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

April 23, 2026

€10,595,000 total budget for 2026; individual grant sizes vary by project scope.

Supports projects that enable young people to volunteer in humanitarian aid operations in third countries, focusing on resilience, disaster preparedness, and sustainable development.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity from the European Commission under the European Solidarity Corps supports projects that enable young people (aged 18–35) to volunteer in humanitarian aid operations outside the EU ("third countries"). The aim is to strengthen the capacity and resilience of vulnerable or disaster-affected communities, facilitate the transition from immediate humanitarian response to sustainable development, reinforce disaster preparedness and risk reduction, and link relief, rehabilitation, and development efforts. Projects must adhere to the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, and follow the "do no harm" principle. Proposals may include complementary activities to enhance quality and impact and should actively involve local staff and volunteers from the communities where they are implemented. --- ## Due Dates - April 23, 2026: Deadline for submitting applications (by 17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Total budget for this call: €10,595,000 (for 2026) - Grant sizes vary according to project scope and are awarded as unit grants under the ESC Humanitarian Aid Volunteering Unit Grants scheme. --- ## Eligibility - Projects must be submitted by organizations holding a valid ESC Humanitarian Aid Quality Label. - Eligible applicants are typically public or private organizations (including NGOs) established in EU Member States or associated countries. - Activities must take place in non-EU countries ("third countries") where humanitarian aid operations are ongoing. - Volunteers must be between 18 and 35 years old. - Projects must comply with the humanitarian principles and the "do no harm" principle. - Detailed eligibility rules are available in the [ESC Programme Guide](https://youth.europa.eu/sites/default/files/inline-files/european_solidarity_corps_guide_2026_EN.pdf?uri=CELEX%3AC%2F2025%2F06214&qid=1763111296591). --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted electronically via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/ESC-HUMAID-2026-VOLUN?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=13&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - The process is single-stage. - Required documents include the application form (see [template](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/esc/temp-form/af/af_esc_en.pdf)), a budget calculator, and proof of the ESC Humanitarian Aid Quality Label. - Detailed instructions and evaluation criteria are outlined in the [call document](https://youth.europa.eu/sites/default/files/inline-files/european_solidarity_corps_guide_2026_EN.pdf?uri=CELEX%3AC%2F2025%2F06214&qid=1763111296591). - For technical or application support, contact [EACEA-SOLIDARITY-CORPS@ec.europa.eu](mailto:EACEA-SOLIDARITY-CORPS@ec.europa.eu) or use the [IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form). --- ## Additional Information - The call opens on November 27, 2025. - Evaluation of proposals takes place from April to September 2026, with notifications in October 2026 and grant agreements expected by December 2026. - Projects should prioritize the safety and security of volunteers. --- ## External Links - [Call Details & Submission Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/ESC-HUMAID-2026-VOLUN?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=13&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [ESC Programme Guide 2026](https://youth.europa.eu/sites/default/files/inline-files/european_solidarity_corps_guide_2026_EN.pdf?uri=CELEX%3AC%2F2025%2F06214&qid=1763111296591) - [Application Form Template](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/esc/temp-form/af/af_esc_en.pdf) - [Quality Label Information](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/esc/temp-form/af/participant-quality-label-information_esc_en.xlsx) - [EU Funding & Tenders Portal – FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | General/Programme Info | [European Commission Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Technical/Application | [EACEA-SOLIDARITY-CORPS@ec.europa.eu](mailto:EACEA-SOLIDARITY-CORPS@ec.europa.eu) | | IT Helpdesk | [Portal Contact Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 |

Volunteering in Support of Humanitarian Aid Operations - European Commission

Sign in to see full grant listing