How do I apply for EU funding, step by step?

Applying for EU funding follows the same basic path for most programmes. Here's each step in plain language, plus how long things take and the mistakes to avoid.

What are the steps?

1. Find a call that fits. Search the EU Funding & Tenders Portal or read our weekly newsletter. Open the topic page and read three things carefully: the expected outcomes, the eligibility conditions and the deadline.
2. Read the rules in full. Each topic links to its work programme and documents. Check who can apply, whether you need partners, the funding rate, the budget per project and the page limits.
3. Create an EU Login account. This is the free EU account you use to sign in to the portal. You create it from the portal's login button.
4. Register your organisation and get a PIC. In the Participant Register you get a 9-digit PIC (Participant Identification Code) that identifies your organisation. Check first whether your organisation already has one. Validation of your details may happen later, if you're selected.
5. Build your team (if needed). For consortium calls, find partners, agree who does what, and agree the budget split. One partner acts as coordinator and submits.
6. Write the proposal. Start the submission from the topic page. You fill in Part A (administrative forms) online and upload Part B (the project description) using the official template. Write clearly for the evaluators: explain the problem, your solution, why it's new, the impact and market, the plan and the team.
7. Submit before the deadline. Submit early, because the system can be slow near deadlines. You can usually update and resubmit until the deadline passes.
8. Evaluation. Independent experts score your proposal. Some schemes, such as the EIC Accelerator, have extra stages such as a short proposal first and an interview. You receive an evaluation summary either way.
9. Grant agreement preparation. If you're selected, you confirm details, validate your organisation and sign a grant agreement, the legal contract with the EU.
10. Run and report on the project. You receive payments in instalments, do the work, and submit periodic technical and financial reports.

The portal's Online Manual explains every step in detail, and the Commission's How to apply page gives an overview.

How long does it take?

Exact timings differ by programme and are stated in each call's documents. As a rule, plan for months between the deadline and the first payment.

What does applying cost?

• No fees: registering, getting a PIC and submitting are free.
• Your time: writing a strong proposal takes real effort.
• Optional consultant: if you hire a grant writer, you pay them. Agree fees clearly and stay in control of the content.
• Co-funding: some actions don't cover 100% of costs, so you may need your own money for the rest. See how EU funding works.

What are the most common mistakes?

• Starting too late. Registration, partners and writing all take longer than you think.
• Not matching the topic. A great idea that doesn't address the topic's expected outcomes scores badly.
• Missing an eligibility rule, such as country, company size or number of partners. Check the SME definition too.
• Too much tech, not enough impact. Evaluators want to know who benefits, the market, and how you'll get there.
• Ignoring page limits and templates. Extra pages are not read.
• Submitting at the last minute. Technical problems happen.
• Underestimating reporting and cash flow. Money arrives in instalments, and costs must be documented.
• Giving up after one rejection. Use the evaluation feedback and try again.

Where can I get free help?

• National Contact Points (NCPs): free official advisors in every country.
• European Digital Innovation Hubs: help for SMEs with digital projects.
• The Enterprise Europe Network: free business support for SMEs, including partner search. Search for your local office.
• The Online Manual and the help desk on the portal.