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European Innovation Council

European Social Innovation Competition

Awards up to EUR 75,000 to early-stage social-innovation projects that tackle a different societal challenge each year.

The European Innovation Council runs this as an annual prize competition rather than a project grant: entrants submit a proposal responding to that edition's single societal theme, and the Commission selects three winners who split a fixed prize purse across first, second and third place. Any natural person or legal entity can enter, provided they are established in an EU Member State, an EU overs

The competition looks for new entrepreneurial solutions to pressing social needs, open to non-profits, for-profits, NGOs, civil society groups and universities alike. Each edition centres on one theme - the 2024 edition looked for solutions in 'Digital Democracy' - and rewards projects that build new social relationships and effective, systemic responses to that year's challenge.

CycleiHow often this grant runs - e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.-
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.-
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.-
Award typeiThe form of funding - grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Prize
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.-
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.-

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