Good ideas do not, on their own, lead to success in EU funding. For many social services organisations, the real challenge is turning a promising project into an effective proposal that meets the criteria of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).
The newly launched ESF+ Social Services Hub aims to close that gap. Developed jointly by the European Social Network (ESN), and three other European networks working in social services, social care and inclusion, Caritas Europa, Eurodiaconia, and Solidar, it brings together practical resources, funding information, and learning opportunities to help organisations identify relevant ESF+ funding calls, navigate application procedures, and strengthen their capacity to secure and manage funding. The Hub is a direct response to feedback from ESN Members. Namely, that finding funding opportunities suited to their work, navigating complex applications, and securing the capacity to compete can be extremely difficult.
Learning from projects across Europe
Two webinars, organised in September 2026 by Caritas Europa and Eurodiaconia as part of the ESF+ Social Services Hub’s activities, explored how organisations can move from identifying funding opportunities to implementing projects successfully. Discussions highlighted common challenges, from interpreting funding calls and meeting eligibility requirements to preparing extensive documentation and developing realistic budgets. Speakers also stressed the importance of assessing whether an organisation has the capacity and experience to deliver a proposed project.
The case studies presented illustrated how these challenges can be addressed in practice. For example, Caritas Malta’s Tal-Ibwar Adolescents Therapeutic Centre digital Media Hub, highlights how EU funding can support development of new facilities and activities that strengthen existing services. It also underlines the importance of linking project expenditure to clear objectives and expected results. In Romania and Hungary, a project led by social workers used case management and group work to support Ukrainian refugees facing barriers to housing and employment. Diaconia España meanwhile highlighted the importance of sound administrative preparation in delivering services that respond to local needs.
Other examples featured on the Hub offer further lessons, including from ESN Members. The Association of Social Care Providers (APSSCR) of the Czech Republic, for instance, highlights the need for pre-application seminars and a national helpdesk to support organisations seeking EU funding. In Portugal, ESN Member Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa’s Live2Work project, which develops tools to support the employment of young adults and vulnerable people, demonstrates the value of clear planning and regular communication.
Together, these examples highlight the value of clear objectives, accurate documentation, strong partnerships and meaningful community involvement. Significantly, they also illustrate the need to consider sustainability early by asking what will remain once ESF+ Funding ends in its current format.
Making funding easier to access
Successful projects depend on more than the organisations applying for and securing funding. There is also a role for funding authorities in making the process accessible and providing support along the way.
The MOAI LABS Initiative in Spain, Portugal, and France are notable examples of the value of training and personalised guidance during the application process. In Portugal, Linha dos Fundos provides a central point of contact for organisations seeking information about European funding. Meanwhile, experience from the Czech Republic shows how regular communication with managing authorities can help resolve implementation issues and simplify reporting.
These experiences underline the need for stronger cooperation between social services organisations and funding authorities. Clear guidance, accessible support, and ongoing communication can help organisations navigate funding requirements and focus on delivering meaningful outcomes.
Building on evidence
These findings echo responses to ESN’s recent questionnaire directed to organisations working in social services across Europe, including public authorities, NGOs and social economy organisations. Seventy percent of respondents applied for ESF+ funding between 2023 and 2025, and almost 90% of those applicants were successful. However reporting, financial management, and understanding eligibility remain difficult. At ESN, we have long worked to strengthen the role of social services in accessing EU funding, and the Hub is the next stage of that important work.
Another opportunity to build on these lessons is the ESF+ Social Services Hub Meeting on 5-6 November 2026 in Athens, Greece. Public social services authorities, social services organisations, managing authorities, and European institutions will explore how cooperation can improve access to funding and make implementation more responsive to social services’ needs.
By connecting the experiences of organisations delivering services with the perspectives of those managing funding programmes, ESN and its partners aim to turn shared learning into measurable improvements.
Explore the new ESF+ Social Services Hub website to access resources, funding information, and learning opportunities, and learn more about the ESF+ Social Services Hub Meeting taking place on 5-6 November 2026.
If you would like more information, or wish to get involved, please contact Vesa Latifi (vesa.latifi@esn-eu.org) or Stefanos Michelakakis (stefanos.michelakakis@esn-eu.org).
