The European Solidarity Corps has opened its 2026 call for proposals, offering over EUR 129 million to support projects that foster solidarity, social inclusion, and civic engagement across Europe. Funding is available for organisations and youth groups in EU Member States, associated countries, and EU candidate countries. The program supports both small-scale and large-scale initiatives that strengthen communities and empower young people.

European Solidarity Corps 2026 Call for Proposals

Overview

The European Solidarity Corps (ESC), established under Regulation (EU) 2021/888, funds initiatives that build solidarity, engage young people, and strengthen social cohesion across Europe. The 2026 call follows the Annual Work Programme, allocating a total budget of EUR 129,595,000 for eligible actions.

Purpose of the Programme

The ESC supports projects that:

• Promote solidarity and community resilience

• Improve social inclusion and equal opportunities

• Encourage civic engagement and youth participation

• Build skills, employability, and long-term personal development

• Address societal challenges through volunteering and grassroots action

Key Features of the 2026 Call

• Total funding available: ~EUR 129.6 million

• Programme duration: 2021–2027

• Project duration: Flexible, depending on project size and objectives

• Eligible actions: Volunteering projects, solidarity projects, capacity-building, cross-border initiatives

• Geographic scope: EU Member States, associated countries, and EU candidate countries

Why It Matters

The ESC empowers young people to take meaningful action in their communities. This call strengthens:

• Community development

• Youth leadership and participation

• Cross-border cooperation

• Responses to social issues such as inequality, isolation, and environmental challenges

It also provides a structured pathway for organisations to access EU funding and expand impact across Europe.

Who Is Eligible?

Funding is open to a broad range of entities, including:

• Public bodies (local, regional, national, international)

• Private organisations

• Non-profit organisations

• For-profit organisations

• Youth groups registered on the European Solidarity Corps Portal

• Informal groups of young people (for Solidarity Projects)

Eligible Countries

Applicants must be based in:

• EU Member States (27)

• Associated countries (e.g., Iceland, Liechtenstein)

• EU candidate countries (e.g., Türkiye, North Macedonia)

What the Programme Supports

Projects may focus on:

• Cross-border volunteering placements

• Solidarity projects led by youth groups

• Initiatives supporting inclusion, accessibility, and equal participation

• Community resilience and social innovation

• Environmental sustainability

• Skills development and youth empowerment

• Capacity-building for organisations working with young volunteers

How to Apply

1. Review the 2026 Annual Work Programme
   Check for updates or amendments affecting priorities or budget allocation.

2. Identify the relevant action type
   Choose volunteering, solidarity projects, or capacity-building actions.

3. Register your organisation or youth group
   Use the European Solidarity Corps Portal to create or update your profile.

4. Prepare the proposal
   Include project objectives, expected outcomes, methodology, timeline, budget, and alignment with ESC priorities.

5. Submit via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal
   Ensure all required documentation is included and deadlines are respected.

6. Await evaluation
   Proposals are assessed on relevance, impact, quality of design, and implementation capacity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals without referencing ESC priorities

• Failing to monitor updates to the Annual Work Programme

• Missing required documents (such as budgets or partner details)

• Incorrectly registering the organisation or group

• Proposals lacking measurable outcomes or clear methodology

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much funding can a single project receive?
Funding depends on project type, scope, and duration. There is no fixed minimum or maximum per project, but it must align with the total available budget.

2. Can youth groups apply without a formal organisation?
Yes. Registered groups of young people can apply directly for Solidarity Projects.

3. Are non-EU organisations eligible?
Only organisations from EU Member States, associated countries, and designated EU candidate countries may apply.

4. Are both small and large projects supported?
Yes. The programme offers flexibility in project duration and scale.

5. Can for-profit organisations apply?
Yes, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for the chosen action type.

6. Is cross-border volunteering required?
No. Some actions, such as Solidarity Projects, can be entirely local.

7. How often are Annual Work Programmes updated?
They may be amended annually. Applicants should check for updates before submission.

Conclusion

The European Solidarity Corps 2026 call for proposals offers major funding opportunities for organisations and youth groups committed to strengthening solidarity across Europe. With a substantial budget, broad eligibility, and flexible project options, the programme enables impactful initiatives that empower young people and support communities. Applicants who align their proposals with ESC priorities and follow the application steps carefully can secure valuable support for their projects.