Programme Category
Programme Name
Identifier Code
Call
Summary
SoilTribes invites applications for lump sum grants aimed at supporting innovative, multi-actor initiatives that foster soil literacy, raise public awareness, and engage diverse communities in the protection and restoration of soil. These grants are designed to trigger behavioral change and galvanize innovation at the intersection of science, arts, and society.
Detailed Call Description
The call is structured around two lots, reflecting the maturity and development stage of the proposed initiatives:
- Lot 1 – Development of new ideas: Support for new and experimental initiatives that are in early stages of development.
- Lot 2 – Improvement and scale-up of existing ideas/solutions: Support for initiatives that build on prior experience and are ready to improve, replicate, or scale.
Within each Lot, proposals must fall under at least one of the following strands:
Applicants must clearly indicate in their application the lot under which they are applying, as well as the strand that best fits their proposed action:
- Communication campaigns: Projects aimed at raising awareness and improving soil literacy through strategic messaging and outreach.
- Creative soil-related activities and events: Initiatives that engage communities through artistic and cultural practices with a focus on soil.
- Citizens’ engagement: Participatory processes and co-creation activities that empower citizens and communities to take action on soil-related issues.
All applications must address the core topic of soil literacy and tackle at least one additional priority from the European Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe”. These priorities are:
- Land degradation relating to desertification;
- Conservation and increasing of soil organic carbon stocks;
- No net soil sealing and increase the reuse of urban soils;
- Reduction of soil pollution and enhance restoration;
- Soil erosion prevention;
- Improvement of soil structure to enhance habitat quality for soil biota and crops;
- Reduction of EU global footprint on soils.
In addition, each applicant must define the grant size they are applying for, based on the scope, ambition, and implementation needs of their project.
Call Total Budget
Financing percentage by EU or other bodies / Level of Subsidy or Loan
Τhe SoilTribes project has allocated a total budget of €1.750.000 to support the support initiatives led by multi-actor teams, to be distributed through the single open call. The call for proposals defines a fixedlump sum and the budget requested by applicants in the proposal must be equal to this amount.
To justify the grant amount for which you are applying, you must provide cost estimations for your action. These estimations will be entered directly within the application form, where a table is provided. You must include the estimated total budget per category, reflecting the resources needed to implement your proposed activities.
In addition, each applicant must define the grant size they are applying for, based on the scope, ambition, and implementation needs of their project. The call provides three options, each associated with a specific implementation period:
| GRANT SIZE | BUDGET | PROJECT DURATION |
| Small | € 25 000 | 6 months |
| Medium | € 50 000 | 9 months |
| Large | € 100 000 | 12 months |
Thematic Categories
- Education and training
- Environment and Climate Change
- Land Development
- Research, Technological Development and Innovation
Eligibility for Participation
- Associations
- Businesses
- Central Government
- Chambers
- Educational Institutions
- Farmers Unions
- Farmers, Agriculturalists
- International Organisations
- Large Enterprises
- Legal Entities
- Local Authorities
- Natual person / Citizen / Individual
- NGOs
- Non Profit Organisations
- Other Beneficiaries
- Private Bodies
- Producer Associations
- Researchers/Research Centers/Institutions
- Semi-governmental organisations
- Services Providers
- Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
- State-owned Enterprises
- Trade Unions
- Training Centres
Eligibility For Participation Notes
The call is seeking a diverse group of individuals and organisations with an interest in soil sustainability and soil literacy. The target groups within the quintuple helix system are:
- Academia: Higher Education Institutions, Research Centers and Schools; Soil Scientists, Technologists, Advisors, Educators and Trainers, Students and Trainees;
- Business: Business Associations, Companies, and Start-ups; Farmers, Foresters, Urban and Spatial Planners.
- Political: Local/ Regional/ National public authorities, European organizations; Policymakers, Civil Servants;
- Society: CCIS; Artists, Communicators, Creatives, Citizens;
- Environment: Environmental Organizations.
If you’re an active member of the SoilTribes CoP and ready to contribute to the mission of strengthening soil literacy across Europe you can apply.
To become a member of the SoilTribes CoP, simply fill out the Expression of Interest (EoI) form to share your expertise, interests, and preferred level of engagement.
All CoP members are encouraged to sign the Soil Manifesto, a voluntary commitment by individuals and organisations who pledge to support the transition toward healthy soils by 2030.
Depending on the grant size, proposals can be submitted by a single applicant or consortium, as follows:
- For small projects, applications by single applicants are allowed (single beneficiaries), as well as proposals submitted by a consortium of at least 2 applicants
- For medium and large projects, proposals must be submitted by a consortium composed of at least three entities.
Attend the Webinar – Information Sessions: Join one of live information webinars to get an overview of the call objectives, application procedure, and tips for success. To attend, please register here:
Webinar #3: September 23, 2025, 12h30 (Brussels time).
Webinar #4: October 6, 2025, 17h30 (Brussels time).