable people in Spain. Non-profit and social economy entities can apply for up to €50,000 for projects lasting a maximum of 12 months. The call prioritizes initiatives addressing poverty, disability, older people, mental health, and social cohesion.

Overview

la Caixa Foundation has launched a funding call to support initiatives that promote:

• Social inclusion

• Equal opportunities

• Social cohesion

• Improved quality of life

The call targets individuals experiencing social vulnerability across Spain, with a strong focus on equity, community-rooted interventions, and measurable social impact.

Purpose of the Call

The initiative aims to contribute to:

• A more just and equitable society

• Stronger community cohesion

• Reduced inequality and social exclusion

• Targeted support for people facing multiple vulnerabilities

Projects must be firmly rooted in communities where social exclusion and inequality are present.

Funding Details

Maximum Grant Amount

• Up to €50,000 per project

Project Duration

• Maximum duration: 12 months

Funding Condition

• The requested amount must be directly linked to project implementation

• Funds must be used within the specified timeframe

Priority Target Groups

Projects must focus on at least one of the following groups:

1. Older People

• Social participation

• Healthy aging

• Autonomy and dignity

• Prevention of isolation

2. People with Disabilities, Mental Disorders, or Illness

• Social and employment integration

• Mental health support

• Access to services

• Community inclusion

3. People at Risk of Poverty or Social Exclusion

• Individuals experiencing economic vulnerability

• Marginalized communities

• People facing multiple risk factors

Cross-Cutting Lines of Action

Proposals may also address the following transversal themes:

• Social and employment integration

• Educational opportunities for equity

• Access to temporary residential resources

• Intercultural coexistence and social cohesion

• Promotion and protection of health and mental health

• Prevention of violence and addictions

• Culture as a driver for social transformation

Projects that integrate multiple cross-cutting dimensions may demonstrate stronger systemic impact.

Alignment with Existing Foundation Programs

This call complements the foundation’s established social action programs, including:

• CaixaProinfancia Program

• Incorpora Program

• Program for Older People

• Comprehensive Care Program for People with Advanced Diseases

By aligning new projects with these initiatives, the foundation seeks to:

• Strengthen coordinated action

• Avoid duplication

• Maximize community-level impact

• Reinforce ecosystem-based social intervention

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

• Non-profit organizations

• Social economy entities

• Organizations with statutory objectives related to social cohesion or social and/or cultural interest

Organizations must:

• Be registered in the corresponding administrative register

• Be domiciled in the respective autonomous community

• Clearly define social cohesion or social interest as their primary objective

Not Eligible

• Public administrations

What Makes a Strong Proposal?

Competitive proposals should:

1. Demonstrate clear alignment with priority groups

2. Be rooted in communities affected by exclusion

3. Include measurable outcomes

4. Show coordination with local actors

5. Present a realistic 12-month implementation plan

6. Provide a detailed and justified budget

How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Confirm Organizational Eligibility

Ensure your entity:

• Is legally registered

• Meets statutory requirements

• Is not a public administration

Step 2: Define the Target Population

Identify:

• The vulnerable group(s) served

• The specific social challenges addressed

• The local context of exclusion

Step 3: Design the Project

Include:

• Clear objectives

• Defined activities

• Implementation timeline (max 12 months)

• Expected impact indicators

• Budget breakdown (up to €50,000)

Step 4: Ensure Budget Alignment

The requested funding must:

• Directly correspond to project activities

• Be realistic and proportionate

• Cover only eligible costs

Step 5: Submit Application

Follow official application procedures as outlined by the foundation within the specified timeframe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Submitting projects not directly linked to social vulnerability

2. Weak justification of community need

3. Overly broad objectives without measurable outcomes

4. Budget misalignment with proposed activities

5. Exceeding the 12-month project duration

6. Lack of clear connection to social cohesion

Why This Call Matters

1. Strengthens Social Cohesion

Targets systemic inequality and fragmentation within communities.

2. Supports High-Impact Community Action

Encourages grassroots and locally rooted initiatives.

3. Promotes Equity and Inclusion

Focuses on marginalized and vulnerable populations.

4. Enhances Coordination

Aligns new initiatives with established national programs.

5. Encourages Integrated Approaches

Promotes cross-cutting strategies combining employment, education, health, and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for this call?

Registered non-profit and social economy entities with statutory social cohesion objectives.

2. Can public administrations apply?

No. Public administrations are not eligible.

3. What is the maximum funding available?

Up to €50,000 per project.

4. How long can projects last?

A maximum of 12 months.

5. Which groups are prioritized?

Older people, people with disabilities or mental health conditions, and individuals at risk of poverty or social exclusion.

6. Are cultural projects eligible?

Yes, if culture is used as a driver for social transformation and inclusion.

7. Must projects align with existing foundation programs?

Direct alignment is not mandatory, but complementarity with foundation programs strengthens impact and coherence.

Conclusion

The “la Caixa” Foundation’s 2026 call for proposals offers up to €50,000 to support community-based initiatives addressing social vulnerability in Spain. By prioritizing inclusion, equity, and social cohesion, the foundation seeks to empower non-profit and social economy organizations to implement high-impact projects within a 12-month timeframe.

Organizations working with vulnerable populations and committed to measurable social change should prepare structured, community-focused proposals aligned with the foundation’s strategic priorities.