What is the Call about?
The European Commission and the European Competence Centre for Social Innovation have launched a new transnational call under the ESF+ Social Innovation+ initiative, focused on strengthening the governance and implementation of the European Child Guarantee.
The call supports projects that test, transfer or scale up social innovation models that help children in need access essential services such as education, healthcare, nutrition and housing.
Why is it important?
The European Child Guarantee aims to reduce child poverty and social exclusion by improving access to key services for vulnerable children.
This call focuses on improving how national, regional and local systems work together, so that support reaches children more effectively and with fewer administrative or structural barriers.
What projects can be funded?
Projects may focus on integrated service delivery, stronger coordination between public authorities and service providers, improved outreach to children in need, and better monitoring and evaluation systems.
The call also supports mutual learning between countries and the scaling-up of proven social innovation models that can improve the implementation of the European Child Guarantee.
Who can apply?
Applications must be submitted by transnational consortia involving national Child Guarantee Coordinators, public bodies, regional or local authorities, NGOs and other organisations working on child poverty and access to services.
Funding Details
Programme: ESF+ Social Innovation+
Call reference: ESF-SI-2026-ECG-01
Project duration: 18–24 months
Grant size: EUR 800,000 – 2,000,000
EU co-financing: up to 80%
Deadline for applications: 30 September 2026, 17:00 CEST
Official Call websites
https://ec.europa.eu/european-social-fund-plus/en/esf-social-innovation