Apply for funding from the ESF Plus program "WIR - Networks integrate refugees into the regional labor market"

The funding procedure for the ESF-Plus WIR program is a two-stage process. In the 1st step, you submit an expression of interest. In the 2nd step, the selected project sponsors (in a cooperation or project network) are invited to submit an application.

Step 1:

• You submit expressions of interest electronically via the Z-EU-S IT funding portal. Please note the deadlines announced separately.
• An independent expert institute will evaluate the submitted expressions of interest. The selection is based on defined selection criteria and weightings, including aspects of suitability and financing, formation and cooperation of the cooperation or project network, quality of the project concept, quality of the work plan and schedule, continuity and transfer as well as economic viability of the project

Step 2:

• If your project is positively assessed, then you will be asked to submit a formal, written funding application via the Z-EU-S funding portal.

If the project is approved, the usual regulations for grants apply, supplemented by special regulations for federal funding from the European Social Fund 2021-2027.

You can submit an application

• as a legal entity under private or public law,
• as a partnership with legal capacity, for example as
  • independent and public institution,
  • municipality,
  • an independent welfare organization,
  • other non-profit organization,
  • research institute,
  • association and
  • company

In the case of funding, you must submit the following documents, among others, to the granting authority:

• Confirmation of co-financing
• Cooperation agreements
• job descriptions
• proof of bank account

• Article 4(1)(i) Regulation (EU) No 2021/1057
• Regulation (EU) No 2021/1060
• § Section 23 of the Federal Budget Code (BHO)
• § Section 44 Federal Budget Code (BHO) paragraph 1
• in conjunction with General Administrative Provisions (VV) No. 4 to Section 44 of the Federal Budget Code (BHO)
• Special ancillary provisions for grants for project funding (BNBest-P-ESF-Bund)
• Special ancillary provisions for grants for project funding to local authorities and associations of local authorities as part of the ESF federal program for the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus) in the 2021 to 2027 funding period (BNBest-Gk-ESF-Bund)
• Funding guideline for the WIR program dated 19.04.2022 (BAnz AT 25.04.2022 B2)

• You can lodge an appeal against decisions made as part of the approval process (funding decision, final decision) via the ZEU-S funding portal.
• Direct legal action may also be taken against decisions made as part of the expression of interest procedure

Forms available: No

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance necessary: No

08.12.2022