[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

September 25, 2025 (single-stage)

Up to €3,000 per project | Total call budget: €222,000 | Project duration: 2–5 months

Supports European schools in developing projects that promote blue sustainability and protect marine and freshwater ecosystems.

Applicants must be (or agree to become) members of the Network of European Blue Schools.

--- ## Description This grant, part of the "EnLIGHTening future Schools to deliver BLUE Sustainability in Europe" initiative, aims to empower European schools to design and implement innovative "blue challenge" projects. These projects should foster environmental awareness and sustainable practices among students, focusing on the protection of marine and freshwater ecosystems. Selected projects will be showcased throughout the Network of European Blue Schools, EU4Ocean, and Mission Ocean communities, promoting best practices and inspiring further engagement in blue sustainability education. --- ## Due Dates - Application deadline: September 25, 2025, 19:00 (Brussels time) - Questions may be submitted until September 18, 2025 --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum grant per project: €3,000 (lump sum) - Total available funding for this call: €222,000 - Expected project duration: Minimum 2 months, maximum 5 months --- ## Eligibility - Open to schools located in Europe. - Applicants must be members of the [Network of European Blue Schools](https://ec.europa.eu/oceans-and-fisheries/ocean-literacy/european-blue-schools_en), or agree to become members as part of the application process. - Projects must focus on blue sustainability (protection of marine and freshwater ecosystems) and involve student engagement. - Applications must be submitted in English. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online via the [BlueLightS project webpage](https://blue-lights.eu/grants-for-schools/). - Required application components: - Administrative details of the school and contact person(s) - Proof of Network membership or intent to join - Description of the proposed blue challenge project/activities - Estimated project budget - Declaration on Honour regarding exclusion criteria - Applications will be evaluated for eligibility and then qualitatively assessed by a panel of independent evaluators from participating countries. - Selection is based on overall ranking, budget allocation per country, and consideration of e-twinning applications. - Results will be published on the project website and disseminated via the Network of European Blue Schools and partner communities. --- ## Additional Information - The approved budget is awarded as a lump sum. - The Selection Committee reserves the right to reduce the awarded grant if costs are not fully justified. - FAQs will be published on the call website. - Outcomes and project descriptions will be made public. --- ## External Links - [EU Funding & Tenders Portal – Official Call Page](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/competitive-calls-cs/11043?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=6&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [BlueLightS Project Application Portal](https://blue-lights.eu/grants-for-schools/) - [Network of European Blue Schools](https://ec.europa.eu/oceans-and-fisheries/ocean-literacy/european-blue-schools_en) - [European Commission – Contact Information](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |-----------------------------|---------------------------------------------------| | General & Application Queries| [grants@blue-lights.eu](mailto:grants@blue-lights.eu) (until September 18, 2025) | | European Commission | [Contact form](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) / +32 2 299 11 11 |

BlueLightS - 2nd Call for Blue Challenges in European Schools

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