European Social Fund (ESF+) in Hesse
Grant for labor market and employment policy projects in Hesse with funds from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). Funding up to 40% of eligible expenses. Applications can be submitted electronically at any time via WIBank.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The state of Hesse supports initiatives aimed at promoting equal access to high-quality and inclusive general and vocational education, as well as active inclusion and the enhancement of employability, in order to strengthen employment and social integration.
Eligible to apply
- Educational Institutions
- Public Institutions
Funding requirements
- Implementing or project sponsor according to the respective guidelines
- Compliance with the principles of efficiency and economy
Description
In the federal state of Hesse, the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) provides grants for labor market and employment policy projects. In the funding period 2021–2027, approximately EUR 423 million from EU and national co-financing is available for this purpose in Hesse. With a funding rate of up to 40% of eligible expenses, the funding instrument is aimed at educational institutions, public bodies, municipalities, and associations. Projects in the areas of work, initial and further training, promotion of women, as well as work and social affairs are supported. Funding requirements include implementation by recognized project sponsors in accordance with specific guidelines and adherence to the principles of economy and efficiency. Applications are submitted continuously online via the customer portal of the Wirtschafts- und Infrastrukturbank Hessen (WIBank).
The ESF+ program pursues the overarching goal of improving equal access to high-quality and inclusive general and vocational education and increasing active inclusion and employability. It targets individuals with qualification needs – from pupils and trainees to employees and students, as well as unemployed or at-risk adults, especially women, and disadvantaged young people transitioning from school to work. Complementary actors in vocational education such as foundations, adult education centers, and other educational service providers can be involved. Within the framework of transnational projects, the program offers additional impulses to strengthen employment opportunities and social integration in Hesse, relying on innovative and sustainable project ideas.