A Quick Guide to Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Eligibility

Without eligible legal status your organisation cannot take part in Erasmus+ or the European Solidarity Corps. This page defines who or what can take part in the programmes and provides some pointers about how to prove the legal status of your organisation.

We also advise you to read the Programme Guide for additional information about who can take part. In the guide you’ll find the information you need in Part C, Information for Applicants.

Leargás reserves the right to request additional documentation where required.

Eligible Entities

Company Limited By Guarantee/Shares

This may be indicated by any of the following:

• Ltd (Limited)
• DAC (Designated Activity Company)
• CLG (Company Limited by Guarantee)
• PLC (Public Limited Company)

All private companies are required to be fully compliant with Companies Act 2014, and your information may be independently verified​. To verify your information, Léargas reserve the right to request additional documentation where required​.

Companies incorporated under the Charities Act 1973

Public/Statutory Body

• Schools
• Colleges
• Universities
• Education and Training Boards (ETBs)
• County/Urban Councils
• Hospitals
• National Organisations such as Teagasc, Irish Prison Service, Health Service Executive, etc.

Trade Union

Co-operative

If registered in the Central Registration Office (CRO).

Trusts

Note: we cannot contract directly with the Trust but must contract with the Trustees individually and collectively.

Individuals

Erasmus+ Youth Projects (Key Actions 152, 153, 154, 155)

Participants (i.e., young people) must be between 18 and 30 years old.

• Informal groups must include at least four young people.
• One group member (between 18-30) must act as a legal representative on behalf of the group.
• If all members are under 18, an individual over 18 can act as a legal representative for the group, regardless of their age.

European Solidarity Corps (ESC 30)

• Informal groups must include at least five young people.
• Participants must be between 18 and 30 years old (participants must be at least 18 years old, or 30 years or younger at the activity start date)

For Humanitarian Aid Projects in the European Solidarity Corps:

• Participants must be 18 years or older.
• The upper age limit is 35 years old at the start date of the activity.

What proves eligibility?

• Memorandum and Articles/Cert of Incorporation
• Registration as a company with the CRO
• Registration with Registrar of Friendly Societies as per CRO
• Passport or legal form of identification for individual
  (youth field representative only)
• School Roll number
• Legal correspondence proving status as a legal entity (e.g.
  official letter from the Department to the school)
• The constitution/responsibilities of the group and list of
  group members (youth field only)

What does not prove eligibility?

• Registration of business name on CRO
• Constitution
• Receipt of grants from Government Departments/EU
• Registration as a charity
• Previous grants from Léargas
• Tax registration/Tax Clearance Certificate

Non Eligibile Entities

Individual

Unless the person is a Youth representative.

Sole trader, self-employed person

Voluntary Group/Association/Organisation

(unless it is a limited company)

Businesses that are not limited

Unincorporated Associations

Partnerships or Limited Partnerships

An individual referring to him/herself as an organisation

SME (Small to Medium Enterprise) unless it is a limited company

What to do if you are not listed as an eligible entity

• Apply as an individual on behalf of an informal group of young people (Erasmus+ Youth and the European Solidarity Corps only, for relevant Key Actions)
• Form a Limited Company/Co-operative
• Get an eligible entity to apply on your behalf e.g. Umbrella body