An ESC Solidarity Project is a non-profit initiative that a group of young people set up and run themselves, in their own country, to bring positive change to their local community. Unlike volunteering abroad, here you are the one leading the project. A group of at least five young people aged 18 to 30 designs it, applies for European Solidarity Corps support, and delivers it over 2 to 12 months. This guide explains what a Solidarity Project is, who can run one, what it can be about, and how to set one up.
What Is an ESC Solidarity Project? 🌱
A Solidarity Project is a solidarity activity initiated, developed and implemented by young people themselves, lasting from 2 to 12 months. It gives a group the chance to take responsibility, commit to a cause, and make a real difference where they live. The project should have a clearly identified topic the group wants to explore together, address a genuine local challenge, and also carry European added value.
It is one of the main strands of the European Solidarity Corps, alongside individual volunteering and team volunteering.
How Is It Different from ESC Volunteering? 🔎
The key difference is who is in charge and where it happens:
🔹 Volunteering means joining a hosting organisation, usually abroad, to support their work.
🔹 A Solidarity Project means you and your group create and run your own project, in your own country.
So if you have an idea for your community and want to lead it rather than join someone else's project, this is your route. It is also different from ESC Volunteering Teams, which are group volunteering activities rather than self-led local projects.
Who Can Set One Up? 🙌
To run a Solidarity Project you need:
🔹 A group of at least 5 young people (there is no maximum)
🔹 All aged 18 to 30 at the start of the project
🔹 All legally resident in the same EU Member State or associated country
🔹 All registered on the ESC Portal
One member takes on the role of legal representative to submit the application. Not sure you qualify? Check who can apply, the age limits and the eligible countries. Your first step is to register on the ESC Portal.
Where Does It Take Place? 📍
The project runs in the applicant's country of residence, which makes it especially accessible for young people who find it hard to take part in activities abroad. If the project tackles a cross-border challenge, some activities can also take place in neighbouring border regions.
What Can a Solidarity Project Be About? 🎯
The topic is up to your group, as long as it addresses a real local challenge and reflects a wider European concern. Examples of themes include:
🤝 Social inclusion and supporting people facing difficulties
🌍 Climate change and environmental action
🗳️ Active democratic participation
🌐 Integrating people from other countries into the community
🏘️ Developing opportunities in rural, isolated or marginalised areas
The idea is to start from an issue around you and turn it into concrete daily activities that involve every member of the group.
The Four Stages of a Solidarity Project 🧭
A Solidarity Project typically moves through four stages:
1️⃣ Planning the idea, goals and timetable
2️⃣ Preparation of the activities and tasks
3️⃣ Implementation of the activities in the community
4️⃣ Follow-up, including evaluating the results and sharing them
Who Supports the Group? 🤝
You run the project, but you do not have to do everything alone:
🔹 Legal representative — one young person from the group who submits the application and takes formal responsibility.
🔹 Supporting organisation (optional) — any public or private body can apply on the group's behalf and help with the administrative and financial side. Its role stays administrative and supportive.
🔹 Coach (optional) — an experienced resource person who accompanies the group through the phases. The coach stays outside the group and is not a member.
What Does the ESC Fund? 💶
The European Solidarity Corps provides financial support to help your group plan and deliver the project. There is also special funding for inclusion, both for group members and the target group, so that young people with fewer opportunities can take part on equal terms. For the wider picture of how ESC funding works, see is ESC fully funded.
The Priorities to Keep in Mind ⭐
Strong Solidarity Projects reflect the programme's priorities:
♿ Inclusion and diversity — design accessible activities and involve people with fewer opportunities
🌱 Green and sustainable practices — reduce waste, recycle, use sustainable transport
💻 Digital tools — use digital methods to add quality to the project
🗳️ Democratic participation — give young people a real say in shaping the activities
How to Set Up and Apply 🧳
1️⃣ Gather a group of at least 5 young people (18 to 30) in your country
2️⃣ Everyone registers on the ESC Portal
3️⃣ Agree your topic, goals and a clear timetable together
4️⃣ Choose a legal representative (or find a supporting organisation) to submit the application
5️⃣ If approved, deliver your project and share the results
Want to see what else the ESC offers, or compare it with Erasmus+? Read the complete ESC guide and ESC vs Erasmus+.
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
How many people do you need for a Solidarity Project?
At least 5 young people, and there is no maximum group size.
What age do you have to be?
Between 18 and 30 at the start of the project. All group members must be in this range.
Do you have to go abroad?
No. A Solidarity Project takes place in your own country of residence. Only cross-border projects may use neighbouring border regions.
How long does a Solidarity Project last?
From 2 to 12 months, depending on what your group plans.
Do you need an organisation to apply?
Not necessarily. One young person in the group can act as legal representative and apply, or a public or private organisation can apply on the group's behalf.
In Short 💙
An ESC Solidarity Project lets a group of at least five young people aged 18 to 30 design and run their own non-profit project, in their own country, over 2 to 12 months, to tackle a local challenge with European value. You lead it, the ESC funds it, and you come away having made a real difference and grown a lot in the process.
👉 Explore ESC opportunities: ESC projects on Youth Works Hub
