In line with its mission to support projects that improve the quality of life for vulnerable individuals, promote rural development, and advance research, the Eurocaja Rural Foundation has opened the 2024 call for Social Grants. These grants are aimed at catalyzing initiatives that make real, tangible differences in communities where Eurocaja Rural operates. [Foundation citation]
In this new edition, the Foundation is expanding the program. The total number of grants increases from 25 in the previous cycle to 36 in this round, allowing a broader range of worthy projects to receive support. [Foundation citation]
Social Grants are organized into three categories: Vulnerable Groups, Rural Development, and Research. The Foundation will allocate 15 grants of 2,000 euros to the Vulnerable Groups category, 15 grants of 2,000 euros to the Rural Development category, and 6 grants of 4,000 euros for Research projects. This structure ensures targeted investment across social inclusion, community resilience, and scientific or technological advancement with social impact. [Foundation citation]
Applicants eligible for this new call are entities registered in all territories where Eurocaja Rural and its Foundation operate, and they must submit projects within the three listed categories. [Foundation citation]
- Vulnerable Groups Grants: projects should address poverty reduction, social exclusion, improved quality of life for people facing illness, enhanced personal autonomy, equal opportunities, support for major dependents, and efforts to reduce vulnerability among older adults.
- Rural Development Grants: these funds target small communities, aiming to alleviate gaps in health, education, finance, and digital access, while considering the specific needs of aging populations.
- Research Grants: this category seeks projects that bring new advances and deliver positive social, environmental, scientific, or technological impact.
Criteria for evaluation and project submission timelines
Projects submitted in any of the three grant calls will be assessed based on a range of criteria, including social responsibility, fundamental rights of people, promotion of equality and full inclusion, rural development and tackling depopulation, local employment stabilization, research aimed at general societal benefit, sustainability, level of innovation, and measurable social impact of the initiative. [Foundation citation]
The submission window opens February 19 and closes April 22. The application form is available on the Foundation’s website. The Foundation will publish the grant rules and a guidance guide to help entities prepare their proposals on the site. [Foundation citation]