The FUTURAL Project is excited to announce its open call for innovative solutions aimed at transforming rural areas across Europe. This initiative seeks projects that address key challenges in five critical domains: circular bioeconomy, resilience to shocks, citizen engagement, lifelong education, and climate adaptation. Successful applicants will receive funding and support to bring their visionary ideas to life, promoting sustainable and resilient rural communities.
Key Domains of Focus:
- Circular Bioeconomy, biodiversity and ecosystem management: Solutions that promote sustainable resource use and recycling, enhancing the economic viability of rural areas by turning waste into valuable resources.
- Resilience to Shocks: Innovations that improve the ability of rural areas to withstand and recover from economic, environmental, and social shocks, ensuring stability and growth.
- Citizen Engagement and Quality of Life: Projects that encourage active participation and collaboration among rural residents, fostering a sense of community and collective problem-solving.
- Lifelong Education and Training: Educational initiatives that support continuous learning and skill development, empowering residents with the knowledge needed for personal and professional growth.
- Climate Adaptation and Mitigation: Strategies to help rural areas adapt to changing climate conditions, mitigating adverse impacts and promoting environmental sustainability.
Why Apply?
- Funding and Support: Gain access to financial resources and expert guidance to develop and implement your project.
- Community Impact: Make a meaningful difference in rural communities by contributing to their sustainable and resilient development.
- Innovation Recognition: Showcase your project on a European platform, gaining visibility and recognition for your innovative solutions.
Who Can Apply?
FUTURAL will accept applications from small consortia consisting of two (2) to four (4) parties, involving ≥1 (at least one) technical party (e.g., SMEs, startups, research organisations) and ≥1 (at least one) rural community (e.g., Municipalities, Regional authorities, Development agencies, NGOs etc) and proposed solutions must fall within one of the 5 following domains:
- Circular bioeconomy, biodiversity and ecosystem management
- Resilience to shocks
- Citizen Engagement and Quality of Life
- Lifelong Education and Training
- Climate Adaptation and Mitigation
Application Process
- Prepare Your Proposal: Clearly outline your project idea, objectives, and expected impact. Include detailed plans, methodologies, and sustainability strategies.
- Submit Your Application: Provide comprehensive information about your project and how it addresses one or more of the key domains. Ensure that your application is thorough and well-documented.
- Evaluation: Proposals will be evaluated based on their innovation, feasibility, potential impact on rural communities and team’s oorganisational capacity The evaluation process will consider the project’s alignment with FUTURAL’s goals and its potential for scalability and sustainability.
Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: Proposals must be submitted by September 30th, 2024, at 17:00 CET.
- Evaluation Period: Applications will undergo a rigorous evaluation process, with feedback provided to all applicants. The proposal evaluation and sub-grant agreement preparation is estimated to take place between October 2024 and May 2025.
- Project Commencement: Selected projects will be launched in June 2025.
Budget Details:
- Total Open Call Budget: €1.2 million
- Budget per Sub-project: €60,000 – €120,000
- Budget per Partner of the Consortium: €30,000 – €60,000
The FUTURAL Project is committed to fostering innovation and resilience in rural areas. This open call is an opportunity to make a significant difference and contribute to the sustainable development of rural Europe.
For more information and to apply, visit the FUTURAL Open Call.
Questions can be submitted until September 28th, 2024 at 17:00 CET through email to futural@opencallhub.eu or through the FAQ section of the Open Call Hub platform.
Please note that all documents of the Open Call kit must be read carefully before the submission of an application. By applying to FUTURAL Open Call consortia automatically accept the terms and conditions of the Open Call as described in the Open Call Kit.
Don’t miss this chance to be a part of a transformative initiative!