ESF Federal Program – "Shaping the World of Work with Social Partners: Further Education and Promoting Equality" (ESF Social Partner Directive)

The ESF Federal Program "Shaping the World of Work with Social Partners: Further Education and Promoting Equality" targets a wide range of organizations in Germany dedicated to shaping the world of work and promoting further education and equality. The program aims to strengthen social partner approaches and establish sustainable human resources policies and corporate cultures.

The program supports projects in four specific areas of action, focusing on further education in transformation, shaping equality, forming regional networks, and developing innovative models. The focus is on measures that directly address operational needs and pursue a social partner approach.

The program offers grants for projects in the field of work environment design, with funding levels varying regionally. The maximum project duration is limited to three years.

Specific conditions apply to the application and project implementation, particularly regarding the social partner approach, the involvement of relevant stakeholders, and compliance with budget requirements.

The application process is designed in two stages and begins with the publication of calls for proposals. Interested stakeholders submit their expressions of interest digitally, followed by an evaluation and selection.

The basis of the funding program is the ESF Social Partner Directive of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS). This directive and its amendments are decisive for the design and implementation of the program.