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), six new projects have been approved. In total, 18 projects have now received support to develop and pilot new, innovative community-based social services.
At the same time, the final idea submission phase is still open – organizations can submit their proposals until 4 November 2025 to apply for support for developing a social service. The evaluation of submitted ideas will begin on 5 November. So far, a total of 139 ideas have been submitted.
“The latest approved projects demonstrate the wide range and diversity of social innovation potential in Latvia. They address highly significant issues – children’s and young people’s emotional well-being, families’ ability to maintain stability and safety, inclusion of young people with special needs, as well as support for families facing serious illnesses. These solutions will not only provide practical assistance to people, but also transform the approach to social service provision – making services community-based, integrated into people’s daily lives, accessible and tailored to specific needs. The development and piloting of these projects will be a major contribution to building a stronger and more cohesive society, where no one is left alone with their difficulties,” emphasizes Inese Kalvāne, Director of the SIF Secretariat.
The approved social innovation projects include:
the creation of a new rehabilitation service for children with behavioral problems, based on the “Icehearts” model developed in Finland;
support for families whose ability to care for children is hindered by parents’ mental health problems, addictions, or violence;
assistance for children and adolescents who are victims of violence and struggle with addictions;
life skills training for young people with autism spectrum disorders;
innovative support solutions for families raising children with behavioral difficulties;
and social rehabilitation services for children receiving palliative care in the Kurzeme region.
Projects approved in the second selection phase
The selection of social innovation projects takes place in two stages. In the first stage, organizations submit short descriptions outlining the problem and proposed social service solution. If the idea is deemed suitable, applicants are invited to develop a full project proposal.
To help current and potential service providers better understand the social services sector and how to apply social innovation approaches, training materials have been developed.
The selection of social innovation project ideas will continue until 4 November 2025. The total funding available is EUR 7.2 million, including EUR 6.12 million from ESF+ and EUR 1.08 million from the state budget. Project implementation is planned for the period from August 2025 to June 2028. The maximum funding per project is EUR 300,000. Applications can be submitted by associations and foundations, businesses (including social enterprises), partnerships of these organizations, as well as state and local government institutions and derived public persons.
The measure aims to promote social innovation in the field of social services by supporting the development of modern, needs-based and relevant community-based social services.
Information 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.
