Call for proposals: microfinance for coding and programming projects within the framework of EU Code Week

The Code4Europe initiative is a call for proposals launched by Junior Achievement Bulgaria (JA Bulgaria) to support microfinance for coding and programming projects within the framework of EU Code Week. This opportunity aims to boost digital skills among young people aged 6 to 25 by fostering innovative activities that integrate coding into education, promote community engagement, and encourage gender equality in STEM.

The call designates a total funding pool of 10,000 euros, divided into two tiers: small grants ranging from 250 to 500 euros and larger grants from 501 to 1,500 euros. The application process will begin on April 28, 2025, with the submission deadline set for June 29, 2025. Successful projects are expected to align with the goals of EU Code Week, focusing on programming education and the promotion of digital skills, while prioritizing gender inclusivity by encouraging equal participation among female applicants.

Eligible participants include schools, coding clubs, and non-governmental organizations based in Bulgaria. Projects should aim to develop digital skills through innovative approaches in both formal and informal educational settings. While the call supports single applicants or small teams, commercial projects and those unrelated to coding or digital skills are excluded from eligibility.

The evaluation process consists of several stages, including an eligibility check, expert evaluations, and a committee selection. Proposals will be assessed based on their alignment with the initiative's objectives, educational quality, community impact, budget rationality, and overall presentation.

The funding is intended for projects that develop curricula, purchase necessary technology, or manage workshops aimed at improving coding skills and digital engagement among youths, promoting diversity and collaboration within local communities.

Overall, this initiative is not an EU action but is independently managed by JA Bulgaria, although it aligns with broader EU strategies for enhancing digital skills, particularly among underrepresented groups.

The Code4Europe project, under grant agreement number 101158834, is launching a call for proposals to support microfinance for coding and programming projects within the framework of EU Code Week. This initiative, titled "Call for proposals: microfinance for coding and programming projects within the framework of EU Code Week," aims to identify and support local projects aligned with the mission of EU Code Week, specifically targeting programming, algorithmic thinking, and digital skills for young people aged 6 to 25. The call is launched by DZHUNIAR ACHIYVMANT BALGARIYA (JA BULGARIA), and the financial support will be provided directly by JA BULGARIA under its own responsibility. This is not an EU action.

The opening date for submissions is April 28, 2025, and the deadline for submission is June 28, 2025, at 23:59 (Brussels time). The expected duration of participation is until October 31, 2025. The total funding available is 10,000.00 EUR. The project acronym is Code4Europe, and the full name of the EU-funded project is "Code4Europe - empowering the new generation of Young Digital Europeans." The relevant topic is DIGITAL-2023-SKILLS-04-BOOSTINGDIGIT - Boosting Digital Skills of young pupils, in particular girls.

The call aims to support projects that: provide opportunities for the development of innovative and flexible digital skills activities; support initiatives that integrate coding into the educational context and encourage engagement; encourage community participation and stimulate collaboration among stakeholders; and prioritize projects that offer a gender-equal start and promote diversity in STEM education.

The submission and evaluation process involves several stages. The invitation, including terms and conditions, will be published on the EU Code Week website, the JA Bulgaria website, and in JA social media channels. Applications will be submitted via an online form and will undergo an eligibility check, expert evaluation, final selection by a committee, and contracting.

In this first call for applications, up to 7 projects will be selected for funding ranging from 250 to 500 EUR, and up to 7 projects will be selected for funding ranging from 501 to 1500 EUR, with a total of up to 10,000 EUR being awarded. The evaluation criteria include: (1) Compliance with the programmatic design of the initiative; (2) Education in coding, specifically training in programming and algorithmic thinking; (3) Quality of the proposal; (4) Impact; and (5) Presentation of the idea, including clarity and completeness.

Further information can be found on the JA Bulgaria website: https://www.jabulgaria.org/bg/blog/novini-ot-ja-bulgariia/pokana-za-kandidatstvane.

In summary, this call for proposals, managed by JA Bulgaria, seeks to fund local projects that promote coding, algorithmic thinking, and digital skills among young people aged 6 to 25, aligning with the EU Code Week mission. The funding is divided into two tiers: 250-500 EUR and 501-1500 EUR, with a total budget of 10,000 EUR. Projects should focus on innovative digital skills activities, integrating coding into education, encouraging community participation, and promoting gender equality and diversity in STEM. The application process involves online submission, eligibility checks, expert evaluation, and final selection. The evaluation criteria emphasize compliance with the initiative's design, coding education quality, proposal quality, impact, and clarity of presentation.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are not explicitly defined, but the call aims to increase visibility to the general public, including potential applicants such as students. The call supports local projects, implying that local organizations, educational institutions, or individuals could be eligible.

Funding Type: The primary financial mechanism is a grant, specifically microfinance, provided directly by JA Bulgaria to selected projects.

Consortium Requirement: The opportunity appears to be open to both single applicants and potentially small teams or organizations, as it supports "local projects." There is no explicit mention of a consortium requirement.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The call targets local projects, and JA Bulgaria is the funding entity, suggesting that the primary geographic focus is Bulgaria.

Target Sector: The target sector is education and digital skills, specifically focusing on programming, algorithmic thinking, and digital skills for young people aged 6 to 25. It aligns with the broader goals of EU Code Week.

Mentioned Countries: Bulgaria is explicitly mentioned as the location of JA Bulgaria and the target area for local projects.

Project Stage: The expected project stage is not explicitly mentioned, but the call aims to support projects aligned with the mission of EU Code Week, suggesting that projects could be in the idea, development, or implementation phase. The focus on microfinance implies support for early-stage or small-scale initiatives.

Funding Amount: The funding range is variable, with two tiers: up to 7 projects will be funded between 250 to 500 EUR, and up to 7 projects will be funded between 501 to 1500 EUR. The total funding available is 10,000 EUR.

Application Type: The application type is an open call, with submission via an online form.

Nature of Support: Beneficiaries will receive money in the form of microfinance grants.

Application Stages: The application process involves multiple stages: submission via online form, eligibility check, expert evaluation, final selection by a committee, and contracting. This indicates at least 5 stages.

Success Rates: The success rate can be estimated based on the information provided. The call will select up to 14 projects (7 in each funding tier). While the number of applications is not explicitly stated, the text mentions that applications will be selected from the applications received via online form. Given the limited funding and the likely high interest, the success rate is likely to be below 10%.

Co-funding Requirement: The information does not explicitly state whether co-funding is required.

Summary:

This opportunity is a microfinance grant program called Code4Europe, offered by Junior Achievement Bulgaria (JA Bulgaria) within the framework of EU Code Week. It is designed to support local projects in Bulgaria that promote programming, algorithmic thinking, and digital skills among young people aged 6 to 25. The call aims to foster innovative digital skills activities, integrate coding into education, encourage community participation, and promote gender equality in STEM.

The funding is divided into two tiers: smaller grants (250-500 EUR) and larger grants (501-1500 EUR), with a total funding pool of 10,000 EUR. The application process involves submitting a proposal via an online form, followed by eligibility checks, expert evaluation, selection by a committee, and contracting. The evaluation criteria include compliance with the initiative's design, educational value, proposal quality, impact, and clarity of presentation.

This call is not an EU action but is independently launched and managed by JA Bulgaria. The EU Funding & Tenders Portal is only used to increase the visibility of the call. The deadline for applications is June 28, 2025. The project aims to empower the new generation of Young Digital Europeans.