The Society Integration Foundation (SIF) will implement the ESF+ measure “Support for New Approaches in the Provision of Community-Based Social Services”.
The aim of the measure is to promote social innovation in the field of social services, ensuring the development of modern, people-centred and relevant community-based social services for the social inclusion of groups at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
Latvia’s main resource is its people – and every member of society should receive the support they need, especially in difficult life situations. High-quality social services play a crucial role in ensuring dignified care where needed and in helping individuals overcome challenging circumstances, particularly when there is insufficient support from relatives.
In Latvia, social services are mainly provided by municipalities. However, municipalities differ greatly in terms of population size and density, infrastructure, and the availability of human and financial resources. Consequently, access to social services varies across the country. It is therefore essential to seek ways to promote equitable and high-quality service availability nationwide.
One of the key solutions to improving the quality and efficiency of social services is social innovation. Although such innovations are already being implemented in Latvia, they remain insufficiently recognised by the wider public. A lack of shared understanding about what constitutes social innovation and limited access to information about successful examples hinder progress. Without a common definition, clear benefits, and targeted financial support, the development of social innovation in the social services sector will remain fragmented and fail to deliver its full potential for society.
To ensure that the definition and criteria reflect both Latvian realities and international best practice, it was important to gather input from experts, practitioners, and stakeholders in the field. Therefore, SIF organised the development of a definition and criteria for social innovations in the social services sector and conducted a public consultation to gather opinions. A total of 71 respondents participated. The insights collected will enable SIF to prepare clear and effective project evaluation criteria, ensuring that the supported services genuinely address the needs of people at risk of social exclusion.
By the end of 2024, interested parties will be able to apply for an open call to receive financial support of up to EUR 300,000 for the creation and/or development of social services (subject to de minimis aid rules). The selection will take place in two stages –
Social innovation idea selection, and
Project proposal selection.
Both stages will focus on the creation and/or development of community-based social services for the integration of people at risk of social exclusion.
Eligible applicants include state and municipal institutions, derived public entities, associations, foundations, and companies, including social enterprises. Specialists are encouraged to assess their experience in providing social services and propose new approaches to improve inclusion for at-risk groups.
In the idea selection stage, proposals will be evaluated based on their relevance, alignment with target groups, innovativeness, and sustainability. Submitting only an idea initially means applicants won’t need to invest unnecessary time or resources if the concept is later deemed unsuitable. Idea submissions will be open for 12 months and evaluated quarterly.
After the idea selection, applicants whose concepts are approved will be invited to submit full project proposals.
Applicants may also directly submit project proposals (without the idea stage) if their project addresses one of the following priority themes:
Support measures to ensure home-based social care for people in remote rural areas;
Support measures for informal caregivers to help them retain employment;
Integrated social care services delivered at home;
Preventive measures for children, their legal guardians, and young people on sexual and reproductive health.
The total funding available for the project selection is EUR 9,000,000.
Up-to-date information about the call will be available on the SIF website: ŠEIT.
This measure is implemented under the European Union Cohesion Policy Programme 2021–2027, Specific Objective 4.4.1 – “To promote the social inclusion of persons at risk of poverty or social exclusion through social innovations”,
Project No. 4.4.1.1/1/24/I/001 – “Support for New Approaches in the Provision of Community-Based Social Services”.
