Youth Workshops Open
The State of Lower Saxony funds youth workshops and Pro-Active Centres (PACE) with resources from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the state. The goal is the vocational and social integration of young people facing particular difficulties. Funding supports qualification, educational, and social pedagogical measures, as well as innovative projects for the further development of youth vocational assistance.
Who is funded
This funding program targets independent and public youth welfare providers, as well as Lower Saxony's districts, independent cities, and the Hanover Region. The target group comprises young people between 14 and 26 years of age who have completed compulsory schooling and are unemployed, with a focus on those who require special social pedagogical support or face vocational integration barriers. The funding is geographically aligned with the entire state of Lower Saxony, distinguishing between More Developed Regions (MDR) and Transition Regions (TR).
What is funded
The program funds two main areas: Youth Workshops and Pro-Active Centres (PACE). This includes qualification, educational, and social pedagogical measures, as well as additional innovative, model measures for the further development of youth vocational assistance. Funding primarily covers personnel expenses for qualified educational and counselling staff, as well as freelance workers, with other eligible expenses being covered by a flat rate. The program aims for the vocational and social integration of young people.
Type and Extent of Funding
Funding is provided as a non-repayable grant in the form of co-financing or full financing, depending on the type of measure. The amount of the grant varies depending on the regional category and type of measure, with specific maximum limits set per project and approval period. Project durations are generally limited to 22 or 33 months, with the possibility of exceptions in individual cases.
Conditions and Requirements
Specific conditions apply to funding regarding the target group, project structure, and personnel qualifications. Applicants must demonstrate their professional and administrative suitability and ensure the overall financing of the project. Furthermore, quality criteria must be met, and cross-cutting principles such as equality and non-discrimination must be observed.
Application Procedure
The application for the program must be submitted electronically via the customer portal of the Investment and Promotional Bank of Lower Saxony (NBank). The granting authority provides all necessary information and forms on its website. Funding for innovative measures is only provided after a call for applications, while other measures can be applied for on an ongoing basis. The decision on funding is made at the discretion of the granting authority.
Legal Basis
This funding program is based on a guideline from the State of Lower Saxony for the promotion of youth workshops and Pro-Active Centres. It is financed with funds from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the State of Lower Saxony and is subject to the provisions of relevant EU regulations and national administrative rules. The relevant texts are published in the Lower Saxony Ministerial Gazette and are accessible via NBank.
Funding Overview
Maximum Amount:
478.000 €
Open Until:
31.12.2029
Award Channel:
Demand Driven Scheme
Region:
Lower Saxony (Transition Region – TR, More Developed Region – MDR)
Sectors:
Service Sector, Education and Vocational Training
Beneficiaries:
Institutions and associations operating youth workshops or Pro-Active Centres to prepare young people for vocational training and employment.
Funding Stages:
Capacity Building, Service Delivery, Planning, Evaluation, Monitoring
Funding Provider
Program Level: Regional
Funding Body: Lower Saxony Ministry for Social Affairs, Labour, Health and Equality, European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)
Managed By: Investment and Promotional Bank of Lower Saxony (NBank)