Within the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) measure “Support for New Approaches in the Provision of Community-Based Social Services”, implemented by the Society Integration Foundation (SIF), the first selection round of social innovation project applications has concluded.
These are the first-ever innovative solutions to receive support under SIF’s selection process, with the goal of improving the quality of life for people facing various risks of social exclusion in their daily lives.
In this selection round, 12 projects have been approved and will receive EU funding ranging from EUR 80,000 to EUR 300,000 for the development and piloting of social services.
At the same time, it is important to highlight that the idea selection process is still ongoing!
Any organization with an idea for a new, innovative, community-based social service can submit it by 30 September 2025. The submitted ideas will be evaluated starting from 1 October.
“We are now seeing the first real projects in the selection of social innovation ideas. These projects will bring tangible benefits to people — families raising children with special needs; seniors who wish to remain in their homes; young people in need of emotional support; and persons with disabilities seeking more independent living opportunities.
These solutions mark significant steps in the implementation of social services in Latvia, offering new and unconventional approaches to addressing problems and needs.
Social innovations are a European Union priority, and through this programme, Latvia is significantly contributing to the improvement of people’s quality of life.
EU-funded projects will help build a stronger, more cohesive society, where no one is left alone with their difficulties.
The idea selection is still in full swing — we invite everyone to submit well-thought-out ideas that will improve support for people facing social exclusion risks.
We remind you that the proposed service must be an innovative, community-based social service,”
emphasizes Karina Ploka, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Chair of the SIF Council.
The approved projects represent a diverse range of socially significant directions. They include innovative social services aimed at:
supporting people with functional limitations,
providing psycho-emotional support to children, youth, and families,
developing integrated care solutions for seniors,
and offering tailored support mechanisms for people with serious or incurable illnesses.
Several projects plan to design and pilot completely new social services or approaches that have not been available in Latvia before. The aim is to provide practical and meaningful support for those who need these services most, improve accessibility, and ensure that services are adapted to real-life situations requiring targeted, community-based solutions.
Approved Social Innovation Project Applications – First Selection Round
The selection process takes place in two stages.
In the first stage, idea applications are evaluated — short descriptions outlining the problem and proposed solution.
If an idea is deemed suitable, applicants are invited to develop a full project proposal.
To date, 139 idea applications have been received.
The selection will continue until 5 November 2025 or until all available funding has been allocated.
The total funding for projects is EUR 7.2 million, of which EUR 6.12 million comes from ESF+ and EUR 1.08 million from the state budget.
Project implementation is planned from August 2025 to June 2028.
The maximum EU funding per project is EUR 300,000.
Eligible applicants include associations and foundations, merchants (including social enterprises), partnerships of these organizations, as well as state and municipal institutions and derivative public persons.
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 services.
Up-to-date information about the selection process is available on the SIF website HERE, and inquiries can be sent to inovacija@sif.gov.lv.
In 2025, the SIF’s total planned expenditures amount to EUR 28,005,484, of which the European Union structural fund programmes represent the largest share – 57.5% (EUR 16,111,784).
This includes EUR 8.8 million allocated to support vulnerable and crisis-affected persons, including hot meals and support packages (approximately 420,000 packages per year).
The state budget funding accounts for 42.5% (EUR 11,893,700), supporting various cohesion programmes, including approximately EUR 4.6 million for the Media Support Fund (MAF) and EUR 2.5 million for the NGO Fund.
Additionally, according to the Cabinet of Ministers’ decision, EUR 7.5 million is allocated in 2025 for Latvian language learning and cultural orientation activities for Ukrainian civilians.
Funding for SIF’s core operations constitutes 2.5% (EUR 711,180).
Within its budget, SIF also implements Family Support Programmes and provides grants to NGOs, diaspora organizations, returnees, and social cohesion initiatives.
The Society Integration Foundation is a derived public entity (public foundation) under the institutional supervision of the Prime Minister.
Its highest decision-making body is the SIF Council, which includes representatives from the Prime Minister, the Minister of Culture, the Minister of Education and Science, the Minister of Welfare, the Minister for Smart Administration and Regional Development, the Minister of Justice, and four representatives of NGOs.
This information was prepared by the Society Integration Foundation within 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.
