ESF Plus Directive SMS (2021–2027) – B – Production Schools

The ESF Plus Directive SMS in Saxony supports recognized youth welfare organizations, as well as other legal and natural persons who implement projects for the social and professional integration of disadvantaged young people or for strengthening social innovations. The funding aims to improve employment opportunities and strengthen social inclusion in the Free State of Saxony.

The directive supports projects focusing on vocational orientation, training preparation, and personal stabilization of young, disadvantaged people, as well as initiatives to strengthen social innovations in Saxony. Production school-oriented approaches, low-threshold qualification and employment projects, and work-related motivation are funded.

The ESF Plus Directive SMS offers grants as project funding with co-financing. The funding amount varies depending on the funding area between 90 percent, 95 percent, and 100 percent of eligible expenses. The program is designed for a long-term perspective until the end of 2030.

Various conditions and requirements must be met for funding, including state aid regulations, specific prerequisites for the target group, and adherence to budget rules. In particular, the additionality of the project must be ensured, and an endorsement from the local public youth welfare organization is required.

The application process takes place via the SAB funding portal, observing specified deadlines. The granting authority is Sächsische Aufbaubank – Förderbank – (SAB). Applications for funding areas D and E are only possible after a separate funding announcement.

The ESF Plus Directive SMS (2021–2027) of the Saxon State Ministry for Social Affairs and Social Cohesion forms the legal basis for this funding program. It regulates the granting of subsidies to improve employment opportunities, employment, and social integration, as well as to establish a future platform for social innovations in Saxony.