GrantLab.Hack: Erasmus+ Digital Hackathon for Proposal Development

Course format: Online / Hybrid (12-week program)

This course equips interdisciplinary teams from universities, NGOs, and public institutions with hands-on skills to design and submit full proposals to current Erasmus+ calls (Alliances for Innovation, Strategic Partnerships, Capacity Building, or Virtual Exchanges). Over 12 weeks, participants collaborate under expert mentorship to develop and finalize a real proposal, guided by the Erasmus+ Programme Guide, EU impact logic, and funding criteria.

Individual Application

Organizational/Group Application

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Course Description

Learner pre-requirements

The course is open to:

University staff (academic or administrative), project managers, researchers
NGO professionals and youth workers with experience in education, innovation, or inclusion
Representatives of public institutions (municipalities, schools, cultural departments) interested in EU-funded cooperation

Prior knowledge of Erasmus+ is not required, but experience in international projects, EU frameworks, or proposal writing is recommended.

Learning objectives

Understand the logic, structure, and policy priorities of Erasmus+ 2021–2027

Analyze institutional needs and align project ideas with relevant calls

Develop full-scale Erasmus+ applications including work packages, objectives, KPIs, and sustainability plans

Apply Theory of Change and Results-Based Management logic to proposal design

Navigate the EForm structure and prepare all required annexes (budgets, mandates, PIC documentation)

Create compelling narratives for relevance, impact, and stakeholder engagement

Present and defend project ideas through structured pitching sessions

Skills addressed

EU proposal development; Erasmus+ programme logic; Project design; Grant writing; Logical framework approach; Theory of Change; Budget structuring; Work package planning; Proposal pitching; Strategic partnership formation; Results-based communication; Policy alignment; Team-based collaboration; Funding compliance; Co-financing strategy; Outcome definition.

Course structure

The GrantLab.Hack course is designed as a 12-week (90-hour) structured program combining content mastery, applied writing, and mentored development. Each phase corresponds to a key stage in the proposal lifecycle.

Phase 1:

Opportunity Scanning and Policy Alignment

(Weeks 1–3, 20 hours)

Overview of Erasmus+ Key Actions (KA2, CBHE, Alliances for Innovation, Virtual Exchanges)
Erasmus+ priorities: inclusion, sustainability, digital transition, youth, civic engagement
Identifying relevant calls and analysing programme guides
Mapping institutional strengths and stakeholder needs
Drafting the “Relevance” and “Needs Analysis” sections
Tools: EU Policy Tracker, Problem Tree, Stakeholder Map

Phase 2:

From Idea to Project Architecture

(Weeks 4–6, 20 hours)

Developing Theory of Change, SMART objectives, and outcomes
Defining work packages, deliverables, milestones
KPIs and impact indicators (short-term, mid-term, long-term)
Drafting the “Objectives,” “Activities,” and “Impact” sections
Case clinics with real Erasmus+ proposal examples
Peer-review of draft project architecture

Phase 3:

Budgeting, Consortium, and Implementation

(Weeks 7–9, 20 hour)

Budget structuring (unit costs, workdays, travel, special needs, co-funding)
Partner roles, responsibilities, and legal forms (PIC, mandates)
Project governance, risk management, quality assurance
Drafting the “Work Plan,” “Consortium Description,” and “Quality Framework” sections
Legal and administrative forms in EForm

Phase 4:

Packaging, Pitching, and Final Review

(Weeks 10–12, 20 hours)

Finalisation of full proposal and annexes (Part A, Part B, Budget)
Visualisation tools for proposal storytelling and project pitch
Simulated evaluation panels: review against scoring criteria
Final team presentation of proposal to expert jury
Feedback sessions and final mentor alignment

Capstone Project:

Erasmus+ Proposal Submission Package

(10 hours)

Each team finalizes one full Erasmus+ proposal (ready for submission or further institutional review)
Includes all required sections, budget tables, Gantt charts, and visibility plan
Teams present a visual pitch deck to peers and experts

Teaching design

The course uses a hybrid, project-based pedagogy integrating:

Live online lectures and expert clinics (30%)

Delivered by Erasmus+ National Agency representatives, Horizon evaluators, and senior proposal writers
Case-based sessions with practical review of successful applications
Live Q&A with mentors and alumni coordinators

Self-paced learning and toolkits (30%)

Recorded tutorials, proposal templates, policy resources
Checklists, worksheets, and pre-filled forms for guided learning
Guided reading of actual Erasmus+ Programme Guide sections

Collaborative team work and mentoring (40%)

Weekly mentoring sessions per team
Miro boards, Notion workspaces, and Slack coordination
Peer-to-peer feedback loops and document-sharing for joint writing

By the end of the course, each team will have produced a complete Erasmus+ proposal, developed in alignment with EU priorities, evaluated against official criteria, and prepared for submission. This program empowers institutions not just to write grants — but to build strategic leadership in European cooperation and innovation ecosystems.

Application process