Deadline: 05-Mar-2026
Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnerships (Lump Sum Grants) support organisations in strengthening transnational cooperation, innovation, and knowledge exchange across Europe. The action funds joint initiatives that improve quality, relevance, and internationalisation of activities while producing transferable and scalable results. Grants are provided as pre-defined lump sums of €120,000, €250,000, or €400,000.
Programme Overview
Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnerships are designed to help organisations enhance the quality, relevance, and impact of their work through structured transnational cooperation. The programme supports partnerships that develop innovative practices, strengthen networks, and improve the capacity of organisations to operate jointly at European level. Projects are expected to deliver results that are reusable, transferable, and scalable across sectors and countries.
Policy Context and Strategic Alignment
Cooperation Partnerships are aligned with:
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Erasmus+ sector priorities at European and national levels
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Relevant EU policy frameworks in education, training, youth, and cross-sectoral cooperation
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Horizontal priorities such as innovation, digital transformation, inclusion, and sustainability
The action also encourages cross-sectoral and transdisciplinary cooperation, creating incentives for collaboration beyond traditional sector boundaries.
Key Objectives and Focus Areas
The programme aims to:
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Increase internationalisation of organisational activities
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Exchange, test, and develop innovative practices and methods
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Support peer learning and mutual capacity building
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Foster joint initiatives at European level
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Promote cooperation, networking, and knowledge sharing
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Produce outcomes that can be transferred, scaled up, and reused
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Disseminate results at local, regional, national, and transnational levels
What Are Cooperation Partnerships?
Cooperation Partnerships are multi-organisation projects that bring together partners from different countries to address common challenges. They focus on practical collaboration, structured work plans, and measurable outputs rather than one-off exchanges.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible Coordinators
Any organisation established in:
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An EU Member State, or
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A third country associated with the Erasmus+ Programme
may apply as a project coordinator on behalf of all participating organisations.
Eligibility Requirements
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The coordinating organisation must be legally established for at least two years before the application deadline
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Organisations must operate in fields covered by Erasmus+ (education, training, youth, or related sectors)
Special Rules for European NGOs
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Partnerships in education, training, or youth submitted by European NGOs are managed by EACEA
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The applicant coordinator must be a European NGO, with the European body or secretariat applying on behalf of the NGO
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Specific eligibility requirements for European NGOs must be met
Funding Details and Grant Amounts
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Total funding envelope under Erasmus+ Lump Sum Grants: up to €5,000,000
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Funding is provided as pre-defined lump sums, not cost-based budgets
Available Lump Sum Options
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€120,000
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€250,000
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€400,000
The selected lump sum represents the total EU contribution for the entire project.
What Activities Are Funded?
Cooperation and Networking
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Building and strengthening transnational partnerships
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Developing networks of organisations and stakeholders
Innovation and Practice Development
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Designing, testing, and implementing innovative practices
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Transferring successful methods across countries and sectors
Peer Learning and Knowledge Exchange
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Joint initiatives that support peer learning
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Sharing and confronting ideas and experiences
Dissemination and Impact
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Sharing results at European, national, regional, and local levels
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Ensuring outputs are reusable, transferable, and upscalable
Why This Programme Matters
Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnerships enable organisations to collaborate beyond borders, strengthen institutional capacity, and contribute to European policy objectives. The programme supports long-term impact by funding structured partnerships that generate practical, transferable solutions rather than isolated activities.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Confirm Organisational Eligibility
Ensure your organisation meets legal establishment and geographic eligibility requirements.
Step 2: Build a Transnational Partnership
Form a partnership with organisations from other eligible countries that share common objectives.
Step 3: Design a Cooperation Partnership Project
Define clear objectives, innovative elements, expected outcomes, and dissemination plans aligned with Erasmus+ priorities.
Step 4: Choose the Appropriate Lump Sum
Select one of the three pre-defined lump sum options that best fits the scale of your project.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Submit the application through the official Erasmus+ or EACEA application portal, depending on the sector and applicant type.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Weak alignment with Erasmus+ priorities and policy frameworks
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Overly ambitious objectives without clear outputs
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Limited dissemination or sustainability planning
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Insufficient transnational or cross-sectoral cooperation
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Choosing a lump sum that does not match project scope
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main purpose of Cooperation Partnerships?
To strengthen transnational cooperation, innovation, and capacity building across Europe.
What funding model is used?
A lump sum funding model with fixed grant amounts.
What is the maximum grant available?
Up to €400,000 per project.
Can organisations from non-EU countries apply?
Yes, organisations from third countries associated with the Erasmus+ Programme are eligible.
Are results required to be shared?
Yes, projects must disseminate results widely to maximise impact and transferability.
Who manages projects submitted by European NGOs?
The European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) manages these projects.
Is cross-sectoral cooperation encouraged?
Yes, cross-sectoral and transdisciplinary cooperation is a core priority.
Conclusion
Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnerships (Lump Sum Grants) provide a powerful framework for organisations to collaborate across borders, innovate, and strengthen long-term capacity. Projects that demonstrate strong partnerships, clear outcomes, and transferable results aligned with Erasmus+ priorities are best positioned for success.
For more information, visit European Commission.
