Funding Opportunities
The Financial Aspect
Here you can find some interesting examples of existing programmes able to provide funding for internship experiences in social enterprise in another country. Whether you are a student enrolled in a higher or vocational education programme, an aspiring, new or existing entrepreneur, we hope that you will find a programme that suits your needs and, as a first step, we invite you to review the following programme descriptions.
Erasmus+ Programme
Key Action 1 of the Erasmus+ programme provides funding for the learning mobility of individuals, with a predominant focus on those already enrolled in an existing programme of education, training or learning. As confirmed by the Erasmus+ Programme Guide, mobility activities are a means of delivering improved learning performance; enhanced employability; an increased sense of initiative and entrepreneurship; enhanced intercultural awareness and a more active participation in society.
Target: pupils, students, trainees, apprentices, adult learners and young people (effectively, all forms of learners) formally enrolled in an educational programme in an EU or (associated or not associated) third country; in some cases, recent graduates can also participate.
Cost coverage: grants can be provided by the organising institution (who should normally be your first point of contact) to help with travel, accommodation and subsistence costs; in some cases, language training can also be supported.
Format: physical or blended mobility in which the physical mobility element can range from 2 days (minimum) to 12 months (maximum) depending on the type of mobility and the participating learners.
Type: learning mobility for studies or traineeships.
For more information, your first point of contact should be your home institution (usually the international office) to confirm available funding and programmes. Additional information on the Erasmus+ programme can be accessed via Erasmus+ National Agencies.
European Solidarity Corps
The mission of the European Solidarity Corps is to bring together young people to build a more inclusive society, supporting vulnerable people and responding to societal challenges. It offers an inspiring and empowering experience for young people who want to help, learn and develop. The European Solidarity Corps provides funding for volunteering projects abroad or at home, for all young people, with more than 5000 placements available for participants to help, experience and learn at the same time.
Target: young people aged 18-30 years.
Cost coverage: funding is provided to cover travel, accommodation and subsistence costs as well as the cost of language courses in some cases.
Format: physical placements abroad and at home.
Type: volunteering, traineeships and jobs, lasting from 2 to 12 months.
Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs
Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is a programme which aims to connect new or aspiring entrepreneurs to those already operational. With a focus on knowledge exchange, new or aspiring entrepreneurs are partnered with existing entrepreneurs to learn from their past experience, with existing entrepreneurs benefitting from the fresh ideas and perspectives provided by visiting (new and aspiring) entrepreneurs. Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs operates across the 27 EU Member States and in 11 additional countries, relying on a network of 175 intermediary organisations (local contact points) to aid programme delivery.
Target: new and aspiring entrepreneurs in the early stages of business start-up and with a business that is less than three-years old (new entrepreneurs); experienced owners or managers of a micro or small enterprise (host entrepreneurs); entrepreneurs should be a permanent resident in one of the countries participating in the programme.
Cost coverage: funding is provided as a contribution to travel, accommodation and subsistence costs for new entrepreneurs; no funding is provided for host entrepreneurs.
Format: physical placements abroad.
Type: business exchange programme between new and existing entrepreneurs, lasting from 1 to 6 months
Find more information on their website.
Turing Scheme
The Turing Scheme is the UK’s programme for studying, working and living abroad, offering once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for personal and professional development for students. The programme provides opportunities for UK institutions delivering higher, further, vocational and compulsory education to send their students, learners and pupils to study or work abroad. Participants are given the chance to develop new skills, gain vital international experience and boost their employability with the expectation that they will also develop a wide range of soft skills, language skills and an increased understanding of other cultures.
Target: pupils, students, trainees and apprentices formally enrolled in an educational programme at an officially recognised provider in the UK or a British Overseas Territory; in some cases, recent graduates or those following upskilling programmes can also participate.
Cost coverage: grants can be provided by the organising institution (who should normally be your first point of contact) to help with travel, accommodation and subsistence costs.
Format: physical European or international mobility in which the physical mobility element can range from 3 days (minimum) to 12 months (maximum) depending on the participating learners and the field of education.
Type: learning mobility for study or work.
Find more information at Turing Scheme UK.
