European Solidarity Corps

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The European Solidarity Corps funds and supports young people aged between 18 and 30 from EU member states, to volunteer or self-organise projects that benefit communities.

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European Solidarity Corps at a Glance

The European Solidarity Corps has a simplified application process and is ideal for newcomers to EU funding

The European Solidarity Corps funds Volunteering Projects so organisations can host Irish volunteers or volunteers from EU member states

Young people can also apply directly to the European Solidarity Corps for funding for a Solidarity Project to address a local issue

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Aims & Objectives

The European Solidarity Corps aims to:

‍Empower young people to participate positively in their world - provide young people, including young people with fewer opportunities, with easily accessible opportunities to take part in solidarity activities that bring about positive societal changes in the European Union and beyond.
‍Build an inclusive and democratic Europe - support young people and organisations across Europe and to strengthen cohesion, solidarity, democracy, European identity and active citizenship in the Europe Union and beyond.
‍Promote sustainable development through projects at grassroots level - addressing societal challenges on the ground, with a particular focus on the promotion of sustainable development, social inclusion and equal opportunities.

The European Solidarity Corp’s priorities are:

Inclusion and Diversity
Environmental Protection and Climate Action
Digital Transformation
Participation in Democratic Life
Health Promotion and Support
Connecting EU and Youth

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What does it support?

The European Solidarity Corps supports young people aged 18 to 30 to address needs in their community or abroad by taking part in activities across Europe.

Young people can volunteer or develop solidarity projects that benefit their communities at local, regional or European levels.

Projects are funded under 'Volunteering Projects' and 'Solidarity Projects'.

Volunteering Projects are projects where young people are sent by an accredited organisation to volunteer in another European country to exchange ideas, learn, connect and grow. Volunteering may take place in Ireland or abroad. Funding is available for ‘Individual Volunteering Projects’, ‘Volunteering Teams Projects’ or ‘Preparatory Visits.
‍Solidarity Projects are organised by groups of young people who want to make a positive difference at national or international level.

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Who can apply?

Any public or private body may apply for funding.

In order to take part in the European Solidarity Corps, organisations need to obtain a quality label, which certifies that they carry out high quality solidarity activities in compliance with the principles, objectives and requirements of the programme. Visit the European Solidarity Corps site for more information about the Quality Label.‍

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EU Policy

Read more about EU policy on the topic of Education, training, youth and sport.

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Budget

The programme has a total budget of €1.1 billion for 2021-2027.

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Project Example

The Solas Project

Through European Solidarity Corps Volunteering Project funding, the Solas Project hosts young people aged 18-30 from Ireland and the EU as volunteers with their after school programme. In addition to supporting the delivery of the after school programme, volunteers gain valuable experience serving as a role model and have the opportunity to develop leadership skills. Read about previous European Solidarity Corps volunteers’ experience with the Solas Project on their website.

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