EU Support for Sustainable and Innovative Social Protection Programmes (SUSI)

The EU is offering a grant opportunity titled "EU Support for Sustainable and Innovative Social Protection Programmes (SUSI)" with the reference number EuropeAid/184669/DD/ACT/NG. The total budget for this initiative is 12,500,000 EUR. The primary focus is on Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically Nigeria, with the call published on July 1, 2025, and a submission deadline of August 12, 2025.

Eligible applicants include natural persons (individuals), public law bodies (government entities), private law bodies (companies, NGOs), and potentially international organizations under specified conditions. The grant type is classified as a non-repayable financial support or grant, and applicants are allowed to apply individually without a mandatory consortium.

The project aims to enhance sustainable and innovative social protection systems, indicating a focus on operational programs rather than purely research initiatives. The application process is structured in two stages: first, a concept note must be submitted, followed by a full application for successful candidates.

Key documentation available for download includes guidelines for applicants, application forms, budget templates, and various annexes detailing legal and procedural requirements. Importantly, the opportunity does not mandate co-funding, though this can vary based on specific project requirements.

Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review all provided materials to ensure compliance with eligibility criteria and application procedures.

The EU is offering an Action Grant called "EU Support for Sustainable and Innovative Social Protection Programmes (SUSI)" with the reference number EuropeAid/184669/DD/ACT/NG.

The program focuses on Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically Nigeria.

The total budget allocated for this grant is 12,500,000 EUR.

The grant was published on July 1, 2025, and updated on the same day.

The deadline for submission is August 12, 2025.

The following documents are available for download:

Guidelines for Grant Applicants (July 1, 2025, in English)
Annex A1. Grant Application Concept Note (July 1, 2025, in English)
Annex A2. Grant Application Full Application (July 1, 2025, in English)
Annex B. Budget (July 1, 2025, in English)
Annex C. Logical Framework (July 1, 2025, in English)
Annex D Legal Entity Natural Person (July 1, 2025, in English)
Annex D Legal Entity Public Law Body (July 1, 2025, in English)
Annex D Legal Entity Private LawBody (July 1, 2025, in English)
Annex F. Pador Registration (July 1, 2025, in English)
Annex G - Standard Grant Contract - Special Conditions (July 1, 2025, in English)
Annex G - APPENDIX I to SC - Derogations international organisations (en) (July 1, 2025, in English)
Annex G. Annex II - General Conditions (July 1, 2025, in English)
Annex G - Annex IV - Procurement Rules for Grant Beneficiaries (July 1, 2025, in English)
Annex G Annex V - Standard Request for Payment (July 1, 2025, in English)
Annex G Annex VI - Model Final Narrative Report (July 1, 2025, in English)
Annex G Annex VI - Model Financial Report Cost Based (July 1, 2025, in English)
Annex G Annex VI - Model Interim Narrative Report (July 1, 2025, in English)
Annex G - Annex VII-A - Exp. Verification - Terms of Reference and Report of Factual Findings (July 1, 2025, in English)
Annex G - Annex VII-A - Exp. Verification - Table of Transactions and Errors (July 1, 2025, in English)
Annex G - Annex VII-B - Third Party Assessment- Terms of Reference for Assessors (July 1, 2025, in English)
Annex G Annex VII - Expenditure Verification Report (July 1, 2025, in English)
Annex G - Annex VIII - Model _ Financial Guarantee (July 1, 2025, in English)
Annex G. Annex IX - Transfer of Ownership of Assests (July 1, 2025, in English)
Declaration of Honour (July 1, 2025, in English)
Annex J - Information on Tax (July 1, 2025, in English)
Annex L - Self-evaluation questionnaire on SEA-H (en) (July 1, 2025, in English)

The grant aims to support sustainable and innovative social protection programs in Nigeria. Interested applicants should download and carefully review all the provided documents, especially the Guidelines for Grant Applicants, to understand the specific requirements, eligibility criteria, and application procedures. The application process involves submitting a concept note and, if selected, a full application along with a detailed budget and logical framework. Applicants must also register in the PADOR system. The grant contract includes standard special conditions, general conditions, procurement rules, and reporting requirements.

In summary, this is a call for proposals for action grants focused on bolstering social protection programs in Nigeria. The EU is providing substantial funding to support initiatives that are both sustainable and innovative in their approach to social welfare. The application process is detailed, requiring careful attention to the guidelines and submission of comprehensive documentation.

Eligible Applicant Types: Based on the provided documents, eligible applicant types can include natural persons, public law bodies, and private law bodies. The inclusion of "Derogations international organisations" in Annex G suggests that international organizations may also be eligible.

Funding Type: The funding type is Action Grants.

Consortium Requirement: The information provided does not explicitly state whether a single applicant or a consortium is required. The guidelines for grant applicants and application forms would need to be reviewed to determine this. However, given the scale and nature of social protection programs, consortia are often preferred or required.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographical zone for this program is Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically Nigeria. Therefore, applicants must implement their projects in Nigeria.

Target Sector: The program targets the Social Protection sector, focusing on sustainable and innovative approaches.

Mentioned Countries: Nigeria is explicitly mentioned. The Sub-Saharan Africa region is also mentioned.

Project Stage: The call is for "Action Grants," which suggests that the expected project stage is likely to be at the development, validation, demonstration, or implementation stage, rather than purely research-oriented. The focus is on implementing and scaling up sustainable and innovative social protection programs.

Funding Amount: The budget for this program is 12,500,000 EUR.

Application Type: The application type is an open call, as indicated by "Open For Submission."

Nature of Support: Beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a grant.

Application Stages: The presence of both a "Concept Note" (Annex A1) and a "Full Application" (Annex A2) suggests a two-stage application process. Applicants likely need to first submit a concept note, and if successful, they will be invited to submit a full application.

Success Rates: The provided information does not include success rates.

Co-funding Requirement: The provided information does not explicitly state whether co-funding is required. The "Guidelines for Grant Applicants" and the "Standard Grant Contract - Special Conditions" (Annex G) would need to be reviewed to determine if co-funding is mandatory or encouraged.

Summary:

This opportunity is an open call for action grants under the "EU Support for Sustainable and Innovative Social Protection Programmes (SUSI)" initiative. The program aims to fund projects in Nigeria that promote sustainable and innovative approaches to social protection. The total budget is 12.5 million EUR. Eligible applicants can be natural persons, public law bodies, private law bodies, and potentially international organizations. The application process appears to be in two stages: a concept note followed by a full application. The call is specifically targeted at projects that are ready for implementation or scaling up, rather than purely research-based initiatives. Applicants should carefully review the "Guidelines for Grant Applicants" and all annexes to understand the specific requirements, eligibility criteria, and application procedures. The annexes cover various aspects such as budget preparation, logical framework, legal entity details, PADOR registration, standard grant contract conditions, procurement rules, reporting templates, expenditure verification, and other relevant information. The deadline for submission is August 12, 2025.