GROUP INITIATIVES
What are Group Initiatives?
Group Initiatives are local projects devised, managed and operated by young people aged between fifteen and twenty five. These projects may be realized to reach a target group living in a street, district, city, region or the whole country, wherever your locality is.

Who is involved?

Youths who are motivated and who wish to develop a plan that would enrich their community.

Can I apply?

To apply for a grant under the Group Initiative scheme, applicants must be between the ages of fifteen and twenty five and projects should meet the following requirements:

* Projects should be youth-led and managed by young people (Youth workers or another adult can assist but this must diminish as the project progresses)
* Projects should take place within their local community and respond to the needs and interests of that community
* Projects may help young people develop and gain skills which will help them in their working life
* Projects should have at least 4 participants
* Projects should encourage equal opportunities and co-operation
* Projects should have a "European Dimension"
* Projects should show a potential for networking and establishing partnerships with like-minded groups throughout Europe
* Projects should last between three months and one year

Successful applicants can receive up to 10,000 euros. The grant depends upon the area of priority in which the project falls.

Priority+  Project Description +Maximum Grant
1-) Projects are devised and managed by young people with fewer opportunities (from a less-privileged cultural, geographical or socio-economical background) and which benefit the local community where they take place These projects can receive up to a maximum of 10,000 euros
2-) Projects are devised and managed by young people and must benefit young people with less opportunities (from a less-privileged cultural, geographical or socio-economic background) These can receive up to a maximum of 7,500 euros
3-) Projects are devised and managed by any young people where the project will be of benefit to the members of the group These can receive up to a maximum of 5,000 euros

NETWORKING PROJECTS

What are networking projects?

Networking Projects are the same as Group Initiatives but involve at least 1 other Programme Country. They enable the further development of a completed Group Initiative project. Please note however that it is not necessary to have completed a former Group Initiative.

Can I apply?

The general selection criteria and priorities are the same as for Group Initiatives. The following requirements are specific to Networking Projects and should be met:

* The partner group which coordinates the project should apply on behalf of all the partners
* Projects should have at least 2 partner countries
* Projects should take place in partner countries at the same time
* Participant numbers should be balanced per partner group
* Partners should agree on a common idea but have their own specific activities.


Successful applicants can receive up to 12,000 euros. Of this, up to 5,000 euros can be spent on travel to meet with partners. The grant awarded depends upon the area of priority in which the project falls. The priority groups are the same as the Group Initiatives. The maximum grant amounts are different to Group Initiatives as shown below:


Priority +Maximum Grant
1 - 12,000 euros
2 - 8,000 euros
3 - 6,000 euros



FUTURE CAPITAL

What is Future Capital?

Future Capital is a programme for young people who have completed European voluntary service or short-term voluntary service. It is primarily aimed at individuals, but it also allows two young people to apply for the same project if they are able to demonstrate a relevant link.

Where can the project take place?

Projects can take place in any European Union Member State or Norway , Iceland , Liechtenstein , Estonia , Lithuania , Latvia , Poland , the Czech Republic , Slovakia , Hungary,  Romania , Bulgaria , Slovenia , Malta or Cyprus , Turkey .

When should I apply?

Applicants must apply within two years of completing EVS and show a link between the proposed project and experience they derived from participating in EVS. Please note that Future Capital is NOT merely an extension of an EVS placement.

What types of projects receive grants?

There are three categories:

Professional Activity: Non-profit-making projects or projects which in future intend to become profit-making.

One-off Projects: Short-term activity focused around a particular event or producing a particular product.

Projects for Personal Development: Projects which involve training and recognise skills the young person had begun to acquire during their EVS. Please note University Courses are not eligible and Language Courses only in exceptional circumstances. Funding cannot replace other sources at local, regional, national or European level e.g. Local Authority grants.

Successful applicants can receive a maximum of 5,000 euros for the following:

1. Projects of benefit to other young people or a local community, including one-off projects, or those starting up a professional activity encouraging local development. Priority 1 projects can receive up to 5,000 euros.

2. One-off, personal development or professional projects that are integrated into a specific project aiming at increasing employability. Priority 2 projects can receive up to a maximum of 3,500 euros

3. Personal development projects which are connected with the experience acquired during European Voluntary Service. Priority 3 projects can receive up to a maximum of 2,500 euros.

Who decides how the grants are distributed?

The Selection Panel examines all applications and makes recommendations before sending them to the European Commission for a final decision. Successful applicants are paid 75% of their grant in advance and the remaining 25% on receipt of a successfully completed Final Report assuming all audit requirements have been met.