Call for Proposals: Support Social Housing Projects by Private Social Entities (Italy)

The Lombardy Region has launched a non-repayable funding programme for social housing projects promoted by private social-sector organizations. With a total budget of €13 million, the programme supports building renovation projects that create temporary or permanent social housing at below-market rents, with grants of up to €2 million per proposal. The programme focuses on social housing, affordable rental accommodation, housing autonomy, building renovation, temporary accommodation, permanent housing, support for vulnerable people, and housing solutions for households with stable or transitional needs. Eligible projects may serve vulnerable individuals, students living away from home, temporary workers, relatives of hospitalized patients, women who have experienced violence, separated parents, and middle-income households underserved by both the private housing market and public housing services. The programme supports private social-sector organizations undertaking building-renovation projects to make accommodation available for social housing services. Funded properties must provide rooms or independent housing units at controlled rents that are lower than market rates. Projects may offer predominantly temporary accommodation for people experiencing transitional housing needs or permanent rental housing for households with stable needs in the intermediate-income segment.

The programme aims to:

The programme has a total allocation of €13 million under the Development and Cohesion Fund 2021–2027. Each proposal may receive a maximum contribution of €2 million. Funding is provided as a non-repayable grant for eligible building renovation and rehabilitation works. The contribution is calculated according to the usable residential floor area and a conventional cost linked to the period for which the property remains dedicated to social housing.

The applicable conventional rates are:

A possible increase of up to 20% may be awarded for elements demonstrating management quality. The final contribution remains subject to the maximum grant of €2 million per proposal. Applications may be submitted by private organizations operating in the social sector that:

Potential beneficiaries include:

Applicants should consult the complete guidelines for all legal, financial, operational, and documentation requirements.

The programme may finance:

All works must contribute directly to making housing units or accommodation places available as social housing services. Projects may create accommodation intended primarily for temporary rental. Applicants should clearly explain the target group, rental model, service arrangements, and expected duration of accommodation. Projects may also create permanent rental housing for households with stable housing needs in the intermediate-income segment. This category is intended for households whose needs are not adequately met by either: Housing must be provided at controlled rents in accordance with the programme requirements. Applicants must own the relevant property or possess full legal availability of it for at least 20 years. The length of the social housing commitment affects the conventional cost used to calculate the grant. Applicants should ensure that all ownership, lease, use, or other legal arrangements remain valid throughout the required commitment and service period. The contribution falls under European Union State aid rules as compensation for public-service obligations within Services of General Economic Interest.

Beneficiaries must:

Receiving other public support does not permit the same expenditure to be financed twice. The programme supports the regeneration of properties that can provide affordable accommodation to people and households facing temporary or long-term housing difficulties. Its long-term commitment requirements are designed to ensure that renovated properties continue serving social housing purposes for at least 20 years. The programme also addresses the housing needs of intermediate-income households that may be unable to afford market rents but are not adequately served by public housing. Applications must be submitted exclusively online through the Lombardy Region’s Bandi e Servizi platform.

Applicants should follow these steps:

The application is considered valid only after electronic registration and assignment of the system-generated identification number. Applications may be submitted from 1 September 2026 at 12:00 until 30 October 2026 at 12:00 local time. Applications will be assessed through a ranked evaluation process.

The procedure includes:

Applicants should consult the official criteria to understand how technical quality, management arrangements, housing services, financial planning, and long-term impact will be scored. Who can apply? Private social-sector organizations with legal personality and an operational office in Lombardy may apply if they own or have full availability of the property for at least 20 years. What is the maximum grant? Each proposal may receive up to €2 million. What types of works are eligible? Eligible works include redevelopment, restoration, conservation and rehabilitation, and building restructuring undertaken to provide social housing units or accommodation places. Who may benefit from the housing? Beneficiaries may include vulnerable people, students living away from home, temporary workers, relatives of hospitalized patients, women who have experienced violence, separated parents, and intermediate-income households with stable housing needs. How is the grant calculated? The grant is based on usable residential floor area and a conventional cost of €700, €800, or €900 per square metre, depending on the duration of the social housing commitment. How must applications be submitted? Applications must be submitted exclusively through the Lombardy Region’s Bandi e Servizi platform. What is the application deadline? Applications must be electronically submitted by 30 October 2026 at 12:00 local t