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

March 3, 2026 (full application submission, 17:00 Brussels time)

€5,000,000 total budget for 2026; individual award sizes vary by project

Supports projects where young volunteers address urgent societal challenges, promote solidarity, and foster learning and intergenerational fairness across Europe.

--- ## Description This grant supports projects led by Volunteering Teams in High Priority Areas under the European Solidarity Corps. The program aims to address urgent societal challenges such as providing relief to people fleeing armed conflicts, supporting disaster victims, fostering positive learning experiences for disadvantaged youth, and enhancing intergenerational fairness. Activities are designed to promote solidarity, empower young people with valuable skills, benefit local communities, and encourage direct engagement between volunteers and beneficiaries. The program also emphasizes diversity, intercultural dialogue, EU values, media literacy, and building international networks, while strengthening the capacities of participating organizations and promoting empathy and cooperation across generations. --- ## Due Dates - March 3, 2026: Deadline for submitting applications (full application submission) — 17:00 Brussels time --- ## Funding Amount - Total budget for 2026: €5,000,000 - Individual project grant amounts vary; see the [call document](https://youth.europa.eu/sites/default/files/inline-files/european_solidarity_corps_guide_2026_EN.pdf) for details on budget allocation and eligible costs. --- ## Eligibility - Open to organizations legally established in eligible countries as defined in the call document (primarily EU Member States and associated countries). - Projects must involve volunteering teams addressing one or more high-priority areas: relief for people fleeing armed conflicts or disasters, positive learning for disadvantaged youth, or enhancing intergenerational fairness. - Applicants must comply with admissibility conditions and proposal formatting as set out in the [call document](https://youth.europa.eu/sites/default/files/inline-files/european_solidarity_corps_guide_2026_EN.pdf). - For further eligibility details, consult the official ESC Programme Guide and call documentation. --- ## Application Process - Proposals must be submitted electronically via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/ESC-SOLID-2026-VTHPA?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=12&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) by the stated deadline. - The process is single-stage, and applicants must use the standard ESC application form. - Detailed instructions, templates, and guidance documents are available in the [call documentation](https://youth.europa.eu/sites/default/files/inline-files/european_solidarity_corps_guide_2026_EN.pdf). - Evaluation criteria, thresholds, and timelines are described in the call document. - Applicants are notified of results in July 2026, with grant agreements expected to be signed by November 2026. --- ## Additional Information - Activities should emphasize solidarity, skills development, diversity, intercultural dialogue, and direct engagement with beneficiaries. - Projects are encouraged to reach out to youth with fewer opportunities, including refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants. - For partner search and collaboration opportunities, the portal provides a dedicated section for partner requests. --- ## External Links - [Call Details & Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/ESC-SOLID-2026-VTHPA?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=12&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [ESC Programme Guide (2026)](https://youth.europa.eu/sites/default/files/inline-files/european_solidarity_corps_guide_2026_EN.pdf) - [Standard Application Form (ESC)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/esc/temp-form/af/af_esc_en.pdf) - [Funding & Tenders Portal FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | ESC Call Helpdesk | [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 Teams in High Priority Areas - 2026 - European Commission

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