Lifelong Learning: Grundtvig - Multilateral Projects, Networks and accompanying measures

Overview

Grundtvig Multilateral Projects are undertaken by institutions/organisations from different participating countries working together, pooling knowledge and experience, in order to achieve concrete and innovative results/products with indisputable European value. In many cases, this will involve piloting experiences in strategic areas and producing teaching products of high quality. These projects also seek to strengthen the European dimension in the field of adult learning.

Within the priorities announced in the general call for proposals, the following activities may be supported:

• Improving the content and delivery of adult education, e.g.:
  • the production, testing, comparative appraisal/dissemination of innovative curricula, methodologies and modules for adult learners;
  • the development of Grundtvig training courses to improve the availability and quality of European training courses available to adult education teachers, managers or other adult education staff;
  • innovative initiatives for the initial or further training of adult educators;

• Improving adult education at a system/policy level, e.g.:
  • comparative analyses of policy initiatives for the adult education field;
  • development of qualitative and statistical indicators, tools and databases of good practice in the field of formal, non-formal or informal adult learning;
  • developing/disseminating innovative funding models for adult education;
  • organising awareness-raising activities to promote lifelong learning (such as information campaigns);

• Improving the accessibility of learning opportunities for adults, e.g.:
  • developing/disseminating strategies to stimulate demand for learning among adults reluctant to engage in lifelong learning;
  • developing the lifelong learning dimension of educational establishments in the formal sector, such as higher education institutions and secondary schools;
  • practical application and testing of methods for valuing knowledge and competencies acquired through informal and non-formal learning;
  • promoting the development of multi-purpose learning centres and regional networks of learning providers;
  • developing innovative guidance and counselling tools and methods;
  • promoting interaction between formal and non-formal adult education and workplace-based general learning;

• Improving the management of adult learning, e.g.:
  • measures addressing the non-teaching staff of adult education institutions;
  • measures to develop the learning dimension of organisations not primarily concerned with adult education (e.g. cultural organisations);
  • measures addressed to other bodies with an important role to play in this regard such as labour or welfare organisations, trade unions etc.;
  • comparative analysis of management models and approaches.

Projects are encouraged to involve adult learners in their activities, and to take learners' needs and experiences into account. To this end, learners may take part in project meetings and all other appropriate events and activities within the project.

All projects must include plans for the evaluation and dissemination of project results.

Networks

Grundtvig Networks are large-scale European networks which aim to support the sharing of ideas, information and good practice in adult education. You will need at least 10 partners in 10 different participating countries (including your own organisation) to be eligible, and you can ask for up to 150,000 euro per year to support up to 3 years of activity.

Accompanying Measures

Grundtvig Accompanying Measures aim to support activities to implement and disseminate the Grundtvig Programme. Activities that can be supported are for example, organising conferences in the field of adult learning, developing dissemination products and other awareness-raising activities, such as targeted promotional and information campaigns. Your organisation will not need any partners to apply, and you can ask for up to 150,000 euro for 1 year of activity.

How to apply

The Grundtvig programme funds a number of opportunities for adult education organisations to develop new materials and manage European networks. Please note that these projects, known as Multilateral Projects and Networks, are not managed by ECORYS. They are looked after by the European Commission's Executive Agency based in Brussels who you can contact by visiting the link below.