ESF Plus Directive SMS (2021–2027) – A – Youth Employment Support

The program supports organizations in Saxony that are committed to the professional and social integration of disadvantaged young people and to social innovations. The target groups include young people up to 27 years of age, as well as individuals very far from the labour market. The geographical focus is on the Free State of Saxony, although certain innovation projects may also concern the NUTS II regions of Dresden or Chemnitz.

The program supports various projects for professional and social integration, from low-threshold vocational orientation measures to the testing of social innovations. Projects in specific sectors and at various project stages are funded, with personnel, material, and administrative expenses, as well as partial allowances for participants, being eligible for funding.

The program offers financial support in the form of grants, with the funding amount ranging from 90 to 100 percent of the eligible expenses, depending on the project. The program duration extends until the end of 2030; the exact project durations are determined based on need.

Funding is subject to specific conditions, ranging from compliance with state aid regulations to detailed requirements for project conception and implementation. These include, among other things, ensuring the additionality of projects, cooperation with local stakeholders, and adherence to documentation obligations.

Applications for the funding program must be submitted via the SAB funding portal. Applications are made after set deadlines and require the submission of a detailed project concept. The selection process is geared towards fulfilling the program requirements.

The "ESF Plus Directive SMS" forms the legal basis of the funding program and regulates the granting of subsidies to improve employment opportunities and social integration in Saxony. It is based on EU framework directives and other relevant national and European regulations.

This section contains further relevant information about the funding program that is not covered in the standard categories but could be important for applicants.