Strengthening rural communities' resilience to shocks

Overview

Supports projects that enhance the resilience of rural communities to climate, environmental, and socio-economic shocks by improving crisis preparedness, governance, and recovery strategies. Targets consortia involving researchers, local authorities, and community stakeholders to co-design inclusive, evidence-based solutions.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities (e.g., research institutions, local authorities, NGOs, SMEs, civil protection agencies) from eligible countries. Proposals must apply a multi-actor approach, ensuring collaboration between researchers, rural communities, and local stakeholders. International cooperation is encouraged.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €11,000,000
• Funding type: Lump sum
• Funding rate: Not specified (standard Horizon Europe rules apply)
• Total budget: Not specified

What Is Funded

Projects must address:

• Assessment of shocks (climate, environmental, socio-economic, infrastructure disruptions) affecting rural communities.
• Measurement of resilience using tailored indicators.
• Inclusive governance models engaging women, youth, and vulnerable groups in disaster risk reduction and management.
• Co-design of solutions to anticipate, prepare for, and recover from shocks.
• Support for local, regional, and national governments in understanding rural vulnerabilities and designing response strategies.
• Collaboration with existing Horizon Europe projects and contribution to the Resilience Dashboards developed by the Joint Research Centre (JRC).
• Interdisciplinary approaches combining territorial planning, disaster risk management, emergency response, and participatory governance.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 4–6 (technology validated in lab to demonstrated in relevant environment).

Key Dates

• Open date: 2027-04-19
• Deadline: 2027-09-22

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
• Proposals must adhere to page limits and templates outlined in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.

Post-Award Obligations

• Collaboration with other funded projects under this topic.
• Contribution to the Resilience Dashboards (JRC).
• Reporting and dissemination requirements as per Horizon Europe standard rules.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries (Norway, Iceland, UK, Switzerland), and select non-associated countries with specific funding provisions.
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must integrate Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) expertise.
• Multi-actor approach is mandatory (researchers, local authorities, communities, and stakeholders).
• Lump-sum funding model applies; detailed budget tables required.
• Excludes projects not addressing rural resilience or lacking participatory governance elements.