Call closed PoIDS 8.3 — Professional training for specialists working with vulnerable groups
PoIDS 2021-2027 competitive call, Action 8.3, with 2,407,172 euro from the ESF+. It funds introductory, upskilling, specialisation and key-skills courses for specialists working with victims of violence or trafficking, homeless people, people with addictions or people released from detention.
- Who can apply
- Accredited social service providers and vocational training providers… can request funding
- Total budget
- 2,407,172 euro (ESF+, less developed regions)
- Submission period
- 30 July 2026, 16:00 – 30 September 2026, 16:00
Checked against official sources on · funder: Ministry of Investments and European Projects – Directorate-General for European Programmes Human Capital · official source
This call window has closed. Most programmes reopen — we will notify you in good time and prepare your application before it does.
Who can apply
Accredited social service providers and continuing vocational training (FPC) providers authorised by law, whether public or private, can apply for funding. The partnership must include the Ministry of Labour, Family, Youth and Social Solidarity and/or a body listed in points 2)–4) of section 5.1.3 of the guide, for example a DGASPC or a local social assistance directorate. Projects are implemented in the less developed regions. The target group consists of specialists (for example social workers, lawyers, psychologists) employed by or working as collaborators of a public or private organisation that works with victims of domestic violence, victims of human trafficking, people with drug, alcohol or gambling addictions, people released from prison, homeless people and their families.
What it covers
- Introductory, upskilling, specialisation and key-competence training programmes for specialists working with the targeted vulnerable groups
- Developing skills in identifying, assessing, guiding and supporting people from vulnerable groups
- Training of the employees of partner DGASPCs, including civil servants
- Training of employees in the day centres of partner NGOs, even if they are not paid from the project
We will notify you of the next round
- We analyse whether you qualify and under which programme exactly.
- We build the application: business plan, budget, supporting documents.
- We submit during the call window and follow the evaluation.
- We stay with you through the reimbursement file and final payment.
Frequently asked questions
Until when can projects be submitted under the PoIDS 8.3 call for training specialists who work with vulnerable groups?
Funding applications are submitted in MySMIS2021 between 30 July 2026, 16:00 and 30 September 2026, 16:00. The call budget is 2,407,172 euro from ESF+.
Can specialists who work with people with disabilities be trained under this call?
No. The target group covers only specialists who work with victims of domestic violence, victims of human trafficking, people addicted to drugs, alcohol or gambling, people released from prison, homeless people and their families. Training in the field of disability had a separate call, Action 7.8, open from 27 November 2025 to 27 February 2026.
Is a partnership with the Ministry of Labour mandatory?
Not necessarily. The partnership must include the Ministry of Labour, Family, Youth and Social Solidarity and/or a body listed in points 2)–4) of section 5.1.3 of the guide. The condition is also met by a partnership with only a DGASPC or a local social assistance directorate.
Can two NGOs, one a training provider and the other a social service provider, submit the project?
No, a partnership made up solely of two NGOs is not eligible. The two NGOs can keep their roles as leader and partner, but they must bring in a third entity from points 1)–4) of section 5.1.3, for example the Ministry of Labour, a DGASPC or a social assistance directorate.
Can professional qualification or requalification programmes be funded?
No. The call funds introductory, upskilling, specialisation and key-competence programmes for specialists who already have the necessary training. The aim is to develop and update skills, not to obtain a new qualification.
Can DGASPC employees who are civil servants be included in the target group?
Yes. Employees of a DGASPC that is a partner in the project (social workers, lawyers, psychologists, etc.) can be included in the target group, including if they are civil servants, provided that they meet all the criteria in section 3.7 of the guide.
How long does it take to prepare the application?
It depends on the complexity of the project and the documents you already have. The first step is the eligibility analysis, which tells you what needs to be prepared.
What happens if I do not qualify?
We tell you before any contract is signed, and if another suitable programme exists, we point you to it.
Next step
We will let you know about the next round — PoIDS 8.3 — Professional training for specialists working with vulnerable groups
Fill in the form and we will tell you whether you qualify. If you do not qualify under this programme, we will tell you which other one you could apply for — or that there is none, if that is the case.
or call us directly on 0755 167 167
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