How to Develop a Convincing CERV Project Proposal

Are you preparing a project proposal under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme and aiming to make your application stand out?

This interactive online workshop will guide you through the CERV proposal development process step by step. You will learn how to interpret the Call text, define a coherent project direction and develop the main elements of your application from an evaluator perspective.

The workshop is designed for NGOs, civil society organisations and public entities with limited or moderate experience in directly managed EU funding programmes. Examples and practice exercises will draw on current CERV Calls, including the open Daphne Call with a deadline of 3 November 2026.

Participation is limited to 10 people, allowing space for questions, discussion and individual feedback.

At the end of the workshop, you will know how to:

• Identify the priorities and expectations that should shape your proposal
• Complete the application template with greater focus
• Structure your objectives, activities, milestones and deliverables clearly
• Avoid common weaknesses that can lead to lower evaluation scoresIndicative agenda

Indicative Agenda:

9.30–9.40 | Welcome and introduction
What makes a CERV proposal convincing and how evaluators assess applications.

9.40–10.05 | Understanding the Call and setting up the application
Interpreting the Call beyond the topic title, understanding the application components, and addressing key points concerning Part A, organisational and financial capacity, annexes and Portal submission.

10.05–10.40 | Developing a convincing Relevance section
Presenting the problem and needs, defining target groups and objectives, demonstrating alignment with the Call, and explaining European added value.

Practice exercise

10.40–11.15 | Presenting the project’s quality and implementation approach
Explaining the project methodology, demonstrating how the approach responds to the identified needs, and presenting appropriate roles, expertise and cooperation arrangements.

Practice exercise

11.15–11.30 | Break

11.30–12.05 | Defining results, outcomes and impact
Presenting the project’s impact and ambition; planning communication, dissemination and visibility; addressing sustainability and continuation; distinguishing activities, outputs, outcomes and impact; and selecting meaningful indicators.

Practice exercise

12.05–12.35 | Translating the project logic into a coherent work plan
Structuring work packages, activities, milestones and deliverables; developing a realistic timeline; identifying risks; and linking responsibilities to project delivery.

Practice exercise

12.35–12.50 | Planning a credible budget
Connecting the budget to the work plan, aligning resources with partner responsibilities, and understanding the logic of lump-sum budget planning.

12.50–13.00 | Final proposal checks and conclusion
Essential checks before submission, common proposal weaknesses and final questions.