About the Open Call
SoilTribes invites applications for lump sum grants aimed at supporting innovative, multi-actor initiatives that foster soil literacy, raise public awareness, and engage diverse communities in the protection and restoration of soil. These grants are designed to trigger behavioral change and galvanize innovation at the intersection of science, arts, and society.
By embracing a multi-actor and multidisciplinary approach, these grants aim to mobilize teams composed of cultural and creative actors, soil scientists and technologists, public authorities, educators, citizen groups, and other stakeholders. Projects supported through this call will contribute to the European Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe” by promoting disruptive, place-based collaborations that translate soil science into meaningful, engaging, and actionable initiatives.
The call is structured around two lots, reflecting the maturity and development stage of the proposed initiatives:
- Lot 1 – Development of new ideas: Support for new and experimental initiatives that are in early stages of development.
- Lot 2 – Improvement and scale-up of existing ideas/solutions: Support for initiatives that build on prior experience and are ready to improve, replicate, or scale.
Applicants must clearly indicate in their application the lot under which they are applying, as well as the strand that best fits their proposed action:
- Communication campaigns: Projects aimed at raising awareness and improving soil literacy through strategic messaging and outreach.
- Creative soil-related activities and events: Initiatives that engage communities through artistic and cultural practices with a focus on soil.
- Citizens’ engagement: Participatory processes and co-creation activities that empower citizens and communities to take action on soil-related issues.
All applications must address the core topic of soil literacy and tackle at least one additional priority from the European Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe”.
Available Funding
The SoilTribes project has allocated a total budget of €1.750.000 to support the support initiatives led by multi-actor teams, to be distributed through the single open call.
Each applicant must define the grant size they are applying for, based on the scope, ambition, and implementation needs of their project. The call provides three options; each associated with a specific implementation period:
Small:
- Budget: 25.000€
- Project Duration: 6 months
Medium:
- Budget: 50.000€
- Project Duration: 9 months
Large:
- Budget: 100.000€
- Project Duration: 12 months
How to Apply:
Applicants must complete and submit a single application form, which includes administrative details of the applicant or consortium, a description of the proposed project (aligned with the evaluation criteria), a short presentation video, formal declarations, and a projected budget.
All applications must be submitted via the EU Survey Platform EU Survey Platform by October 10, 2025 at 17h00 CET!
For More Information:
- Consult the complete Guidelines: Open Call to Support Initiatives Led by Multi-Actor Teams.
- Contact for Questions and Support: For any questions related to the application process, eligibility, or technical support, you can reach out to the SoilTribes team at hello@soiltribes.eu
- Register for one of our info-session webinars: https://forms.office.com/e/RQ6bmHUuFf
The SoilTribes Project
The SoilTribes project aims to increase soil literacy and promote its preservation through a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach. It addresses soil degradation by promoting innovative communication campaigns, creative activities, and citizen engagement in sustainable practices. The project provides financial support for collaborative initiatives involving science, art, and society, aiming to transform behaviors regarding soil protection and restoration.
SoilTribes is rooted in the European Union mission "A Soil Deal for Europe" and aligns with its goals to restore soil health, engage communities, and increase soil literacy.
The SoilTribes project addresses the pressing issue of soil degradation by fostering soil literacy and promoting sustainable soil management through a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach. The project is driven by a diverse consortium of 25 partners from 11 different countries, including scientific institutions, artists, and civil society groups. Together, they work across borders to raise awareness and encourage action for soil preservation, empowering local communities to engage in soil protection and restoration efforts through creative and innovative solutions.
