Erasmus+ 2021–2027 – opportunities for organisations: how, Why, and When to Apply?
The European Union’s Erasmus+ programme for 2021–2027 offers great opportunities not only for individuals but also for all kinds of legal entities—associations, NGOs, educational institutions, companies, sports federations, and other public or private bodies that want to build their capacity, work at the European level, and make a difference in their local communities.
If your organisation works in education, youth work, culture, employment, sport, social development, or digital transformation, Erasmus+ gives you practical tools, funding, and partners to grow. The same goes for companies in many fields, from manufacturing to research and development.
What does Erasmus+ offer to organisations, companies, and other legal entities?
Through various calls and strands, your organisation can:
- Take part in international partnerships and exchanges of good practice
- Send or host staff and young people for training, mobility, and volunteering
- Develop new digital, inclusive, and eco-friendly methods and put them into practice
- Help tackle local and European challenges by working with partners across Europe and beyond
- Increase your visibility and credibility internationally
Who can apply?
Erasmus+ is open to a range of legal entities, such as:
- NGOs and civil society associations
- Educational institutions (primary, secondary, universities)
- Public institutions and local authorities
- Sports clubs and federations
- Businesses/companies (especially small and medium-sized)
- Chambers, institutes, and development agencies
Your organisation must be legally registered and able to manage a project financially and programmatically in line with its capacity. For professional advice and mentoring—during preparation, application, and implementation—the Brain Tank team (domestic and international) is available to help.
Feel free to contact us with any questions and to arrange consultations specific to your organisation.
What does the application process look like?
- Identify the right call — each year there are calls for different clusters (KA1, KA2, KA3, etc.).
- Find partners — most projects require international cooperation (min. 2–3 countries).
- Prepare your project idea — align it with programme priorities (inclusion, digitalisation, green policies, youth participation, etc.) and with the specific call.
- Register your organisation — via the EU portal (ORG ID).
Complete and submit the application — through the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps platform (EU Funding & Tenders Portal), making sure to meet the deadline.
How much funding is available?
The Erasmus+ budget for 2021–2027 is over €26 billion. Typical project amounts:
- from €30,000 for small projects,
- up to €400,000 and more for larger strategic partnerships.
Funding covers mobility costs, staff, training, equipment, digital tools, dissemination, and project management.
When to apply?
Calls are most often published at the start of the year (January–March) and towards the end of the year (October–December), but some appear throughout the year. It’s important to have access to the European Commission’s portal and keep track of calls, because each one has its own deadline (e.g., KA1 mobilities, KA2 partnerships, Sports projects, etc.).
So make sure to follow:
- National Erasmus+ offices and contact points
- EU funding portals
The Brain Tank website, where we’ll post updates about Erasmus+ and other EU programmes.
Why get involved?
There are many reasons to join Erasmus+:
- Professional development and empowerment of your team
- International exposure
- Networking and partnerships with relevant actors across Europe
- Long-term development and visibility for your organisation
- Access to non-repayable funds aligned with EU priorities
- Business improvement through training, exchange of good practices, and capacity building
Conclusion
Erasmus+ 2021–2027 is more than a programme—it’s a ticket to Europe’s community of knowledge, solidarity, and development. If you have the vision and motivation to improve your organisation/company and contribute to society through international cooperation, now is the time to join.
Need support?
Brain Tank and its experienced team of project managers can help at every step—from identifying calls and registering your legal entity on the European Commission’s website to writing and submitting the project.
📧 Contact us—together we can do more!