ESF Funding Program "Strengthening Cohesion – Connecting People"
Funding program for the prevention and alleviation of loneliness and social isolation among middle-aged adults (28–59 years) through the development and strengthening of local community structures. Municipalities can submit expressions of interest via Z-EU-S until 31.12.2026. Duration until 31.12.2028.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The program aims to prevent or alleviate loneliness and social isolation among people aged 28 to 59 by establishing or strengthening community structures and improving the social participation and labor market opportunities of the target group.
Eligible expenses
- Direct personnel costs (positions 9b–11 TVöD)
- Fees for external expertise
- Flat rate for other expenses (20% of direct personnel costs)
Non-eligible expenses
- Costs for mandatory tasks of municipalities
- Retroactive costs
- Fees for board members and full-time employees
Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
Funding requirements
- Municipalities (communities, districts, district-free cities, and boroughs) are eligible to apply
- Expressions of interest must be submitted electronically via Z-EU-S by 31.12.2026
- Proof of total financing and co-financing commitment required
- Own contribution depending on the region at least 40% or 60% of the eligible total expenses
- Project start no earlier than 01.09.2024
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Documents required for application
- Expression of interest via Z-EU-S
- Project description
- Financing plan
- Proof of professional qualification of personnel
- Proof of own funds/co-financing
- Cooperation agreement for subprojects
Evaluation criteria
- Contribution to reducing loneliness and social isolation
- Establishment and consolidation of municipal structures
- Improvement of social participation and labor market opportunities
- Sustainability and co-financing security
Description
ESF Funding Program “Strengthening Cohesion – Connecting People” is aimed nationwide at municipalities (communities, districts, independent cities, and boroughs) and supports measures for the prevention and alleviation of loneliness and social isolation in middle adulthood (ages 28–59). In critical life phases such as separation, relocation, or job change, as well as for single parents, caregiving relatives, people with migration backgrounds, the unemployed, and homeless individuals, low-threshold services are established or existing structures are reinforced. The goal is to establish municipal action plans and working groups, link civil society networks, and thereby sustainably improve social participation and labor market opportunities for the target group. Expressions of interest can be submitted electronically by municipalities via Z-EU-S until December 31, 2026; the project duration is 51 months, running until December 31, 2028. The funding amount ranges between €20,000 and €150,000 annually, with a funding rate of 40% (transition regions) up to 60% (highly developed regions).
A prerequisite for funding is the complete proof of total financing, including a regionally differentiated own contribution (at least 40% or 60%). Eligible costs include direct personnel expenses (TVöD positions 9b–11), external expert fees, as well as a flat rate for other expenses amounting to 20% of personnel costs. Non-eligible are municipal mandatory tasks, retroactive costs, and fees paid to board members and full-time employees. Selection is based on criteria such as contribution to reducing loneliness, establishment of sustainable local structures, sustainability, and securing co-financing. By strengthening municipal services, the program promotes inclusive coexistence and contributes to democratic participation and social integration.