Funds to Expand Social Service Innovations in Europe

The European Social Catalyst Fund (ESCF) has opened a call for proposals to receive funding and capacity-building support in order to scale proven social service innovations. As the ESCF addresses some of Europe’s most pressing social challenges, we wonder if El Sistema programs might be an interesting fit for this funding. Supported initiatives must address social challenges within at least one of the following focus areas, including some that El Sistema programs directly address: poverty and marginalization, migration, gender equality, inequalities, education and training, community development, and the role and place of young people in society. At least six applications will be selected to receive a planning grant of up to €100,000 along with capacity-building support. Eligible applicants include public agencies, private nonprofit agencies, and collaborations involving public and private agencies in EU Member States. Applications close on April 15, 2020. Visit the Fund’s website to review the Call for Applications 2020.