#BeActive-EU-SPORT-AWARDS-Peace

The #BeActive EU Sport Awards 2026 — Peace category is an EU prize managed by EACEA that recognises organisations using sport to promote peace, dialogue and social cohesion through implemented activities with tangible results. Eligible applicants are legal entities established in EU Member States or Erasmus+ associated countries (individuals are only eligible in the Volunteering category), and applicants must be registered in the Participant Register with a PIC. The prize allocation per category is €15,000 for the winner and €5,000 each for the two finalists (total €25,000 per category; €125,000 across five categories). The call opens 30 June 2026, the submission deadline is 17 September 2026 at 17:00 CET, and applications must be submitted electronically via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal using Part A and a Part B PDF (max 20 pages) and optional annexes.

What it funds

Scope

Prize recognising organisations that have used sport and physical activity to promote peace by bringing together diverse communities, fostering dialogue, tolerance and cooperation at local, national or international level. Applications must describe implemented activities with tangible results.

Prize amounts:Total call budget €125 000. For each of five award categories (including Peace): 1st prize €15 000; 2nd and 3rd finalists €5 000 each ¹.

Who can apply

Legal entities (public or private bodies, including international organisations) established in eligible Erasmus+ countries; the Volunteering category may be awarded to individuals (over 18). Applicants must be registered in the Participant Register (PIC) and meet exclusion and eligibility rules.

Key dates and process

Call opens 30 June 2026; deadline 17 September 2026 (17:00 Brussels time). Pre-selection to shortlist six per category, jury evaluation, results expected March 2027. Submission is electronic via the Funding & Tenders Portal: Topic page.

Submission requirements:Submit Application Form Part A (online), Part B (template uploaded as PDF, max 20 pages) and optional annexes via the Portal. Activities must be already implemented and produce measurable results.

1. 1Eligibility: legal entity in eligible Erasmus+ countries; register in Participant Register (PIC).
2. 2Activities: implemented sport initiatives promoting peace with demonstrated results (not project ideas).
3. 3Evaluation: scored on relevance, quality and impact (overall pass score 60/100).

Footnotes

1. 1Full call rules, eligibility details and application templates are in the Rules of Contest and Call Document available on the Topic page: Call document.

Call Identification and Basic Facts

Opportunity Title:#BeActive-EU-SPORT-AWARDS-Peace. Call Title: #BeActive EU Sport Awards. Call Identifier: ERASMUS-SPORT. Type: Call for a prize under Erasmus+ (Call for a prize / Rules of Contest). Managing entity: European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Publication date of call document: 25 June 2026. Call opening date: 30 June 2026. Deadline for submission: 17 September 2026, 17:00 CET (Brussels time). Submission model: single-stage, electronic submission only via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal Electronic Submission System. Evaluation period: September 2026 to March 2027. Information to applicants: March 2027.

Primary link:Topic page and submission entry: ERASMUS-SPORT-2026-EU-AWARDS-PEACE ¹

Scope and Aim

Scope:This award recognises organisations that have successfully used sport and physical activity as tools to promote peace. It seeks initiatives that bring together diverse communities, transcend differences, foster dialogue, tolerance and collaboration beyond divisions and that build relationships founded on mutual respect and cooperation toward shared goals. The category rewards contributions to peaceful coexistence at local, national or global levels and celebrates tangible results already achieved through implemented activities.

Available Budget and Prizes

Total prize budget:€125,000 for the full set of five award categories. Per category distribution: 1st prize (winner) €15,000; two finalists (ranked 2nd and 3rd) €5,000 each. The budget year indicated: 2026. The awarding authority reserves the right not to award any prize or to cancel the call depending on applications and evaluation results.

Eligibility and Applicant Types

Eligible applicant types:legal entities established in eligible countries. This includes public bodies, private bodies, non-profit organisations, universities, research institutions, sports organisations, clubs, associations, international organisations and other legal entities. For the Volunteering category, individuals (natural persons over 18) are also eligible to receive the prize; individuals may be nominated though applications must still respect other eligibility conditions. Entities without legal personality under national law may exceptionally participate provided their representatives can legally commit and provide equivalent guarantees. Joint applications are allowed; a lead applicant must be appointed and all partners jointly assume liability.

Eligible countries / Geographic scope:Applicants must be established in one of the eligible countries for Erasmus+. Eligible countries include all EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories where applicable) and non-EU countries that are EEA countries or third countries associated to the Erasmus+ programme or countries negotiating association agreements that enter into force before the award decision. Activities must relate to activities implemented in these eligible countries.

Funding Type and Nature of Support

Funding type:Prize (grant in the form of an EU prize). Nature of support: monetary award paid after the award ceremony to winners and ranked finalists. Payment arrangements: prize payments post-award, subject to submission of requested documents. For a group winner the lead applicant will receive the payment on behalf of the group.

Consortium Requirement and Application Format

Consortium requirement:Not mandatory. Single applicants (legal entities) may apply. Joint applications by multiple organisations are permitted; if a joint application is submitted a lead applicant must be designated. Application form structure: electronic submission with three parts (Part A administrative online; Part B technical description using mandatory template downloaded from the Submission System and re-uploaded as PDF; optional annexes limited to communication material up to 10 pages). Part B page limit: maximum 20 pages. Only the submission system templates count; documents on the topic page are for information only. Submissions must be completed via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal; paper submissions are not accepted.

Project Stage and Eligible Activities

Project stage:Completed or ongoing implemented activities with tangible results at time of application. Projects in development or not yet implemented are ineligible. The competition rewards demonstrated implementation and achieved results; in case of ongoing or recurrent activities the application must describe results already achieved.

Target Sectors and Thematic Focus

Primary sector:Sport and physical activity. Thematic focuses relevant to the Peace category: social cohesion, community building, dialogue and reconciliation, tolerance, inter-community cooperation, promotion of EU values such as human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law and human rights. Cross-cutting priorities indicated in the topic metadata include Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence as programme-level priorities but do not change the core sport/peace focus.

Award Categories (including Peace category description)

1. 1Physical activity: initiatives promoting movement and cardiovascular health across schools, universities, workplaces, clubs and communities.
2. 2Inclusion: initiatives using sport to promote social inclusion, gender equality, diversity and to support disadvantaged or underrepresented groups.
3. 3Volunteering: organisations or individuals demonstrating outstanding contributions to sport through volunteer work; individuals eligible for receiving the prize in this category.
4. 4Across generations: initiatives promoting inter-generational sport activities and strengthening community bonds across age groups.
5. 5Peace: initiatives using sport and physical activity to foster peaceful coexistence, dialogue, tolerance and collaboration among diverse communities at local, national or global levels.

Evaluation, Award Criteria and Selection Process

Evaluation procedure:Two-step evaluation. A pre-selection will shortlist the best 6 applications per category. Shortlisted applications are then evaluated by a jury composed of recognised experts. Mandatory checks before award: ethics review, legal entity validation, non-exclusion, double funding checks and other verifications. A winner and two finalists (ranked 2nd and 3rd) will be selected per category. All applicants will receive an evaluation result letter. Complaints against the evaluation can be submitted following instructions in the evaluation result letter.

1. 1Award criterion 1: Relevance (20 40 points). Measures alignment with category purpose, outreach to citizens with limited access, contribution to fighting discrimination, promotion of EU shared values.
2. 2Award criterion 2: Quality (10 20 points). Quality of activities, creativity/innovation, scheduling, frequency, participant numbers and accessibility.
3. 3Award criterion 3: Impact (20 40 points). Qualitative and quantitative impact on participants and communities, benefits beyond sport, sustainability, replicability, communication and visibility actions.

Scoring thresholds:Individual minimum thresholds apply to each criterion (Relevance 20/40, Quality 10/20, Impact 20/40) and an overall minimum pass score of 60/100. Applications must pass both individual thresholds and the overall threshold to be considered for award. Ex aequo rule: where total scores tie, priority is given to higher Impact score, then higher Relevance score.

Admissibility, Submission and Templates

Admissibility:Applications must be complete, readable, accessible and printable. Part B limited to 20 pages; annexes (communication material) optional up to 10 pages. Use the templates provided inside the Submission System. Do not upload documents in incorrect categories. After submission you will receive a confirmation email; lack of confirmation indicates non-submission and must be reported to the IT Helpdesk with supporting evidence.

Template structure (Application Form parts and expectations):Part A: Administrative details completed directly online in the Submission System (organisational data, PIC, contact persons, legal status). Part B: Technical description using the mandatory template downloaded from the Submission System; must describe activities implemented, tangible results achieved, objectives, target groups, timeline and frequency, methodology, monitoring and evaluation, sustainability and replicability, communication and dissemination measures. Annexes: optional communication material (max 10 pages) such as brochures, photos, media coverage that show impact; must be PDF and uploaded in the designated annex slot. Note: Part B template and page limits are defined in the call document and Submission System. Excess pages beyond the limit will not be considered.

Exclusion and Legal / Ethical Requirements

Exclusion:Applicants subject to an EU exclusion decision or in listed exclusion situations (bankruptcy, breach of social security/tax obligations, grave professional misconduct, fraud, corruption, money laundering, terrorism-related crimes, child labour/human trafficking, significant deficiencies in prior EU obligations, misrepresentation during award procedure, conflicts of interest arising from involvement in call preparation) are ineligible. Entities subject to EU restrictive measures or conditionality measures are not eligible. Applicants must comply with the highest ethical standards, applicable EU, international and national law and respect fundamental EU values. The awarding authority may withdraw prize payments and recover amounts if false information, fraud or serious breach of obligations is discovered after award.

Checks, Audits and Communications Obligations

Checks and audits:The awarding authority, European Commission, OLAF, EPPO and the European Court of Auditors may perform checks, audits and investigations. Communication and visibility: Winners and finalists must acknowledge EU support, use the European emblem and funder statement in communications, and respect visibility rules. Winners must provide targeted information to multiple audiences and may be required to provide material for dissemination. Any communication must include the disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EACEA.

Administrative Requirements and Participant Register

Registration:Applicants must be registered in the Participant Register and obtain a 9-digit Participant Identification Code (PIC) before the call deadline. Legal Entity validation and LEAR appointment procedures apply. Applicants may be asked to provide additional documents at a later stage for legal entity validation, bank account verification, declaration of honour, ethics review, etc. Entities must comply with Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment.

Application Stages and Process Count

Application stages:The process includes a single-stage submission followed by pre-selection (shortlisting up to 6 per category) and jury evaluation. Overall, applicants face three main decision stages: admissibility checks at submission, pre-selection shortlist, and final jury evaluation including mandatory verifications before award. Stated timeline: submission, shortlisting, jury evaluation, final checks and award decision with payments after award ceremony.

Success Rates and Co-Funding

Success rates:Not explicitly published. Indicative selection ratios: pre-selection limits shortlist to up to 6 applications per category and will then select one winner and two finalists per category; relative success depends on number of submissions. Co-funding requirement: No co-funding from applicants is required to receive the prize; this is a prize award, not a cost-reimbursement grant. However applicants must ensure that activities presented are not already benefiting from cumulative EU funding for the same costs; double funding is prohibited.

Support and Contact Information

Support contacts:For non-IT related questions contact the Agency at EACEA-SPORT@ec.europa.eu. For IT related submission issues use the IT Helpdesk webform. Applicants should consult the Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual, Portal FAQ, and the call Topic page for updates. Use of generative AI: applicants may use generative AI tools in proposal preparation but must verify and validate content, disclose AI tool usage and provide sources used; the applicant is fully responsible for proposal content.

Mentioned Countries:Explicitly mentioned geographic scope: EU Member States and non-EU countries that are EEA or associated to Erasmus+ or negotiating association agreements that enter into force before award decision. No individual third countries were explicitly listed in the topic text; applicants should consult the Erasmus+ eligible countries list for details.

Summary of Key Applicant Requirements

1. 1Be a legal entity established in an Erasmus+ eligible country or (for Volunteering category) be an individual over 18 when nominated to receive the prize.
2. 2Register in the Participant Register and obtain a PIC before the call deadline.
3. 3Have implemented the sport activity and achieved tangible results at the time of application (projects in development are ineligible).
4. 4Submit the application electronically via the Portal using Part A (online), Part B (mandatory template, PDF), and any optional annexes within page limits (Part B max 20 pages; annexes max 10 pages).
5. 5Respect ethics, legal and exclusion criteria; not be subject to EU exclusion or restrictive measures.
6. 6If applying as a consortium, appoint a lead applicant; all partners must meet eligibility criteria.

How to Prepare a Competitive Submission for the Peace Category

Focus your Part B on demonstrated, implemented activities that produced measurable outcomes in fostering peace through sport. Clearly document the context, participant profiles, numbers, timeframes, methodology used to foster dialogue and reconciliation, qualitative testimonies and quantitative indicators of impact, evidence of sustainability and replicability, and communication actions taken to share results. Emphasise alignment with EU values, inclusiveness, outreach to underrepresented or marginalized groups, and any cross-sector partnerships that strengthened impact. Provide annexed communication material (photos, press coverage, testimonials) up to the 10-page maximum to illustrate tangible results. Ensure the application passes individual award criterion thresholds by demonstrating strong relevance, high quality of implementation and clear, sustainable impact.

This call is a recognition and dissemination instrument:it aims to reward best practice, give visibility to initiatives and inspire replication across Europe rather than to fund project implementation costs. Successful applicants will receive monetary prizes and public recognition and will be expected to promote the prize and contribute to dissemination activities.

Footnotes

1. 1Call topic page and call documentation (Rules of Contest): ERASMUS-SPORT-2026-EU-AWARDS-PEACE

What This Award Recognizes

This award recognizes organizations that have successfully used sport as a powerful tool to promote peace by bringing together diverse communities, fostering dialogue, tolerance, and collaboration beyond divisions ¹. It honors initiatives that leverage sport and physical activity to build relationships founded on mutual respect and cooperation toward shared goals, ultimately contributing to peaceful coexistence at local, national, or global levels ².

Who Can Apply

1. 1Legal entities (private or public bodies, including international organizations) established in EU Member States or associated Erasmus+ countries
2. 2Entities from countries negotiating association agreements (if agreement enters force before award decision)
3. 3Note: Individuals (natural persons over 18) are only eligible for the Volunteering category, not Peace

Key Eligibility Requirements

Activities must have been implemented with tangible results at the time of application; projects still in development are not eligible ³. Activities do not need to be transnational or EU-supported but must relate to eligible countries ⁴. Applicants must register in the Participant Register before the deadline and obtain a PIC (Participant Identification Code) ⁵.

Budget and Prize Amounts

Important Deadlines and Timeline

1. 1Call opening: 30 June 2026
2. 2Submission deadline: 17 September 2026 at 17:00 CET (Brussels time)
3. 3Evaluation period: September 2026 – March 2027
4. 4Award results notification: March 2027

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are evaluated against three criteria:Relevance (alignment with peace objectives, 20–40 points), Quality (creative/innovative character, accessibility, 10–20 points), and Impact (quantitative/qualitative benefits, sustainability, replicability, 20–40 points) ⁶. Minimum passing scores are 20/40 for Relevance, 10/20 for Quality, 20/40 for Impact, and 60/100 overall ⁷.

How to Submit

Applications must be submitted electronically via the Funding & Tenders Portal; paper submissions are not accepted ⁸. The submission includes Part A (administrative, filled online), Part B (technical description, max 20 pages, uploaded as PDF), and optional annexes (communication material, max 10 pages) ⁹.

Additional Conditions

Winners must acknowledge EU support, display the European flag emblem, and use the mandatory disclaimer in all communications ¹⁰. The prize may be withdrawn if false information, fraud, or eligibility issues are discovered ¹¹. No double funding is allowed; the same activity cannot receive multiple EU prizes ¹².

Contact Information

For non-IT questions:eacea-sport@ec.europa.eu ¹³. For IT helpdesk issues: use the Portal IT Helpdesk webform ¹⁴.

Footnotes

1. 1Official call document (Rules of Contest), Section 2: Objectives, Categories and Expected Results, Peace category description ERASMUS-SPORT-2026-EU-AWARDS-PEACE Call Document
2. 2European Commission Sport page, #BeActive EU Sport Awards overview BeActive EU Sport Awards
3. 3Call document, Section 6: Eligibility, Eligible activities ERASMUS-SPORT-2026-EU-AWARDS-PEACE Call Document
4. 4Call document, Section 6: Eligibility, Geographic location (target countries) ERASMUS-SPORT-2026-EU-AWARDS-PEACE Call Document
5. 5Call document, Section 6: Eligibility, Eligible participants (eligible countries) ERASMUS-SPORT-2026-EU-AWARDS-PEACE Call Document
6. 6Call document, Section 9: Award criteria, Relevance, Quality, Impact definitions ERASMUS-SPORT-2026-EU-AWARDS-PEACE Call Document
7. 7Call document, Section 9: Award criteria, Minimum pass scores and thresholds ERASMUS-SPORT-2026-EU-AWARDS-PEACE Call Document
8. 8Call document, Section 5: Admissibility and documents, Electronic submission requirement ERASMUS-SPORT-2026-EU-AWARDS-PEACE Call Document
9. 9Call document, Section 5: Admissibility and documents, Application structure and page limits ERASMUS-SPORT-2026-EU-AWARDS-PEACE Call Document
10. 10Call document, Section 10: Other conditions, Communication, Dissemination, Visibility of funding ERASMUS-SPORT-2026-EU-AWARDS-PEACE Call Document
11. 11Call document, Section 10: Other conditions, Withdrawal of the prize, Recovery of undue amounts ERASMUS-SPORT-2026-EU-AWARDS-PEACE Call Document
12. 12Call document, Section 13: Important, No cumulation of funding/no double funding ERASMUS-SPORT-2026-EU-AWARDS-PEACE Call Document
13. 13Call document, Section 12: Help, Contact email for non-IT questions ERASMUS-SPORT-2026-EU-AWARDS-PEACE Call Document
14. 14Call document, Section 12: Help, IT Helpdesk contact for Portal issues ERASMUS-SPORT-2026-EU-AWARDS-PEACE Call Document