Deadline: 05-Mar-2026
The European Commission (EC) invites applications for Cooperation Partnerships, enabling European NGOs to strengthen their role in the youth sector through transnational collaboration and innovation. Projects receive lump-sum grants of EUR 120,000, 250,000, or 400,000 for 12–36 months to develop and implement innovative practices that are reusable, transferable, and scalable across education, training, youth, and sport sectors.
Overview
Cooperation Partnerships aim to enhance the quality, relevance, and international dimension of organisational activities in the youth sector. By promoting joint initiatives, peer learning, and transnational exchange of experiences, these partnerships help NGOs:
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Expand networks and transnational collaborations
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Adopt innovative practices that are reusable and scalable
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Work across sectors, promoting transdisciplinary outcomes
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Improve organisational capacity and impact at individual, organisational, or sectoral levels
Project Focus
Key objectives for Cooperation Partnerships include:
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Improving the quality of organisational work, activities, and practices
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Engaging new actors not typically included within one sector
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Building capacity for transnational and cross-sectoral collaboration
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Addressing common needs and priorities in education, training, youth, and sport
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Encouraging cooperation, peer learning, and exchange of experience
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Supporting the development, transfer, and implementation of innovative practices
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Ensuring results are reusable, transferable, and scalable at local, regional, national, and transnational levels
Funding Details
Total Budget
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EUR 2,000,000 allocated for this opportunity
Grant Amounts
Applicants can choose a lump-sum grant based on project scale:
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EUR 120,000
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EUR 250,000
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EUR 400,000
Project Duration
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Standard duration: 12–36 months
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Extensions up to 36 months allowed in justified cases without increasing the grant amount
Who Is Eligible?
Applicant Organisations
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Established in an EU Member State or a third country associated with the Erasmus+ Programme
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Must act as coordinator on behalf of all project partners
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Legally established for at least two years prior to the application deadline
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For NGOs in education, training, or youth, specific conditions apply via the European Education and Culture Executive Agency
Partner Organisations
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Must be actively involved in project activities and contribute to transnational objectives
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Can include NGOs, academic institutions, public bodies, and other organisations relevant to the project
How to Apply
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Confirm eligibility of your organisation and partners
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Select the appropriate lump-sum grant based on project scale
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Define project objectives, methodology, outcomes, and transnational collaboration plan
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Prepare documentation in line with Erasmus+ Programme rules
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Submit through the official EC application portal before the deadline
Why This Grant Matters
Cooperation Partnerships strengthen transnational cooperation, encourage innovation, and expand the reach of youth-focused activities. By supporting scalable and transferable outcomes, the initiative ensures that European NGOs can effect lasting impact in education, training, youth, and sport sectors while fostering cross-border collaboration and shared learning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What types of organisations can apply? NGOs established in EU Member States or Erasmus+ associated third countries with at least two years of legal operation.
What are the grant amounts? Lump sums of EUR 120,000, 250,000, or 400,000.
How long can projects run? Standard 12–36 months; extensions up to 36 months allowed without extra funding.
Can organisations outside the EU participate? Yes, if they are in a third country associated with the Erasmus+ Programme.
What is the main focus of the projects? Improving quality, innovation, transnational collaboration, and scalability in youth, education, training, and sport activities.
Who acts as project coordinator? The applicant organisation coordinates on behalf of all partners.
Are results required to be reusable? Yes, projects should produce outcomes that are reusable, transferable, and scalable.
Conclusion
The Cooperation Partnerships programme enables European NGOs to enhance their international impact, adopt innovative practices, and strengthen youth sector activities across borders. By supporting collaborative, scalable, and transferable solutions, the initiative contributes to the broader development of education, training, youth, and sport across Europe.
For more information, visit European Commission.
