Capacity Building in the Field of Sport

Overview

Supports international cooperation projects in sport between organisations in EU Member States and third countries in the Western Balkans and Eastern Neighbourhood. Targets grassroots sport initiatives that promote social inclusion, shared values, and community cohesion through physical activity.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include public or private organisations active in sport, such as non-profits, local authorities, educational institutions, and sport clubs. Projects must involve partnerships between at least one EU Member State or associated country and at least two organisations from eligible third countries in Region 1 (Western Balkans) or Region 2 (Eastern Neighbourhood).

Funding Details

Total budget: EUR 2,440,000 (EUR 1,464,000 for Region 1; EUR 976,000 for Region 2). Funding is provided as a lump sum grant, with amounts determined based on project scope and budget justification. Co-funding requirements are not specified.

What Is Funded

Projects must focus on one or more of the following thematic areas:

• Promotion of common values, non-discrimination, and gender equality through sport.
• Development of life skills (e.g., leadership, independence) to enhance social involvement of disadvantaged groups.
• Integration of migrants and post-conflict reconciliation through sport.
• Capacity building for grassroots sport organisations.
• Encouragement of sport and physical activity as tools for social development.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

No specific Technology Readiness Level (TRL) or maturity requirements are stated. Projects should demonstrate feasibility and alignment with the thematic focus areas.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2025-12-09
• Deadline: 2026-03-04T23:00:00Z (Brussels time)
• Evaluation period: March–August 2026
• Applicant notification: August 2026
• Grant agreement signature: November–December 2026

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage application process. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Required documents include a completed application form, detailed budget table, and supporting annexes as outlined in the call documentation.

Post-Award Obligations

Reporting and dissemination requirements are specified in the Model Grant Agreement (MGA). Projects must comply with EU financial and operational regulations, including regular progress and financial reporting.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries include EU Member States, associated countries, and third countries in:

• Region 1 (Western Balkans): Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro.
• Region 2 (Eastern Neighbourhood): Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine (territory as recognised by international law).

Applications must be submitted in English.

Notes

• Belarus is excluded from eligibility.
• Projects must involve multilateral partnerships with organisations from at least one EU Member State or associated country and at least two eligible third countries.
• Proposals must adhere to the page limits and formatting requirements specified in the call documentation.