Portugal 2030: Bolstering Youth Development and Social Innovation

Portugal 2030: Bolstering Youth Development and Social Innovation

A Funding Initiative for Social Innovation Partnerships

Portugal 2030 is a funding initiative that is now open for applications, aiming to support social innovation partnerships. The project is bolstered by an impressive €7.5 million in European funds. The primary objective of this initiative is to support projects that contribute to developing new skills for children and young people who are in disadvantaged or vulnerable situations.

These funds will facilitate a total investment of over €10 million. The projects that will receive financial support will concentrate on developing competencies in the areas of mental health, bullying, cyberbullying, abuse, and sexual violence. The primary recipients of these projects will be children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds or those in vulnerable situations.

Eligibility and Role of Social Investors

Private entities and social economy entities such as cooperatives, mutual associations, charities, foundations, private institutions of social solidarity, associations, and entities covered by community and self-management subsectors, as well as public higher education institutions are eligible for these funds.

Social innovation partnerships, which this initiative encourages, will be established between the beneficiaries of this program and social investors. These social investors will provide 20% co-financing for the projects to be developed. They can be foundations, charities, companies within the scope of their social responsibility activities, or municipal/intermunicipal entities that wish to support innovative projects in their region.

Application Process and Fund Distribution

Applications for these announcements should be made online, through the Balcão 2030. The application period extends for the next 60 days.

The allocation of these announcements is distributed as follows: €2.55 million for the North (maximum co-financing of 85%), €2.55 million for the Centre (maximum co-financing of 85%), €600,000 for Lisbon (maximum co-financing of 40%), €850,000 for Alentejo (maximum co-financing of 85%), and €1 million for Algarve (maximum co-financing of 60%).

Project Goals and Expected Social Impact

The government emphasizes that all supported projects will aim to provide innovative and effective responses to social problems. They propose new approaches or unprecedented methodologies in addressing these issues. The ultimate purpose of these projects is to generate a positive social impact and contribute to improving the execution of public policies.