Parcerias para a Inovação Social

The main goal of this opportunity is to support the creation, development, and growth of projects that address social problems in innovative ways. The focus is on initiatives that generate positive social impact, especially those benefiting vulnerable or disadvantaged groups. Projects should be driven by new products, platforms, or services and must involve social investors as co-financiers. This grant is specifically for projects implemented in the Algarve region (NUTS II), aiming to strengthen social innovation and investment practices.

• Projects must be Iniciativas de Inovação e Empreendedorismo Social (IIES) that tackle social problems through innovative and efficient solutions.
• They should involve the creation, development, or scaling of IIES with strong social impact potential, supported by a clear Development Plan and co-financed by social investors.
• Eligible actions focus on implementing innovative products, platforms, or services with measurable social outcomes; projects limited to conferences, events, or training are not eligible.
• Projects must target vulnerable or disadvantaged groups and address well-defined social needs.
• Duration must be between 6 and 36 months, with eligible public financing between €40,000 and €400,000.
• At least 20% of financing must come from social investors, counted as private co-financing.

Examples:

• Launching a digital platform that connects unemployed youth in the Algarve with local job opportunities and mentorship, co-financed by a local foundation.
• Developing a mobile health service for elderly people in remote communities, with social investor support and a measurable impact on health outcomes.
• Expanding a social enterprise that provides training and employment to people with disabilities, funded in partnership with a cooperative and a private investor.

• Direct personnel costs: Salaries, benefits, and social contributions for internal staff directly involved in the project.
• External personnel costs: Honoraria for external experts or consultants, up to €30/hour plus VAT.
• Technical function costs: Expenses for staff involved in direct contact with target groups or project impact evaluation.
• 40% fixed rate for other eligible costs: An additional 40% of direct personnel costs, covering operational needs without requiring supporting documents.
• Reimbursable expenses: Based on actual personnel costs and proof of time dedicated to the project.

Restrictions: Administrative, financial, or auxiliary functions (such as cleaning), as well as travel, accommodation, or per diem expenses, are not eligible as direct personnel costs. All expenses must directly relate to the project's objectives.

• Total budget of the grant: €1,200,000
• Co-financing rate: Up to 60% from the European Social Fund Plus (FSE+); social investors must provide at least 20% of the financing needs.
• Maximum per project: €400,000
• Minimum per project: €40,000

• The applicant must propose an Initiative of Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship (IIES) that addresses social problems innovatively.
• The project must focus on vulnerable or disadvantaged groups in the Algarve region.
• A social investor must commit to co-finance the project, evidenced by a Letter of Commitment.
• Project duration must be between 6 and 36 months.
• Requested public funding must be between €40,000 and €400,000.
• Projects cannot be classified as "Centros para o Empreendedorismo de Impacto."
• The applicant must meet general eligibility requirements, including regularized tax and social security status and submission of necessary documents (development plan, budget, commitment declaration).
• Only one application per IIES is allowed, and proposals must be submitted through the Balcão dos Fundos platform.