HEROES Sandbox Call for Community Experiments
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- HEROES Sandbox Call for Community Experiments
Got a bold idea? Get up to €4,500 in funding to make it real!
Do you have an idea that could bring people together, boost well-being, or spark innovation in your community? – Now’s your chance to make it happen! The HEROES Sandbox is a space for students and staff to test new ideas, launch small-scale projects, and create positive change together.
Whether you want to organise a workshop, start a community initiative, run a campaign, create a digital event, or test an innovative concept, the Sandbox gives you the opportunity to turn your idea into reality.
Selected projects can receive up to €4,500 in funding and support from the HEROES Alliance. The Sandbox is designed as a low-risk environment where ideas can be explored, tested, and developed together with partners from across Europe.
What kind of projects are we looking for?
We are looking for projects that help strengthen resilience and community building. Possible themes include, but are not limited to:
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Social inclusion and community connection
- Learning and empowerment
- Health and active lifestyles
- Innovation and co-creation
- Arts, culture and identity
- Community-led solutions to local challenges
Projects can take many forms, including workshops, events, campaigns, pilot activities, digital initiatives, hackathons, roundtables, or other creative formats.
Looking for partners, or a project to join?
Use our Sandbox Matchmaking Tool share your idea, and connect with students and staff from other HEROES institutions: Sandbox | HEROES Agora
Or, if you would like to join a project but don’t have an idea yet, browse through the submissions and connect with others!
While project ideas may be submitted after 15 November, early submission is recommended to ensure a smooth application process and provide adequate time for partner matching.
What funding is available?
Successful projects can receive:
- Up to €4,500 per project
- Up to €1,500 per participating HEROES institution
- Support and guidance throughout implementation
- Funding can cover materials, workshops, communication activities and dissemination costs. Travel costs, salaries and equipment purchases are not eligible.
Key Requirements
To apply, your project must:
- Involve at least three HEROES partner institutions
- Be led by a student or staff member from a HEROES institution
- Contribute to individual and/or community resilience
- Be completed by the end of 2027
- Both students and staff are encouraged to apply.
Timeline
Call opens: 1 September 2026
Application deadline: 15 December 2026
Evaluation period: December 2026 – January 2027
Results announced: January 2027
Project start: February 2027
Latest possible project end: September 2028
How to apply
Contact your local WP7 member (contact details can be found in the Sandbox Regulations) for more information on the application process.
Relevant documents:
