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

September 23, 2026

€3,000,000–€4,000,000 per project (lump sum); approx. 3 projects funded

Supports research to inform EU policy on reducing child poverty by improving disadvantaged children's access to quality early education and care.

--- ## Description This opportunity from the European Commission funds multidisciplinary research to generate EU-specific evidence on the cost of child poverty and the benefits of ensuring access for disadvantaged children to quality Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). Projects are expected to go beyond monetary definitions of disadvantage, incorporating the EU’s risk of poverty or social exclusion framework and considering systemically marginalised groups. Research should estimate the short- and long-term costs and returns of ECEC participation, analyze barriers to access, compare ECEC with other interventions, and develop actionable, evidence-based policy advice for closing the participation gap. Involvement of experts by experience (such as vulnerable children and parents) is encouraged. --- ## Due Dates - September 23, 2026: Full application submission deadline (by 17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Each project will receive a lump sum between €3,000,000 and €4,000,000. - Approximately 3 projects are expected to be funded under this call. - Funding is provided as a lump sum grant under Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Actions (RIA). --- ## Eligibility - Proposals must comply with Horizon Europe eligibility rules. - Applications are open to consortia including legal entities from EU Member States and countries associated with Horizon Europe. - Additional eligibility details (including eligible countries and other conditions) are provided in [Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf). - Non-EU/non-Associated Country participants may be eligible if specific provisions are made in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide. --- ## Application Process - Single-stage application process via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-03?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=5&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Applications must use the specific forms for Horizon Europe RIA lump sum proposals (Part B page limit: 50 pages). - A detailed budget table (using the provided template) is required. - Proposals are evaluated based on excellence, impact, and quality/efficiency of implementation as per Horizon Europe criteria. - Refer to the [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) for step-by-step guidance. --- ## Additional Information - Projects should employ multidisciplinary, innovative research methods (qualitative, quantitative, experimental) and may use existing or new datasets. - Operational and evidence-based policy advice is a key expected outcome. - For legal, financial, and grant agreement setup, see the [Model Grant Agreement (Lump Sum)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/agr-contr/ls-mga_en.pdf). - See the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) for further details. --- ## External Links - [Call Details & Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-03?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=5&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [Online Manual for Applicants](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Enquiries | [European Commission Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Framework Queries | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contact Points | [Find Your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT/Portal Support | [IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 |

Tackling child poverty and ensuring disadvantaged children's access to Early Childhood Education and Care - European Commission

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