How to Apply

Application Period
The application period for the 2025 edition of the European Social Services Awards is between 22 April – 30 June 2025.

Eligibility
We welcome applications for all public authorities and third sector organisations working in social services planning, design, delivery and evaluation. 

In addition:

• The Research for Social Services Award also welcomes applications from research institutions.
• The Public-Private Partnership in Social Services Award also welcomes applications from private companies involved in social services.
• The Leadership in Social Services Award accepts applications nominating an individual.

Applications should demonstrate the following key criteria:

• The project is relevant for their selected award category 
• The project is innovative for their respective context/environment 
• The project includes an evaluation and has a positive impact

Shortlisted organisations must register a minimum of two representatives per organisation to attend the Awards ceremony and cover their participation costs.

Submission
A maximum of one application per category can be made. Each organisation may submit a maximum of two projects overall (use one submission/nomination entry per project). One project may be submitted to a maximum of two categories. 

In addition, organisations may submit a nomination for one person in the Leadership in Social Services Award category.

Applications are submitted via an online questionnaire in which you may also include: 

• photographs showing evidence of the practice
• impact data, press clippings, external endorsements, or other relevant materials produced in the project

To help prepare your responses, you can also find a Word version of the application form here.

The deadline to apply for ESSA 2025 is 30 June 2025.

Timeline