Funding Instrument 3: Small Grants for People-to-People Cooperation Projects

Deadline: 12-Nov-2026

The POLICY ENLARGE Small Grant Program supports short-term cross-border cooperation and mobility involving researchers, artists, creative professionals, and entrepreneurs in EU enlargement countries. Funding of €2,500 to €5,000 per secondee is available, covering up to 80% of justified eligible costs, with up to 20 grants expected to be awarded.

About the POLICY ENLARGE Small Grant Program

The Small Grant Program is offered under Funding Instrument #3 of the POLICY ENLARGE initiative. The program aims to strengthen people-to-people cooperation, professional mobility, knowledge exchange, and partnership development among individuals and organisations in EU enlargement countries. It supports short-term mobility and cooperation between: - Higher education institutions - Research and innovation organisations - Creative industries - Incubation and entrepreneurship networks - Researchers, artists, creative professionals, and entrepreneurs The initiative encourages cross-border connections that can lead to longer-term partnerships, innovation, knowledge sharing, and capacity building. What Does the Grant Support? The program supports short-term projects that enable professionals and organisations from different eligible countries to work together, exchange knowledge, and develop new partnerships.

Eligible activities may include:

- Short-term professional mobility - Research and knowledge exchange - Cooperation between organisations - Partnership-building activities - Collaboration between research, education, and creative sectors - Activities that strengthen innovation and professional capacity Projects may involve cooperation between two eligible EU enlargement countries or collaboration between an eligible enlargement country and a hosting organisation in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country, where applicable. How Much Funding Is Available? Each mobility grant can provide between €2,500 and €5,000 per secondee.

The funding structure includes:

- Minimum support: €2,500 per secondee

- Maximum support: €5,000 per secondee

- Funding rate: Up to 80% of justified eligible costs

- Expected number of funded grants: Up to 20

The final amount depends on the mobility format and eligible costs associated with the project. Who Can Apply? Applicants must be researchers, artists, or entrepreneurs who are affiliated with an independent legal entity. Eligible applicants and partners can be connected through organisations established in: - Two different eligible EU enlargement countries; or - An eligible EU enlargement country and a hosting entity in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country The program is designed to encourage cooperation across national and professional boundaries. Who Can Receive Mobility Support? Secondees must meet the citizenship or residency requirement established by the program.

Eligible secondees must be:

- Citizens of an eligible EU enlargement country; or - Permanent residents of an eligible EU enlargement country Applicants should ensure that both the participating organisation and the individual secondee meet the relevant eligibility conditions before submitting an application. Who Is Not Eligible? Certain individuals and organisations are excluded from receiving financial support.

The following are not eligible:

- POLICY ENLARGE partners - Entities affiliated with POLICY ENLARGE partners - Employees of POLICY ENLARGE partners or affiliated entities - Associates of POLICY ENLARGE partners or affiliated entities Applicants should carefully check these exclusions before preparing their proposal. What Types of Cooperation Are Encouraged? The program places particular emphasis on cooperation that connects different professional and institutional sectors.

Examples include collaboration between:

- Research and higher education - Research and creative industries - Universities and entrepreneurs - Creative professionals and innovation organisations - Incubators and research institutions Cross-sector cooperation can help participants exchange expertise, develop new partnerships, and strengthen innovation capacity within the region. Why Is the Program Important? Short-term mobility can provide researchers, artists, creative professionals, and entrepreneurs with opportunities to develop international connections without requiring long-term relocation. Through supported exchanges, participants can: - Share knowledge and professional expertise - Establish cross-border partnerships - Explore future collaborative projects - Develop institutional connections - Gain exposure to different professional environments - Strengthen innovation and creative capacity - Build networks across EU enlargement countries The program therefore combines mobility support with broader goals related to regional cooperation and partnership development. How to Prepare a Strong Application Applicants should clearly explain the purpose and expected results of the proposed mobility or cooperation activity.

A strong application should demonstrate:

- A clear cross-border cooperation objective - The roles of participating organisations and individuals - Why mobility is necessary for the proposed activity - Expected knowledge or skills exchange - The value of cooperation between participating countries - Potential for future partnership development - Realistic activities and timelines - Justified eligible costs Applicants should also make sure that the proposed mobility format matches the funding requirements. Key Facts

- Program: POLICY ENLARGE Small Grant Program

- Funding Instrument: Funding Instrument #3

- Focus: Cross-border cooperation and mobility

- Target groups: Researchers, artists, creative professionals, and entrepreneurs

- Funding: €2,500–€5,000 per secondee

- Maximum support: €5,000 per mobility grant

- Funding rate: Up to 80% of justified eligible costs

- Expected grants: Up to 20

- Geographic focus: EU enlargement countries, with relevant cooperation invo