The Society Integration Foundation (SIF) has concluded the first idea selection stage within the framework of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) co-financed measure “Support for New Approaches in the Provision of Community-Based Social Services”. By January 5, 2025, a total of 43 idea applications were received, of which 17 ideas have been selected for further project development.
Alda Sebre, Director of the SIF Social Cohesion Department, emphasizes:
“We are truly pleased with the ideas received so far and continue to invite everyone with innovative ideas to participate in this project and implement solutions that can improve people’s quality of life! It is essential to remember that idea applications must propose the creation or development of a specific community-based social service.”
Following the approval of these ideas for further project preparation, the project application selection phase has now begun. The high level of interest and number of submitted ideas indicate that there are many active organizations capable of identifying current needs and challenges in the field of social services, and that they are ready to propose innovative solutions. The Foundation continues to accept new idea submissions, and ideas submitted by March 31, 2025, will be evaluated starting April 1, 2025.
The overall goal of the idea and project selection is to promote social innovation in the field of social services by supporting the development of modern, people-centered, and relevant community-based social services. Each project may receive financial support of up to EUR 300,000 (subject to de minimis aid regulation).
Applicants should note that the social innovation selection process consists of two stages – the idea application stage and the project application stage. During the idea selection phase, initial concepts are evaluated, and only after their approval are applicants invited to prepare a full project proposal. In February, presentations were held for the ideas that initially met the minimum required score. As of now, 17 ideas have been approved and advanced to the project application phase.
Following the approval of the first ideas, the project selection phase has been launched, and project applications must be submitted by May 10, 2025 (inclusive). This selection is open to applicants whose ideas have been approved and who have received an invitation to submit a detailed social innovation project proposal. In addition, organizations may directly participate in the project application stage (without submitting an initial idea) if their project relates to one of the following four priority themes:
Social care support in remote rural areas
Employment retention for informal caregivers
Integrated social care services at home
Preventive measures on sexual and reproductive health for children and youth
These priority topics have been selected based on identified sectoral challenges where targeted and innovative solutions are most urgently needed. Project applications related to these topics may also be submitted until May 10, 2025.
To support applicants in preparing high-quality proposals, SIF will organize an informative online seminar providing practical information about the selection process, application procedures, and answers to related questions.
📅 The seminar will take place on March 19, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:30 online.
To participate, please fill out the registration form [HERE].
The latest and most up-to-date information about the selection process is available on the SIF website: [HERE], or by contacting inovacija@sif.gov.lv.
