“la Caixa” Foundation Launches Call to Support Social Inclusion Projects in Spain

The Fundación ‘la Caixa’ has launched a call for proposals to fund social initiatives in Ceuta and Melilla. Grants of up to €50,000 are available for projects lasting a maximum of 12 months, targeting people in situations of social vulnerability. Eligible applicants include registered non-profit and social economy entities domiciled in Ceuta or Melilla; public administrations are not eligible.

What Is This Call for Proposals?

The Fundación “la Caixa” is inviting social entities in Ceuta and Melilla to submit projects that:

• Promote social inclusion

• Improve equal opportunities

• Enhance quality of life

• Strengthen local social cohesion

The initiative aims to build a more inclusive, equitable, and supportive society at the local level.

Strategic Focus Areas

Projects must address one or more of the following core areas:

1. Older People

Initiatives that promote:

• Active ageing

• Social participation

• Autonomy and dignity

• Prevention of loneliness and dependency

2. People with Disabilities, Mental Disorders, or Illness

Projects that:

• Improve accessibility and inclusion

• Promote independent living

• Support mental health and psychosocial wellbeing

• Enhance community integration

3. Poverty and Social Inclusion

Interventions that:

• Reduce social exclusion

• Address structural inequalities

• Strengthen access to essential services

• Promote economic and social stability

Cross-Cutting Lines of Action

In addition to the main focus areas, the call supports projects that integrate:

• Social and employment integration

• Educational equity and academic support

• Access to temporary residential resources

• Intercultural coexistence and community cohesion

• Health and mental health promotion

• Prevention of violence and addictions

• Culture as a driver of social transformation

Projects may combine multiple lines of action if they directly benefit vulnerable populations.

Funding Details

Maximum grant amount: €50,000
Project duration: Up to 12 months

Important requirements:

• The requested budget must directly correspond to project activities.

• Funding must be fully executed within the approved timeframe.

• Projects must operate in Ceuta or Melilla.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be a non-profit entity or social economy entity

• Explicitly state in their statutes that their main objective is social cohesion or social and/or cultural interest

• Be registered in the corresponding administrative register

• Be domiciled in Ceuta or Melilla

Not eligible:

• Public administrations

Entities may apply regardless of profit status, provided their statutory purpose aligns with social cohesion or social interest.

What Types of Projects Are Prioritized?

Strong proposals typically:

• Directly benefit people in situations of social vulnerability

• Demonstrate measurable impact

• Address local needs in Ceuta or Melilla

• Promote social cohesion and inclusion

• Complement existing community services

How This Call Connects to Broader Social Programs

This initiative complements other Fundación “la Caixa” programs, including:

• CaixaProinfancia (child poverty reduction)

• Incorpora (employment integration)

• Program for Older People

• Comprehensive Care Program for People with Advanced Diseases

The call reinforces these social action lines at a local level in Ceuta and Melilla.

Step-by-Step: How to Prepare a Strong Application

Step 1: Identify a Local Social Need

Conduct a needs assessment focused on vulnerable populations in Ceuta or Melilla.

Step 2: Define Clear Objectives

Set specific, measurable, and realistic goals aligned with the call’s focus areas.

Step 3: Design Targeted Interventions

Ensure your project:

• Directly benefits vulnerable individuals

• Promotes inclusion and equal opportunities

• Has practical, achievable activities

Step 4: Develop a Detailed Budget

The budget must:

• Be proportional to project scope

• Directly relate to planned activities

• Fit within the €50,000 limit

Step 5: Ensure Legal Compliance

Confirm:

• Registration status

• Statutory objectives align with social cohesion

• Domicile in Ceuta or Melilla

Step 6: Submit According to Official Guidelines

Follow the official submission procedures provided by Fundación “la Caixa.”

Evaluation Criteria (Typical Considerations)

Applications are likely assessed based on:

• Alignment with priority areas

• Direct benefit to vulnerable groups

• Feasibility within 12 months

• Budget clarity and efficiency

• Local impact and sustainability

• Capacity of the applying organization

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting projects not directly benefiting vulnerable populations

• Requesting funding not clearly linked to activities

• Exceeding the €50,000 cap

• Failing to demonstrate measurable outcomes

• Applying as a public administration

• Not being registered or domiciled in Ceuta or Melilla

Expert Tips for a Competitive Proposal

• Use local data to justify the need.

• Clearly define your target population.

• Include indicators for measuring success.

• Show collaboration with local stakeholders.

• Demonstrate how your project strengthens community cohesion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum funding available?

Up to €50,000 per project.

2. How long can the project last?

A maximum of 12 months.

3. Can public administrations apply?

No. Public administrations are not eligible.

4. Can social economy entities apply?

Yes, if their statutes explicitly state a main objective of social cohesion or social and/or cultural interest.

5. Must the organization be based in Ceuta or Melilla?

Yes. Applicants must be domiciled and registered in one of these cities.

6. Can projects focus on mental health?

Yes. Mental health promotion and protection are explicitly included.

7. Are cultural projects eligible?

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

Conclusion

The Fundación “la Caixa” Call for Proposals in Ceuta and Melilla provides up to €50,000 for 12-month projects that directly support people experiencing social vulnerability. By focusing on inclusion, equal opportunities, mental health, poverty reduction, and social cohesion, this initiative strengthens local social ecosystems and promotes long-term community wellbeing.

Eligible organizations based in Ceuta or Melilla that are committed to social cohesion should consider applying to deliver impactful, community-centered solutions.