Deadline: 15-Jul-2026
The Meet and Code 2026 Grant funds non-profit organizations to deliver free coding and digital skills events for children and youth from underserved communities. The programme supports education in coding, AI, robotics, and digital technologies across select European countries, with €500 funding per event. Events must be free, inclusive, and held between August 16 and October 31, 2026.
Programme Overview
The Meet and Code 2026 Grant is a European initiative supporting charitable non-profit organizations that provide digital education to young people.
It focuses on:
- Expanding access to coding and digital skills education
- Supporting underserved and underrepresented youth groups
- Encouraging participation in technology learning activities
- Promoting inclusion in digital transformation
The programme is aligned with EU Code Week activities and initiatives.
Key Learning Areas Supported
The grant funds educational events in:
- Coding and programming
- Robotics
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Other digital and tech-based learning activities
These activities are designed to introduce young people to future-ready digital skills.
Target Groups and Inclusion Focus
The programme prioritizes youth who are underrepresented in technology education, including:
- Migrants and refugees
- Low-income households
- Ethnic minority communities
- Youth without access to IT devices
- Children and youth with disabilities
Age range:
- Participants must be between 8 and 24 years old
Minimum engagement requirement:
- At least 20 participants per event
- Minimum 240 minutes of learning activities
Eligible Countries
Eligible non-profit organizations must be based in:
Only organizations in these countries can apply.
Funding Details
Grant Amount
- €500 per approved event
Allowable Costs
Funding may be used for:
- Trainer and instructor fees
- Online learning tool licenses
- Venue rental and infrastructure costs
- Learning materials for participants
- Outreach and communication activities
- Technical support for virtual events
Events may be:
- In-person
- Online
- Hybrid
Application Timeline
- Applications open: May 20, 2026
- Deadline: July 15, 2026
- Event implementation: August 16, 2026 – October 31, 2026
- Must align with EU Code Week timeframe
Eligibility Requirements
Organizations must:
- Be charitable non-profit organizations
- Register with Meet and Code platform
- Complete validation via TechSoup Europe partner
- Operate in an eligible country
- Deliver free events for participants
Ineligible projects include:
- Political or religious activities
- Projects benefiting only individuals
- Activities unrelated to coding or digital skills
- Events outside eligible countries
How It Works / How to Apply
Step-by-Step Process
- Register your organization on the Meet and Code platform
- Complete non-profit validation via TechSoup Europe
- Submit event proposal between May 20 and July 15, 2026
- Wait for approval and funding confirmation
- Organize the coding or digital skills event
- Deliver the event between August 16 and October 31, 2026
- Submit required reports and documentation
Implementation Requirements
- Event must be free for participants
- Minimum 20 youth participants required
- At least 240 minutes of learning activity per event
- Must include digital skills education component
Why This Programme Matters
The Meet and Code initiative is important because it:
- Expands access to digital education for underserved youth
- Reduces the digital skills gap in Europe
- Encourages early interest in STEM careers
- Promotes inclusion in technology learning
- Supports non-profits in delivering educational impact
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying from non-eligible countries
- Failing to register or validate non-profit status
- Charging participants for events (not allowed)
- Not meeting minimum participant or duration requirements
- Submitting non-technology-related event proposals
- Missing application or reporting deadlines
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Meet and Code 2026 Grant?
It is a funding programme supporting free digital skills events for youth led by non-profit organizations.
How much funding is provided?
Each approved event receives €500.
Who can apply?
Charitable non-profit organizations in eligible European countries.
What age group is targeted?
Children and youth aged 8 to 24 years.
What topics are supported?
Coding, robotics, AI, IoT, and other digital skills.
When must events take place?
Between August 16 and October 31, 2026.
Are events required to be free?
Yes, all events must be free of charge for participants.
Conclusion
The Meet and Code 2026 Grant supports inclusive digital education by funding free coding and technology events for young people in underserved communities. By empowering non-profits to deliver accessible STEM learning experiences, the programme helps bridge the digital divide and build future-ready skills across Europe.
For more information, visit Meet and Code.