Within the ESF+ measure “Support for New Approaches in the Provision of Community-Based Social Services”, implemented by the Society Integration Foundation (SIF), the final stage of the social innovation idea selection has begun. For the next two months – until 4 November 2025 – applicants have the opportunity to submit their idea proposals to receive support for the development and piloting of new, innovative community-based social services.
When preparing an idea proposal, it is important to consider that a social service must not only be an innovative solution but also comply with the definition set in regulatory legislation — i.e., it must qualify as a social care, social rehabilitation, or social work service.
To help potential applicants better understand the essence and requirements of social services, a training material is available – a video lecture by social service planning expert Juris Osis, explaining the definition of a social service, the regulatory framework, and practical development steps. The lecture provides insights into what constitutes a social service, how to assess its necessity, common challenges, and ways to avoid them.
📺 The video is available here: https://www.sif.gov.lv/lv/macibu-materiali-un-video#2lekcija-socialie-pakalpojumi-un-izstrades-praktiskie-soli
One of the first 12 approved project implementers is the Order of Malta Relief Service, which will receive funding for the development and piloting of an innovative social service.
Its head, Inese Motte, emphasizes:
“This project selection is a significant opportunity to attract resources and attention to a socially important but often overlooked issue – support for people with dementia and their families. It provides not only the possibility to create a new service but also to demonstrate that it is possible in Latvia to implement modern, research-based solutions.
Within the project, we can start piloting the service, which could later serve as a model for similar centers elsewhere in Latvia.
Our society is aging, and the number of dementia cases is growing. New and innovative ideas enable us to respond to these changes in a timely way and improve the care system.
Innovation in this area means not only improving service quality but also educating society and reducing negative stereotypes about people with cognitive impairments. By implementing innovative ideas, Latvia can approach the practices of other European countries and show that high-quality, progressive social services are possible here as well.”
Meanwhile, Alda Sebre, Director of the SIF Department of Social Cohesion, notes:
“We have reached the final idea selection phase of this programme – we invite everyone to use this opportunity and, over the next two months, submit their ideas in the field of social services to implement innovative solutions that can bring meaningful change to people’s lives in Latvia.
So far, 12 projects have already been approved, with a total funding of EUR 2.8 million, providing targeted support to various at-risk groups – families with children with special needs, seniors, children and youth, people with dementia, and others for whom these services are particularly important.
We are confident that the approved projects will make a significant contribution to the development of the social service system and, through joint efforts, help create a society where no one is left alone in times of difficulty.”
The aim of the measure is to promote social innovation in the field of social services, ensuring the development of modern, needs-based, and relevant community-based social services.
The total funding available for projects is EUR 7.2 million, of which EUR 6.12 million is provided by the ESF+, and EUR 1.08 million by the state budget.
Project implementation is planned until June 2028.
The maximum funding per project is EUR 300,000.
Idea proposals may be submitted by associations and foundations, merchants (including social enterprises), partnerships of these organizations, as well as state and local government institutions and derivative public persons.
More information about the selection process is available on the SIF website: HERE, and in case of questions, please contact inovacija@sif.gov.lv.
This information was prepared by the Society Integration Foundation within the framework of the ESF+ co-financed project No. 4.4.1.1./1/24/I/001 “Support for New Approaches in the Provision of Community-Based Social Services.”
The Society Integration Foundation is responsible for the content of this information.
