Erasmus+ · 2021–2027
Erasmus+ Opportunities
Erasmus+ is the EU programme for education, training, youth and sport. Below are the calls and actions most relevant to citizens, NGOs and small organisations working on digital democracy and inclusion.
Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union. The European Commission's support does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors.
Who can apply?
Public bodies, NGOs, schools, universities, adult-education providers, youth organisations and informal groups of young people from EU Member States and Erasmus+ associated countries. Many actions are open to small or first-time applicants.
Most relevant calls
- KA210-ADU
Small-scale partnerships in adult education
NGOs, community centres, libraries, small adult-education providers — also first-time applicants.
Lump-sum grants (€30,000 or €60,000) for 6–24 month partnerships of 2–3 organisations. The lightest-touch Erasmus+ action — designed for newcomers. This is the action that funded our project.
€30,000 or €60,000 lump sumLearn more - KA220
Cooperation partnerships
Experienced organisations ready to lead a larger transnational project.
Larger grants (€120k–€400k) for 12–36 month partnerships of at least 3 organisations from 3 countries. For organisations that have already run small-scale partnerships and want to scale.
€120k–€400kLearn more - KA1-ADU
Adult-education staff mobility
Trainers, teachers and staff of adult-education providers.
Training, job-shadowing and teaching abroad — between 2 days and 2 months. The easiest way to bring European experience back to a local community.
Per-day fixed ratesLearn more - ESC
European Solidarity Corps
Young people 18–30 + organisations hosting volunteers and solidarity projects.
Funds individual and group volunteering, plus youth-led solidarity projects on civic issues. Often the entry point for young people into European civic engagement.
Fixed unit costsLearn more - CERV
Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV)
NGOs and local authorities working on democracy, equality, gender and anti-discrimination.
Not strictly Erasmus+, but the most relevant complementary EU programme for civic engagement. Funds town twinning, networks of towns, civil-society projects and Union values.
Varies by callLearn more - DiscoverEU
DiscoverEU & inclusion strand
18-year-olds across the EU + organisations supporting young people with fewer opportunities.
Free rail passes and discovery experiences — with a dedicated inclusion strand for young people with fewer opportunities, including coaching and accompanied travel.
Free travel passLearn more
How we got our grant
Our project was selected under the Small-scale partnerships in adult education action (KA210-ADU). Form ID: KA210-ADU-2E81EB14. We received a €60,000 lump sum and 14 months to implement seven coordinated activities across three countries. The application was submitted by VMDO Dortmund e.V. as the coordinator, with two partner organisations from Bulgaria and North Macedonia.
Practical tips
- 1
Start with a clear local problem — Erasmus+ funds solutions, not ideas.
- 2
Build a real partnership before writing — find partners on the EU Funding & Tenders portal or via eTwinning.
- 3
Map the call's priorities (digital, inclusion, green, civic engagement) to your project.
- 4
Plan dissemination from day one — reach beyond your direct beneficiaries.