A Solidarity Project is a non-profit solidarity activity initiated, developed and implemented by young people themselves over a period of 2 to 12 months. It offers a group of at least 5 young people the opportunity to express their solidarity by taking on responsibilities and committing themselves to bringing about positive change in their local community, although some of them may also address regional or even national issues.
Who can apply?
The group that will implement the project. One of the young people in the group assumes the role of legal representative and responsibility for the application.
Any public or private body that will implement the project on behalf of the group must submit the application to the National Agency of the country where the applicant is legally resident.
How does it work?
Solidarity projects must address key challenges within communities, but they must also clearly demonstrate European added value.
Participation in a solidarity project is an important non-formal learning experience through which young people can enhance their personal, educational, social and civic development.
A solidarity project will normally consist of the following stages:
– Planning;
– Preparation;
– Preparation;
– Implementation of activities;
– Monitoring (including evaluation of activities and dissemination of project results).
Activities will take place in the participants’ country of residence.
In cases where the project addresses cross-border challenges, project activities may also take place in cross-border regions of EU Member States, third countries associated with the Programme and third countries not associated with the Programme that share a border with the applicant’s country.
One of the participants will assume the role of legal representative and will be responsible for submitting the application (unless an organisation submits the application on behalf of the group).
Young people implementing Solidarity Projects must design accessible and inclusive activities, taking into account the needs of participants with fewer opportunities.
Special funding is available for the participation of young people with fewer opportunities, both for group members and for the target group.
Solidarity Projects must promote environmentally sustainable and responsible behaviour among participants, raising awareness of the importance of taking action to reduce or offset the environmental footprint of activities.
Requirements:
- Group of 5 young people, aged between 18 and 30,
- residing in the same EU Member State or in a third country associated with the Programme and who have registered on the European Solidarity Corps Portal.
Organisation:
A group of young people planning a solidarity project may also seek the support of an organisation, which may be any public or private entity.
An organisation can apply on their behalf for a grant under the European Solidarity Corps.
The organisation’s role should be primarily administrative, supporting the group in the administrative and financial tasks of the project lifecycle. However, it may also offer support and guidance in identifying and documenting learning outcomes.
Benefits:
- Young people will receive €630/month.
- Young people carrying out a Solidarity Project will be able to count on the support of a coach, a volunteer or a professional, who may have experience in youth work to accompany groups of young people and support their participation.
Deadlines:
– 18 February 2026 at 12:00 (midday, Brussels time) for projects starting between 1June and 31December of the same year;
– (Optional round) 7 May 2026 at 12:00 (midday, Brussels time) for projects starting between 1 August and 31 December of the same year;
– 1 October 2026 at 12:00 (midday, Brussels time) for projects starting between 1January and 31May of the following year.
National Agencies may organise three selection rounds, setting three deadlines as indicated above, or only the first (20 February) and last (1 October) deadlines.
More information: Eurodesk.
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