Over the last years, the European Commission has increasingly recognised the key role of social enterprises in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and as drivers towards a more sustainable and inclusive economy for people and the planet. For this reason, the European Commission has developed a great variety of funding programmes and financial instruments, to support the vital work of social enterprises and their support organisations across Europe and beyond.
But Euclid Network (EN) Member Consultation and the European Social Enterprise Monitor 2020-2021 have made it clear that accessing and navigating through EU funding can be difficult for social enterprises and their support organisations. Therefore, supporting EN members, as well as the European social enterprise ecosystem, in accessing EU funding and updating them on new opportunities, is one of EN’s core activities to ensure their sustainability and lasting positive impact.
EN supports its members network in accessing EU funding through several activities:
- EU funding opportunities
EN shares relevant EU funding opportunities with members through our newsletter and organise, on a recurring basis, dedicated webinars focussing on specific EU funding calls that are relevant for members and their networks. During these webinars, EN team dives into the outline and workings of the call, invites EU funding experts to share their insights and create a space for networking among EN members. Moreover, EN developed an EU Funding Toolkit – a fundraising guide for social enterprise support organisations that provides insights into different EU and private funding opportunities that support social entrepreneurship as a key priority.
- Influencing EU funding programmes
Through joint advocacy efforts at EU level, e.g. at the Expert group on social economy and social enterprises (GECES), EN influences EU funding programmes and makes sure the voices and funding needs of members and wider network are heard.
- Annual EU Project-Building workshop
EN annual EU Project-Building workshop takes a deep dive into new EU funding programmes and enables participants to learn more about project development, to work on project application skills and project management skills. The one-day workshop offers a peek behind the scenes of the evaluation of EU project proposals and creates a space for participants to ask all funding related questions to experts from the European Commission and connect with changemakers across Europe. - Consortium building
EN creates meaningful connections, by facilitating consortium building between members and partners across Europe and beyond. - EU funding applications
EN is leading on and writing EU funding applications and offers tailored support to members in writing of EU funding applications.
As we enter the final stages of the 2021–2027 EU funding cycle, 2026 is shaping up to be a decisive year for social enterprises and the organisations that support them. The combination of mid-term reviews, delayed implementation across Cohesion Policy, new thematic priorities, and the first discussions around the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034 creates an unusually dynamic landscape.
To help our members navigate this moment, Euclid Network is delighted to launch the EU Funding Toolkit: 2026 Edition — a practical, up-to-date guide to opportunities, trends and strategic directions across ESF+, Erasmus+, Interreg, Horizon Europe, the Single Market Programme, Digital Europe, NDICI – Global Europe and Horizon Europe.
The Toolkit provides:
- A clear overview of 2026 funding opportunities across EU programmes
- Summaries of key mid-term review findings and what they mean for social economy actors
- A horizon scan of the next MFF (2028-2034) and expected programme evolutions
- Practical guidance for members preparing project ideas, partnerships and advocacy strategies
Join the virtual EU Project-Building Workshop on the 10th of February 2022, to learn about EU funding & find partners for projects!
Are you interested in building new EU projects with other impact-driven organisations throughout Europe? EN team is thrilled to invite you for a full day on EU funding to:
- Take a deep dive into the new EU funding programmes;
- Ask all your funding related questions to experts from the European Commission;
- Learn how to develop a project aligned with your strategy;
- Work on EU project application skills;
- Receive insights into how to manage EU projects;
- Get a peek behind the scenes of the evaluation of EU project proposals.
Moreover, you will have the opportunity to meet and connect with like-minded changemakers to build European projects and collaborate in the future! You can access the full agenda of the workshop HERE.
Current calls for proposals
- Objective of the Call: Support the establishment, development and professionalism of organizations that do or can assume the function of a social innovation.
- Budget: EUR 5 million
- Application Deadline: 16 November 2020
- Objective of the Call: Put in place comprehensive strategies, mechanisms and services ensuring a holistic approach to support people in (the most) vulnerable situations
- Budget: EUR 10 million
- Application Deadline: 15 October 2020
- Objective of the Call: Respond to the pressing need to confront the climate crisis and provide greater protection for the continent’s unique environment and biodiversity
- Budget: Between EUR 3 to 5 million
- Application Deadline: 26 January 2021
