Small Grants of Up to €5,000 for People-to-People Cooperation Projects – Apply Now
A new POLICY ENLARGE funding opportunity is supporting cross-border cooperation, research, innovation and mobility through three different funding instruments. Under Funding Instrument #3, eligible researchers, creative professionals and entrepreneurs can apply for small grants of up to €5,000 for people-to-people cooperation and mobility projects.
The call has a total budget of €300,000 and is expected to support projects and mobility grants across its three funding instruments.
🌍 About the Funding Opportunity
The POLICY ENLARGE open call is designed to strengthen research and innovation cooperation among eligible enlargement countries.
The call provides financial support through three instruments. Funding Instrument #3 specifically focuses on people-to-people cooperation projects and short-term mobility.
💰 How Much Funding Is Available?
Successful applicants under Funding Instrument #3 can receive up to €5,000 per mobility grant.
The overall call has a total budget of €300,000, with funding allocated across the different instruments.
👥 Who Can Apply?
Funding Instrument #3 is aimed at individuals working in research, creative industries and entrepreneurship who are affiliated with eligible independent legal entities.
Potential participants may include:
- Researchers
- Artists and creative professionals
- Designers
- Cultural heritage professionals
- Media professionals
- Entrepreneurs
- Startup founders
- Innovators from SMEs and startups
- Relevant entrepreneurial and innovation staff
🌐 Eligible Countries
The opportunity focuses on eligible enlargement countries participating in the POLICY ENLARGE programme, including:
- 🇦🇱 Albania
- 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina
- 🇬🇪 Georgia
- 🇽🇰 Kosovo
- 🇲🇩 Moldova
- 🇲🇪 Montenegro
- 🇲🇰 North Macedonia
- 🇷🇸 Serbia
- 🇹🇷 Türkiye
- 🇺🇦 Ukraine
Applicants should carefully review the official eligibility requirements because requirements can vary according to the funding instrument and applicant category.
✈️ What Does Funding Instrument #3 Support?
Funding Instrument #3 supports short-term, cross-border mobility and people-to-people cooperation involving researchers, creative professionals and entrepreneurs.
The programme is intended to encourage knowledge exchange, professional networking, collaboration and the development of relationships between eligible organisations and individuals.
💶 Funding Rate
The funding rate can cover up to 80% of the eligible budget included in an approved application. Applicants should therefore be prepared to provide the required co-financing.
Grants are provided as a lump sum based on the approved application and agreed activities.
📅 Application Deadlines
The call uses several evaluation cut-off dates, allowing applicants multiple opportunities to submit their applications during the programme period.
| Cut-off | Deadline |
|---|---|
| 1st Cut-off | 12 November 2026 |
| 2nd Cut-off | 5 May 2027 |
| 3rd Cut-off | 3 November 2027 |
| Final Cut-off | 3 May 2028 |
📝 How to Apply
Applicants should first review the official call guidelines and confirm that they meet the eligibility requirements.
- Review the eligibility criteria.
- Identify the appropriate cooperation or host organisation.
- Develop your mobility or cooperation proposal.
- Prepare the required budget and co-financing.
- Prepare the required supporting documents.
- Complete the application in English.
- Submit your application before the relevant cut-off date.
📌 Quick Summary
Programme: POLICY ENLARGE
Funding Instrument: #3 – People-to-People Cooperation Projects
Maximum Grant: Up to €5,000 per mobility grant
Total Call Budget: €300,000
Funding Rate: Up to 80%
Co-financing: Required according to the call conditions
Application Language: English
First Cut-off: November 12, 2026
Final Cut-off: May 3, 2028
🌍 Why This Opportunity Matters
The funding provides an opportunity for eligible professionals and organisations to develop international connections, exchange knowledge and participate in cross-border cooperation activities.
Researchers, entrepreneurs and creative professionals interested in international collaboration should review the full call requirements before preparing an application.
⚠️ Important Notice
Always verify the complete eligibility criteria, application guidelines and deadlines from the official programme documentation before submitting an application. No legitimate funding programme should require payment to guarantee selection.
